At the moment’s Good Value or No Cube Ferrari has an auto-manual transmission named F1 after the preeminent racing sequence. That finicky gearbox stands out as the automobile’s solely draw back, however we’ll should determine if its presence is mirrored within the worth.

Traditionally, wagons like yesterday’s 1992 Chevy Caprice had been designated as transport for individuals and baggage from prepare stations to accommodations or estates. That’s how we arrived at the names “station wagon” and “property” to explain the model. Regardless of such wealthy historical past, few of you felt our Chevy wagon had a lot of a future at its $12,500 asking. To comman that a lot, lots of you commented that it might have wanted to be in a lot better form than through which it was offered. Finally, that resulted in a 72 % No Cube loss.

I used to be consorting with some fellow Porsche homeowners this past weekend at our month-to-month mixer when the idea of playing got here up. None within the group professed curiosity in any type of betting and all of us agreed that Porsche possession is an indication of such aversion to threat. I believe many would argue that the identical can’t be mentioned about Ferrari possession.

The 2004 Ferrari 360 Spider we’re considering at the moment isn’t a mannequin vexed by too many main reliability or questions of safety, however there are a variety of niggling (and costly) issues that may crop up. Earlier than we get to these, nevertheless, let’s take a superb have a look at simply how fairly a automobile that is. Yowzer!

The 360 mannequin was launched in coupe kind for 1999 with the total Spider arriving only a 12 months later. It was changed in 2005 by the F430, which actually was extra of a refresh and displacement increase over the 360 than an entire new automobile. Regardless, the 360 proved a well-liked automobile for Ferrari throughout its run, with over 16,000 constructed, together with a number of particular editions. Within the U.S., the Spider proved barely extra common than the coupe, and whereas accessible with a gated six-speed stick from the manufacturing facility, most automobiles out of Modena had been fitted (as is that this automobile) with the Graziano Transmissioni-sourced single clutch F1 auto/handbook shifter.

Energy to both transmission is offered by the 360’s namesake 3.6-liter all-alloy V8 engine. That makes a stellar 395 horsepower and an solely barely much less spectacular 275 lb-ft of torque. There’s magnificence that goes alongside with the beast with this engine and it might be ogled by way of a glass cowl fitted to the deck lid. Bellissimo!

Aesthetically, this Spider appears to be top-notch. The Grigio Titanio paint seems to be with out flaw and the manufacturing facility five-spoke alloys are un-marred by curbing. The cabin is awash in color-matched blue leather-based partnered with matte silver trim all through. All the things appears to be in distinctive form with the one blemish being a non-original stereo head unit within the sprint.

Now, let’s discuss this mannequin’s typical issues and a few crimson flags within the advert. One of many greatest of the 360’s points is the failure of the gas manifold on the highest of the fuel tank. This plastic piece can crack, resulting in leaks, and, because the tank is within the engine compartment, that can lead to the automobile turning right into a bonfire. A retrofit manifold is obtainable, and plenty of automobiles have been so-fitted over time. Bear in mind to at all times carry some s’mores within the boot, simply in case.

One other problem endemic to the Spider alone is the degredation over time of the hydraulics that actuates the automated high. Failure of any of the quite a few rams or hoses can find yourself in an costly restore invoice and infrequently, a cabin crammed with hydraulic fluid.

Apart from these two bogies, the 360 is, for probably the most half, a reasonably dependable automobile. Clearly, consumables like timing belts and tires should be changed at common intervals, identical to on any automobile. Thankfully, with the 360, Ferrari designed an entry hatch within the rear cabin bulkhead to permit entry to the engine’s belts which means changing these doesn’t require pulling the mill from the automobile.

That type of upkeep is essential to the automobile’s enjoyment and sadly, the advert for this one doesn’t present any element on such work apart from to ambiguously state that it has been “properly maintained.” That, together with the truth that it does include a clear title is about all of the standing we get. There are actually 38,000 miles on the clock, and whereas which may be break-in miles for a automobile from the likes of Toyota or Honda, on a Ferrari these are broaching outdated man miles.

After all, if the automobile has been as properly cared for because the advert attests, issues must be okay. We don’t get to see the highest erected within the pics and that will be a compulsory motion for any potential purchaser’s inspection as can be checking tire age and the crucial timing belt and gas tank updates.

Regardless of missing such vital info, we’re nonetheless going to should see if we will make sense of this 360’s $79,000 asking worth. Now, that’s on the low finish for this mannequin and is admittedly low for any Ferrari from this century. Is it, nevertheless, a deal?

What do you say, is that this F1-equipped 360 Spider value that $79,000 asking because it sits? Or, are there too many costly unknowns to blindly belief the vendor and plunk down a lot?

You determine!

Fb Market out of St. George, Utah, or go right here if the advert disappears.

H/T to Don R. for the hookup!

Assist me out with NPOND. Hit me up at remslie@kinja.com and ship me a fixed-price tip. Bear in mind to incorporate your Kinja deal with.