Spyder still wanted

R

ricp

New Member
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27
My 355 went in the summer and since I've been looking for a facelift 4200 Spyder. The only cars that I have seen have been black/black or a baby blue car (looked a good car but I just couldn't live with the colour). However I'm after a dark exterior with tan or cream interior. Does anyone know of any cars that might be available. I do keep bothering Richard Grace and the other usual suspects but with no joy.
I know that these are relatively rare beasts so are the earlier cars with the plastic rear screen, earlier gearbox software (which can be updated I believe) etc a much poorer car? I know that each person's opinions are subjective but it may be the only way to go to get the combination that I desire. So opinions please!
Thanks in advance.
 
allandwf

allandwf

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Personally I prefer the pre facelift grille, so wouldn't bother me. As you say I believe the software can be upgraded.
 
Contigo

Contigo

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There is a manual spyder on trade mail, it's an early 2002 car. I will see if I can get some details and PM you.
 
Needamaser

Needamaser

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1,499
You will find that nothing comes up and suddenly 3 appear.
I was going to make the move to a Spyder until it became clear the top wouldn't be down if the other half was a passenger but feedback I had was like the coupe the later the better.
From glass rear screen on the chassis was stiffened and seems to be a much better driving experience and I was settled on an 03 car as the oldest I would take.
Not that many facelifts come up but IMO are good value for money.
You almost have all the benefits of a GS Spyder but for a lot less money.
Having said that I think I can only recall seeing 2 for sale in last year and seen 3 GS Spyders in last few months although they are supposed to be much rarer.
Part of that is people paying premium money for the GS and owners tempted with taking the profit I would guess. My 2p worth.
 
outrun

outrun

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5,017
There's a really nice one for sale in Edinburgh at PK Supercars. It's not your desired colour scheme but a lovely, well looked after car which is very important.

www.pksupercars.com
 
R

ricp

New Member
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27
I know what you mean about the GS. I couldn't justify the premium but, to be honest, I prefer the lines of the standard Spyder. The cill extensions do nothing for me. I'm also sure that I'd not notice the few extra bhp. There is always vociferous discussion about the power difference between the early and late 355s when I bought and owned due to different management systems. Having driven both, it is only for pub bragging and not noticeable in the real word. Better tyres would make more difference, tbh.
 
zagatoes30

zagatoes30

Member
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21,026
I like my early Spyder but it does have the later nose and grill. Not sure how much the extra stiffening makes but a glass rear window would be nice. I love the car and prefer the open top motoring even with a bit of body flex
 
allandwf

allandwf

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Can the glass rear window be retrofitted? I assume hoods will need replaced sometime during the cars lifespan, so is the glass rear window a deal breaker?
 
safrane

safrane

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16,905
The glass screen can be retro fitted but you also need a new frame as it folds different...unless you can find a second band hood it will cost many thousands.

A member in the states posted his how to on the forum.
 
Needamaser

Needamaser

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1,499
I was told a hood was £5k but presume that includes glass.
Rather than spend money on a screen it would make more sense just to buy a late 03 car with it fitted.
 
G

Gooner

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448
FWIW. I started out with the same goal but ended up with a really nice 02 Spyder. I don't mind plastic rear windows that much and console myself that the glass window is smaller :). I don't know about whether the scuttle shake is dramatically different, but mine doesn't bother me.

I'd say options like Xenons, sensors etc. , really good interior, top service history from cossetting previous owner, long warranty and so on are just as hard to come by as a facelift model and just as important to your ownership experience.

PS Good luck!
 
allandwf

allandwf

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11,004
If you buy a convertible, just put the roof down. Then it doesn't matter what rear screen it has! ;)
 
G

Gooner

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448
Looks nice to me, got all the right bits IMHO and about the right price given the new clutch, a bit of room for negotiation. Interior looks a bit of an odd colour for the colour of the car to me but that could well be the photo and looks in good condition (e.g. No bubbles on the steering wheel).
 
dickygrace

dickygrace

www.richardgracecars.co.uk
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7,342
If that passes a Ppi, it's a bargain in comparison to what spyders are selling for at present. Looks good enough in the advert, the dealer has been discussed on here many times. Motorline Maserati are down the road so easy to have it inspected.
 
BennyD

BennyD

Sea Urchin Pate
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15,007
It says it's Green but it looks black to me. It's no problem as, IMO, tan goes with both.
 
R

ricp

New Member
Messages
27
Yes, that is a lovely colour combination (to me). However I do prefer the updated front and rear styling with the vents on the facelifted cars as well as the 7 spoke wheels, although this woulds be an easy fix. But I guess this is represented in the significant price differential between the pre and post facelift cars when they turn up.
It did take me nearly a year to find my ideal F355 of TdF blue and tan because I know as soon as I buy something not exactly to my spec, the ideal one will turn up a week late. A case of who blinks first.
 
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