I've been looking on ebay and msn autos just for fun. There are some vintage (78-84) ferraries that are selling for decent prices.
Think about it. For about the same price as an 8, you could be driving a 308 or a 328, maybe even a 348 if you stretch finances just a bit further.
Not a bad toy and it buys you into the Ferrari crowd.

 

btw, the 308, 328, 348 were the prettiest ferraris. jmho.

 

Just remember that even an old, relatively inexpensive Ferrari still costs a lot to maintain. Maintenance costs don't depreciate with time like a car's value does, unfortunately. Often these costs will increase with age, especially with a mechanically complex car like a Ferrari. Ferrari maintenance costs being what they are, even for brand new Ferraris, an older model will cost you many times over what an RX8 will despite costing close to the same amount when new. That being said, I saw a 308 the other day (along with a 360CS and an Enzo ) and it still has quite a commanding presence, even next to the two newer Ferraris.

 

The 308/328/ even 348 really isn't all that impressive in the performance department by today's standards so what you're left with is a finicky car that's insanely expensive to maintain, has mediocre build quality, and lacks any sort of practicaility. I'll take a 288 GTO (who wouldn't) in a heartbeat but other than that most of the cars you refer to don't do a whole lot for me, they are affordable for a reason. I guess I'm just not much of a brand ***** when it comes to cars... I've driven a few Ferrari's and the only one that I really had a hankering for was the 355 Berlinetta, the 308 and Testarossa I drove were fun at the time but I wouldn't want to own one.

 

Vintage cars are not about all out and out performance nor about. For that matter, neither is the rx8. But driving a vintage Ferrari is about how it makes one feel. It's about owning a piece of automotive history that you can take out on a sunny day. It's a way of life. Just ask anyone who attends an F1 race wearing Ferrari colors and cheering on Schumacher. These cars were at the time represented the epitome of style and performance. They are automotive icons.

Just like artwork I have around the house. I can't say much about their practical nature (aside from hiding a crack in the wall or as paperweights) but I love them nonetheless. They are inspiring to look at and satisfying to own.

Bah, why do I even bother trying to explain........ automotive philistines

 

I agree with MTLBroker except I feel the 308/328 looks great. The only Ferrari I don't like is the 308 GT4 (the one styled by Bertone) and the 348. (The 348 spider isn't too bad though)

A friend of mine is looking at getting a 308. Maintenance costs isn't too bad for these models. I don't think you need to remove the engine to work on it like you do with the Testarossas.