You're a tenacious person, Jack. You saved yourself a few thousand pounds, learnt a lot (both automotive and video), met interesting and very helpful people, and made some friendships. I think the satisfaction you feel is well deserved. Was it worth it? Seems to me very much so. Priceless, really. Happy Christmas.
As many people say no such thing as a cheap Ferrari, but that being said Jack you can be so proud of the work and the ho so many hours of enjoyment you have provide to me and I am sure many other. Can believe it's been almost 3 years can still remember watching the first video in lockdown on this you got many of us through those times.
I think this video sums up life in general and particular, anyone going through hard times. The major low point when you jacked the car up and caused damage, your face tells a thousand words, but guess what, you got through it, and a year or two later, it really wasn't the end of the world. I've seen comments time and time again about your positivity, especially with this beast :-) Well done Jack! Guys (and girls), it might seem the end of the world today, but tomorrow brings new hope. Merry Christmas Jack and the same to all your viewers!
If nothing else, it demonstrates that you have to be in a certain income bracket to be able to pay for Ferrari repairs, never mind actually running the thing. And I write this, having spent a few grand over the years to rectify a 1988 Citroën CX!
I had much the same experience with my long-hood 911. It was cheap, but crabbed down the road and had a rattle-can paint job -- but it was a 911! I drove it most summers and fixed stuff most winters, doing everything but the paint and the machining myself. Out of pocket, it was much cheaper than buying a fully restored car, but I had to do all of the work myself. Never the less, I've been able to live my dream of owning a 911 for the last 20 years, I know the car inside and out and I know exactly how it has been put together. I can take the drive-train out by myself in a morning, and install it again in a little more time. And I now have a really nice early 911. I'm living the dream!
Even a "sorted" one for 55k-60k will still have issues, and worse yet those are unknown to you. You know what you have, what's been done, what needs done. So I think you're still ahead. Plus not many Ferrari owners ever held a tool let alone rebuilt the top end of their engine.
I don't know if it was worth it to you...but it was worth it to me to follow along from the beginning!!! Loved seeing this car pop up on my feed, still think the 308 is the sexiest car made. Thanks and Merry Christmas!
The Influenzo has brought so much content Jack, it's been a great journey to watch. You've done an amazing job with the car and the channel buddy. I take my hat off to you Jack! 👌👍
Well done. LHD makes much more sense than RHD as GB's roads are very crowded and GB is packed full of sportscars for sale. Good maintenance is also more important than mileage. Most garage queens need a full mechanical rebuild through a lack of use.
I think you got through it with a very reasonable amount of money to sort an old ferrari. All the knowledge you gained by staying the course and seeing it fixed is really awesome. Well done!
Its been totally worth it matey, you have bought so much pleasure to people in difficult times and your channel is growing all time…You deserve it! Have a fantastic Christmas and here’s to a prosperous New Year for you Jack - Thank you
I did something similar when I "saved" a completely wrecked Kawasaki ZXR750 L3 out here in Brazil. It ended up being a last nut and bolt rebuild that included me learning to spray in the process. I must have spent £3000 on parts but I did all the labour (bar Carburettors set-up). The valve shimming was an education and my final setting up of the carbs took forever; but I would not have missed this 5year plus project experience for anything, it taught me so much, including patience and I'm now completely in love with the finished bike
None of us are in the classic car caper to make money ... people that ask why we do it ... just don't understand ... Great series ... we all have lost money on cars, pulled our hair out & had little 'wins' which have kept us going ... this build/resto is a work in progress and when it runs, the smile on your face says it all ... that's what it's all about ... Well done and I think it's fair to say you've inspired me to keep going with my project ... 👍
Jack, $50k… Love and Passion plus you gained 88,000 of us just because of the influenza! The car looks and sounds fantastic. Glad it’s running perfectly, drive and enjoy it. The rest of us are living owing a Ferrari through you!
I have absolutely loved every episode of this journey, you never let it get you down and have finally figured it out! This is the type of content that is so much more helpful than you can imagine. Happy you have this going and running properly - Love from across the pond in sunny Florida. Really enjoy your content Jack great job and what you have in it vs. what you could get for it -- I would say you're way ahead especially in today's market but how much you love it is the real value in it.
As a self taught mechanic it was interesting to see this, i fully imagine how frustrated and down you must have felt at times, especially with self induced defects (we all have been there) i am so glad the car is running as it should, well deserved after all the effort and nasty surprises. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you. Glad to see the Influenza is sorted. Also, sad to see the Influenza is sorted. It was a hard fight and you won. Of course, things wear out and you'll be working on it again somewhere in the future.
Worth every penny. Hands down. What you got out of buying that car when you did, for what you did, makes it an absolutely worthwhile purchase and project. I'm glad to have been here for the whole ride so far! Cheers Jack! And Merry Christmas!
I've only driven a 308 (GTB) once and I'm very unlikely to own one, so you got my attention right at the start. It feels like we've been on this journey with you, Jack and what a journey! Congratulations on finally getting your 308 running well, I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
The thing is, when you compare what you've paid for this one to others on the market, it's not the same. Your car is at the end of a long, hard ownership journey to get it mechanically sorted; the others are at the beginning of that journey and will likely need a fair few grand on top of the purchase price at least. You now have a car that you know (and trust?) inside and out. Cracking job, Jack!
I’m cringing as I watch this… but if it’s any consolation whatsoever… the ‘content of misery’ the car has given us viewers has been absolutely amazing 🤩 😊
You now have a good driver….nice that it is no longer a “black box”of unknowns …the repair experience is priceless. Unfortunately you will never recoup your money. But you will always enjoy the memories. The car is beautiful !!
Totally worth it. You have a Ferrari which you are not afraid to drive, both because of all the amazing work you have done and also because it already had high mileage so you won't be afraid to put kms on it. This is the sort of car that after all that effort I would not want to to sell but the nature of RUclips means it may need to fund new content, if so I hope you get to enjoy the car and stretch its legs in summer with some great drives before it moves on.
Back in about 1978-79, when my dad bought a new 308GTB, he was unhappy with the exhaust. It would glow red hot on the track and be very restrictive on the top end. We ended up using a 70 Camaro exhaust stuffed into the original shell of the Ferrari exhaust. Not only did it sound fantastic, but it also allowed the engine to produce so much more power on the top end that the 12 cylinders were no longer pulling away down the straight.
A labour of love for you. I used to have a 328GTS many years ago. It never really went wrong in 6 years and 9000 miles - I was lucky - the previous owner had to shell out for a new gearbox at £12k fitted (in the year 2000).
This is the greatest advertisement for never buying an old Fezza I've ever seen. Having said that I love the channel and please keep going! We're rooting for you!
For hoses and pipes always try a local hydraulics place. I used to work in one and we made (braided or otherwise, covers to protect hoses in the future etc) pipes and hoses way, way cheaper as customers used to tell us how much dealers/manufacturer parts were in comparison. Plus hydraulics companies usually have great links to companies like Earls for braided car and motorcycle hoses. Big shout out to Norton Hydaulics in Braintree, Essex and Saint Albans! (formerly Edmonton)
@@Number27 fair enough, so many dont even realise how helpful these places can be to classic, exotic or even tuner cars. Maybe Ferrari uses weird and wonderful parts just to be awkward (then you HAVE to buy everything from them at HUGE markup!)
I am going through basically the same thing with my Detomaso Pantera. Lots of Body work, suspension rebuilding, and engine rebuilding. Been in a body shop for 6 yrs. Monthly payments $$$$ and parts chasing. Did not know that it was a European GTS model and I bought it sight unseen. It was advertised in the Auto Trader magazine. Now I'm a member of POCA with many friends as well. 😁
Happy Christmas Jack. I can tell you I have felt physically sick at times watching you and this money pit; I once watched a friend win £4000 on a roulette table and lose it all again within 1 minute and you brought that feeling back to me. HOWEVER, I am delighted you have now fixed it and may have become a very credible and knowledgeable go-to person for 308's, even the mighty Iain Tyrell didn't sort it so that's even more credit to you, well done.
I think it's been a worthwhile project, and no doubt you've gained loads of knowledge in the process +it's been fun watching you getting it back to life. Cheers Jack, hope you have a great Christmas and a happy new year dude.
Its worth it imo Jack. Listen, never underestimate the value of the fact "it's Jack's car from Number 27". You've learned a hell of a lot, if nothing else, never to buy a cheap Ferrari 😂 Its been a journey and then some. Well done, and it's been fun for me to watch u work your way through it 👌
Wonderful saga, sad to see it end. Please do one more video of the final finished product (on a dry day) You deserve a medal for the lesson you've given us all. Well done.
Its the car that changed your life, for me it was a motorbike, my first MV Agusta F4. From the day I bought it I started doing new things and had so many experiences I just never would have imagined possable. Enjoy your journey it's all you realy have.
Fair play, a mechanically sorted 308 for £46k, not as bad as I feared. If the RUclips world goes belly up, you can use your extensive knowledge to trouble shoot other folks 308 engines! You deserve a medal for patience 🏅merry Christmas 🎄
Well it was a long journey but worth the wait to hear that 308 V8 running sweetly. It sounds fixed too, congratulations, Jack This car put you on the map, long live The Influenzo.
Your perseverance with this car is to be commended. I’d have put my head in the oven long ago. It’s only going to get more valuable now. Probably a keeper.
Absolutely worth it. You have a Ferrari that you can actually enjoy and drive, you know it intimately and it's help you grow your channel. Kudos and congrats 🎉
We’ll never know where you would be if you didn’t get this Ferrari. I think overall it’s been a good buy and kept you going for 3 years. You are where you are today because of this car. Congratulations and well done mate.
It was well worth it for you mate. You've changed your career, learned new skills and meet new friends. Don't forget you've jumped into exclusive club of vintage Ferrari owners with a car which is not a garage queen. Don't worry about car price at the moment, make sure it will be seen on many car shows and when time comes to sell it will be praised base on the wide knowledge, rather than just pure car value set by the market at the end it is a RUclips star :)
Some think only with their heads and wallets. Others think with their hearts. You love this car and have done a marvellous job keeping the icon running. It may not work out on the balance sheet when you sell it, but you are solidly in the black for enjoyment, the people you have met to help and those you have entertained. I am amazed how much you have done with her; removing the heads is mind boggling for me.😱 I replaced a corroded rear tail light signal socket on my BMW and saved $800+$ 250 diagnosis from my dealer and thought I was a mechanical stud😂 have a happy 2023🎉
While the costs have been astronomical, this Infuenso has allowed you to follow your passion and alter the course of your working life. And, you have made new friends and fans worldwide. While some downs, this Italian beast has delivered way more ups in my opinion!!! (Of course, I’m not paying the bills).
Great to see it running as intended. Enjoy it while it lasts as it might not be long. If it allowed you to create RUclips content for all to enjoy then it was certainly worth it.
The influenza will give you more than you ever think in rewards, learning all those skills has set you up to purchase and repair cars that you probably never would have before. Congratulations! I think it has been well worth the time and effort.
Number 27, it may not be as nice as many others but it still sounds great and you do pretty good for a left hand drive car. Doing a lot of the work yourself is satisfying for some like me. That way you learn and know the quirks of your machine and enjoy those backroad drives. I hope you become diligent about keeping this car dry and never drive in wet weather. My '75 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe has been kept dry most of it's life and is still pretty solid but ive sealed most of the small rust spots with a rust sealer thats stops further oxidation in it's tracks if applied properly. Getting Italian cars wet is not recomended if you want them to last. Also, bad roads with bumps and holes car ruin an older car's suspension. Enjoy the drives. Peace.
What you have learned by fixing her is priceless so although the 12k costs & hours of labour hurt at the time, you are quids in. We had the pleasure of watching the videos. So Thank you and hopefully there will be more 😉
Well done for getting the car going again, the scary thing is how much was wrong with what was not an entirely neglected or particularly high milage car.
Well done , your patience is a credit to you .glad you got it all fixed in the end , put some miles on it in the spring summer , I love the 308 best looking shape on the road
Let's not forget the joy of knowing your car in details. As opposed to driving around in a car with a lot of unknowns. You *know* what has been done. To almost every bit of the car 😁 Merry x-mas!
The early part of this series helped keep me entertained during the breakout of covid and the following lockdowns. It's great to see there's a happy ending after all the problems that car had.
I sold my 1981 308 GTSi in 2004 for $35000 Canadian. i owned it 5 years. i put about $11.000 in fixing and service. i put 22000 miles on it. had 52000 miles when i sold it. It was very nice shape. It was bit slow in the city but open highway felt like flying it so smooth.
What you have there is beyond market pricing. You have had your own hands on the car and now know it very very well. Sure is beautiful. Thank you Jack for all the shared content. I appreciate it all and continue to watch loyalty. Merry Christmas all the way from Gilbert, AZ 🇺🇸
For THE Ferrari for folks of a certain age… (funny how we all want the car but not the moustache)’ I swear Christmas the year would equal your parts outlay! Thanks so much for all the entertainment you’re giving and loving the new content too👍
Being that I didn't to go through the pain of actually doing the work, spending the money, etc. it was 100% worth it. This car and the associated videos are why I started watching this channel in the first place, especially during the dark days of the lockdown. Happy Christmas, Jack, and thanks so much for seeing this through and for sharing your journey with us!
I know i'm late to the party....just catching up on these. I'm doing a Rocketeer conversion on my MX% and I have had many many disasters, some of which were my own doing. Glad you hung in there - from one accident prone car guy to another (Maybe!) - well done on all you have achieved!
My comment got removed on another channel when I said the robust nature of old racing Ferraris and ease of maintenance on them had not been translated into their road cars. With relatively low mileages Ferraris seem to be needlessly expensive to fix due to poor servicing design.The cheapest economy cars last longer.
I have to congratulate you on your patience, persistence and passion. I don't think many people would have even spent more than a month with that poor stricken car before passing it on and putting it down to bad experience. You have been a massive inspiration in dispelling alot of fears and doubts I'm sure for most prospective owners considering having one of these as a useable and rewarding classic. I have been an avid viewer for the last couple of months watching your reviews, but thanks to a back injury managed to go through the whole adventure with your gorgeous Influenzo in less than two days. As a mechanic I am very envious of the lack of electronic modules and other pointless plastic nonsense that constitutes modern cars. A proper gentleman's B road blaster. Please don't ever pass this car on, it's a peach Jack. Well done mate!
@@Number27 Thanks Jack, much appreciated mate, I just hope we see and hear more from the Influenzo, even if he decides to behave himself! They say every day we learn something new, and I certainly did witnessing your dedication and sheer bloody minded patience to get you through. Old Italian cars are the best, but need a different mentality to see you through. Wondrous things. Hopefully one day I can recreate amd improve on a Lancia beta coupe if I can get one and the financial manager let's me and relive my childhood. Fingers crossed, and keep up the great work you do with this car and your reviews, they're brilliant. Take care mate
The influenzo sounds better than it ever has Jack. Well done. I watched the MP4-4 video the other day, I’ve got to say that was one of the best things that I’ve ever seen.
Lots of hard work from you Jack and your willingness to work the problems has paid off. Smart decisions from you overall, it could have been way more expensive for someone less savvy. Good on you for hanging in there! Great videos, it's been an absolute pleasure following the ups and downs of your Influenzo journey on RUclips. 👏👏👏 Merry Christmas too! 🎄
I just heard that Giotto Bizzarrini has died. I didn't know where to put it, so I put it here. Much more than an icon. Someone truly special in the world of motoring. RIP Giotto.
I am in a Similar situation...had my 1982 308 for 5 years and after many similar stories as yours...also in for $60G's CDN...but pretty much New Condition Now. I can identify with your Jack slip Event...I had a Car Cover Bungee take off paint off BOTH Sides of the doors and $5Gs later also better than New...We Love these Cars TOO MUCH.
So great to see that this cool car runs well now. Great job Jack!!!!! You were so patient and you know bad things happen sometimes, people who don't do these things don't make mistakes. You owned your mistakes and stood up for it. I like your attitude and the way you approach things!! Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2023!!
Definitely been worth it. Great content and its helped grow your channel (and therefore income from it). It definitely been my favourite car on your channel! You should also get most of your spend back when you come to sell it.
Such a brilliant project, your technical knowledge is insane! I'm currently an apprentice mechanic in my second year (age 17) and my dream is to restore classic cars and Ferraris in particular. Hats off!
I'd say the car itself is worth what you've put in to it, but the value of the RUclips content and everything you've learned has made it very worthwhile. Not to mention you've saved a classic Ferrari and can now enjoy it!
As you know, this 'thing' is the foundation of your channel Jack. All the other cars can come and go but if you lost the Influenzo....no show! Merry Christmas!
Loved all your honest videos on the 308 Jack. Well done. Now go and enjoy the car and 'take us on some road trips' next year. I'm just in the process of restoring a LHD 328 GTB that I bought late summer and due to be ready by Easter 23. I say 'I' but my specialist garage is on my behalf. I'm not confident enough to work on cars so full credit to you. And yes I know all too well how costly these horses are to repair and maintain. When they are running sweetly though they are a joy.
Oh...what a journey!!! In Australia, these cars are selling for more than $150,000 AUD. That is approximately 84,000 GBP. I absolutely adore this car. It is amazing to watch all the frustrations you have gone through fixing this car. It tested your patience but you have sailed through it successfully. Good job!! I think, it is time you pick another hoopty exotic and carry us through similar videos. Finally, it is a "Ho Ho Ho" moment. Merry Christmas.
Jack, honestly, you really deserve some fun with the car now. Next spring/summer go somewhere to enjoy it. Put a Hawaian shirt on, trim your moustache and go the Alps or go to Italy to see relatives and drive the local roads. Now, I did recommend you quite early on that you should take the whole engine out. I think you should have done it, even twice. Things become so much easier that way. You need a place to take the car up, remove the engine and store the body while you take the engine home to your garage. In a sports car taking the engine out is usually in the end the best way. Well, let's hope there is no more need for big jobs, knock knock. but then you also have the Frank&lise. And you should not worry about the price. That is water under bridge. It's one life and you have a Ferrari.
It's been worth it. We've all loved the series. You should get your money back. Way cheaper than buying a new EV or Hybrid. Just enjoy it for a bit. Merry Christmas.
Most of us have done the same or very close at least, you've got a nice car, a smile and many, many stories and experiences. I think you really know it's worth it. Believe me if you do sell it you WILL regret it, I know I did. Get out and enjoy it.
I bought a low mileage 308GTSi nearly a year ago. I paid about 15k more than you initially but the problems have been commensurately less, in fact arguably zero. It needed all new bushes, and other general bits and bobs which I’ve done myself but I knew that from the start and it was priced in. I’ve put 3000 (wonderful) miles on it over summer, most.y on the local A and B road here on the Welsh borders. I think there are some useful lessons. Firstly if you are a reasonable DIY mechanic these cars are easy to work on. Secondly in general I’ve been surprised at how cheap parts prices are in general. Availability is easy from places like Superformance. Insurance is comically cheap and there is no tax or MOT. It’s my first Ferrari and so far (touching wood) it’s been a joy. Having done the work it needed myself, at current values I’ve probably got between 5-10k value in the car should anything major go wrong. (Like many, I’m not trying to make money but I am trying to avoid losing a load!). They are a great introduction to Ferraris, and with careful purchasing a DIY mechanic can make these a very affordable option.
Great video that will be a real eye opener for anyone considering buying a 308. Hopefully once everything is sorted you’ll get some enjoyment from the car.
I bought my 308 in 2003 sight unseen on ebay with a last minute bid just over $20k. Over almost 12 years, I never completely totalled up everything I spent but was at least $30k on top of the $20k. Then the market took off and I was able to sell it for over $40k and sell of the rest of the parts I had for enough to probably almost break even. I joked for years that at any time I could sell it easily for what I bought it for. :) Glad you've finally gotten it running the way it should be, now go enjoy it for a while before tinkering with something else on it. :)
I admire your patience going thorough all this hardship. Nearly thirty years ago at the peak of the first explosion of Ferrari prices my Dad was tempted buying a 308 in Lugano Switzerland. They wanted a whopping 200 000 Swiss Francs for it. Luckily we could not afford it and my Dad stayed away from it! My Dad had so many Ferrraris of rich clients in his body shop and worked on those. Of course there is a dream of owning one yourself. I remember in 1980 I tried to persuade a guy who owned a Dino and a 275GTB not to sell his 275GTB. I told him she should sell the Dino and stick to the 275GTB as this car was really something special. He said that this car was RUINING him. So many repairs and maintenance costs were more than he could handle. So he sold it for 80 000 Francs!!!! He should have stuck with it. See the valuie of the car today. I say: The 308 was the last absolutely beautiful Ferrari, better looking than the 512 BB. I suggest not selling it today. Maybe one day the value will explode again. And if not, you own a beautiful classic Ferrari. I am sure you will not loose a lot if you keep it. You went through the worst torture by now!
Can you possibly imagine the cost if you hadn’t done SO much diligent work on this to isolate issues and fix them. Wonderful car, but OMG, just how many hours and how much experience, not o mention tools and mates, to complete what you have done. Truly impressive, but I can’t ever see myself spending so much time and energy on one car
Jack, great video but as an old hand at doing up Italian exotica, both bikes and cars, mainly from the 1970s, I have one very important cost saving tip that you don't seem to have figured out yet: when doing the vehicle for yourself, don't keep a tally of what you spend. For one thing, there's a grave ridk your wife will find it and secondly, with no record, over the years the renovation just grows cheaper and cheaper.
You're a tenacious person, Jack. You saved yourself a few thousand pounds, learnt a lot (both automotive and video), met interesting and very helpful people, and made some friendships. I think the satisfaction you feel is well deserved. Was it worth it? Seems to me very much so. Priceless, really.
Happy Christmas.
Thank you chap.. let’s hope it really is fixed!
...the YT content value surpasses the monetary expenditure...the price of Jack's sanity is still up for debate, lol...
As many people say no such thing as a cheap Ferrari, but that being said Jack you can be so proud of the work and the ho so many hours of enjoyment you have provide to me and I am sure many other. Can believe it's been almost 3 years can still remember watching the first video in lockdown on this you got many of us through those times.
Ah thanks Owen.. that first vid really did lead on to great things for the channel!
@@Number27 didn't you change steering wheel I don't remember you talking about that cost.
I’m feeling a bit odd as I pushed the like logo for this comment and changed it from 27! To 28, groan……..
Totally agree! Well said 😀
@@Audion I'm sure he had plenty of 'oh yeah' moments after posting the cost....
This kind of sincerity and honesty is rare to see in car videos and I think that is what makes this channel special.
I think this video sums up life in general and particular, anyone going through hard times. The major low point when you jacked the car up and caused damage, your face tells a thousand words, but guess what, you got through it, and a year or two later, it really wasn't the end of the world. I've seen comments time and time again about your positivity, especially with this beast :-) Well done Jack! Guys (and girls), it might seem the end of the world today, but tomorrow brings new hope. Merry Christmas Jack and the same to all your viewers!
Well said
If nothing else, it demonstrates that you have to be in a certain income bracket to be able to pay for Ferrari repairs, never mind actually running the thing. And I write this, having spent a few grand over the years to rectify a 1988 Citroën CX!
I had much the same experience with my long-hood 911. It was cheap, but crabbed down the road and had a rattle-can paint job -- but it was a 911! I drove it most summers and fixed stuff most winters, doing everything but the paint and the machining myself. Out of pocket, it was much cheaper than buying a fully restored car, but I had to do all of the work myself. Never the less, I've been able to live my dream of owning a 911 for the last 20 years, I know the car inside and out and I know exactly how it has been put together. I can take the drive-train out by myself in a morning, and install it again in a little more time. And I now have a really nice early 911. I'm living the dream!
Even a "sorted" one for 55k-60k will still have issues, and worse yet those are unknown to you.
You know what you have, what's been done, what needs done. So I think you're still ahead.
Plus not many Ferrari owners ever held a tool let alone rebuilt the top end of their engine.
I don't know if it was worth it to you...but it was worth it to me to follow along from the beginning!!! Loved seeing this car pop up on my feed, still think the 308 is the sexiest car made. Thanks and Merry Christmas!
The Influenzo has brought so much content Jack, it's been a great journey to watch. You've done an amazing job with the car and the channel buddy. I take my hat off to you Jack! 👌👍
Happy Christmas to you too Jack from toasty Australia. So pleased to see all your hard work rewarded and to see you smiling driving the 308. Martin
Well done.
LHD makes much more sense than RHD as GB's roads are very crowded and GB is packed full of sportscars for sale.
Good maintenance is also more important than mileage.
Most garage queens need a full mechanical rebuild through a lack of use.
I think you got through it with a very reasonable amount of money to sort an old ferrari. All the knowledge you gained by staying the course and seeing it fixed is really awesome. Well done!
Its been totally worth it matey, you have bought so much pleasure to people in difficult times and your channel is growing all time…You deserve it! Have a fantastic Christmas and here’s to a prosperous New Year for you Jack - Thank you
I did something similar when I "saved" a completely wrecked Kawasaki ZXR750 L3 out here in Brazil. It ended up being a last nut and bolt rebuild that included me learning to spray in the process. I must have spent £3000 on parts but I did all the labour (bar Carburettors set-up). The valve shimming was an education and my final setting up of the carbs took forever; but I would not have missed this 5year plus project experience for anything, it taught me so much, including patience and I'm now completely in love with the finished bike
None of us are in the classic car caper to make money ... people that ask why we do it ... just don't understand ...
Great series ... we all have lost money on cars, pulled our hair out & had little 'wins' which have kept us going ... this build/resto is a work in progress and when it runs, the smile on your face says it all ... that's what it's all about ...
Well done and I think it's fair to say you've inspired me to keep going with my project ... 👍
Jack, $50k… Love and Passion plus you gained 88,000 of us just because of the influenza! The car looks and sounds fantastic. Glad it’s running perfectly, drive and enjoy it. The rest of us are living owing a Ferrari through you!
I have absolutely loved every episode of this journey, you never let it get you down and have finally figured it out! This is the type of content that is so much more helpful than you can imagine. Happy you have this going and running properly - Love from across the pond in sunny Florida. Really enjoy your content Jack great job and what you have in it vs. what you could get for it -- I would say you're way ahead especially in today's market but how much you love it is the real value in it.
Thanks Scott and I hope you have a fab Xmas in sunny Florida!!
As a self taught mechanic it was interesting to see this, i fully imagine how frustrated and down you must have felt at times, especially with self induced defects (we all have been there) i am so glad the car is running as it should, well deserved after all the effort and nasty surprises. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to you. Glad to see the Influenza is sorted. Also, sad to see the Influenza is sorted. It was a hard fight and you won. Of course, things wear out and you'll be working on it again somewhere in the future.
Worth every penny. Hands down. What you got out of buying that car when you did, for what you did, makes it an absolutely worthwhile purchase and project. I'm glad to have been here for the whole ride so far! Cheers Jack! And Merry Christmas!
nothing more satisfying to a gearhead than having it finally come together and making that first drive. that is something you cannot buy
I've only driven a 308 (GTB) once and I'm very unlikely to own one, so you got my attention right at the start. It feels like we've been on this journey with you, Jack and what a journey! Congratulations on finally getting your 308 running well, I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
The thing is, when you compare what you've paid for this one to others on the market, it's not the same. Your car is at the end of a long, hard ownership journey to get it mechanically sorted; the others are at the beginning of that journey and will likely need a fair few grand on top of the purchase price at least. You now have a car that you know (and trust?) inside and out. Cracking job, Jack!
I’m cringing as I watch this… but if it’s any consolation whatsoever… the ‘content of misery’ the car has given us viewers has been absolutely amazing 🤩 😊
Brilliant thanks chap!!
You now have a good driver….nice that it is no longer a “black box”of unknowns …the repair experience is priceless. Unfortunately you will never recoup your money. But you will always enjoy the memories. The car is beautiful !!
Totally worth it. You have a Ferrari which you are not afraid to drive, both because of all the amazing work you have done and also because it already had high mileage so you won't be afraid to put kms on it. This is the sort of car that after all that effort I would not want to to sell but the nature of RUclips means it may need to fund new content, if so I hope you get to enjoy the car and stretch its legs in summer with some great drives before it moves on.
Couldn't agree more! Thank you and happy Xmas 🎄 chap!
Back in about 1978-79, when my dad bought a new 308GTB, he was unhappy with the exhaust. It would glow red hot on the track and be very restrictive on the top end. We ended up using a 70 Camaro exhaust stuffed into the original shell of the Ferrari exhaust. Not only did it sound fantastic, but it also allowed the engine to produce so much more power on the top end that the 12 cylinders were no longer pulling away down the straight.
A labour of love for you. I used to have a 328GTS many years ago. It never really went wrong in 6 years and 9000 miles - I was lucky - the previous owner had to shell out for a new gearbox at £12k fitted (in the year 2000).
This is the greatest advertisement for never buying an old Fezza I've ever seen. Having said that I love the channel and please keep going! We're rooting for you!
For hoses and pipes always try a local hydraulics place. I used to work in one and we made (braided or otherwise, covers to protect hoses in the future etc) pipes and hoses way, way cheaper as customers used to tell us how much dealers/manufacturer parts were in comparison. Plus hydraulics companies usually have great links to companies like Earls for braided car and motorcycle hoses. Big shout out to Norton Hydaulics in Braintree, Essex and Saint Albans! (formerly Edmonton)
We used to make boost hoses/pipes for Nissan GTRs, old classic MGs, Rolls Royce etc.
I tired them all.. no one could make the right one!
@@Number27 fair enough, so many dont even realise how helpful these places can be to classic, exotic or even tuner cars. Maybe Ferrari uses weird and wonderful parts just to be awkward (then you HAVE to buy everything from them at HUGE markup!)
I am going through basically the same thing with my Detomaso Pantera. Lots of Body work, suspension rebuilding, and engine rebuilding. Been in a body shop for 6 yrs. Monthly payments $$$$ and parts chasing. Did not know that it was a European GTS model and I bought it sight unseen. It was advertised in the Auto Trader magazine. Now I'm a member of POCA with many friends as well. 😁
Happy Christmas Jack. I can tell you I have felt physically sick at times watching you and this money pit; I once watched a friend win £4000 on a roulette table and lose it all again within 1 minute and you brought that feeling back to me. HOWEVER, I am delighted you have now fixed it and may have become a very credible and knowledgeable go-to person for 308's, even the mighty Iain Tyrell didn't sort it so that's even more credit to you, well done.
What a journey ! Thanks so much for taking me along 👍🎅
I think it's been a worthwhile project, and no doubt you've gained loads of knowledge in the process +it's been fun watching you getting it back to life. Cheers Jack, hope you have a great Christmas and a happy new year dude.
the 308 should be the channel mascot, be like selling a family member if you ever parted with it
Agree!!
Its worth it imo Jack.
Listen, never underestimate the value of the fact "it's Jack's car from Number 27".
You've learned a hell of a lot, if nothing else, never to buy a cheap Ferrari 😂
Its been a journey and then some. Well done, and it's been fun for me to watch u work your way through it 👌
Wonderful saga, sad to see it end. Please do one more video of the final finished product (on a dry day) You deserve a medal for the lesson you've given us all. Well done.
Its the car that changed your life, for me it was a motorbike, my first MV Agusta F4. From the day I bought it I started doing new things and had so many experiences I just never would have imagined possable. Enjoy your journey it's all you realy have.
F4 is such a beautiful bike!!!!
Fair play, a mechanically sorted 308 for £46k, not as bad as I feared. If the RUclips world goes belly up, you can use your extensive knowledge to trouble shoot other folks 308 engines! You deserve a medal for patience 🏅merry Christmas 🎄
Well it was a long journey but worth the wait to hear that 308 V8 running sweetly.
It sounds fixed too, congratulations, Jack
This car put you on the map, long live The Influenzo.
Your perseverance with this car is to be commended. I’d have put my head in the oven long ago. It’s only going to get more valuable now. Probably a keeper.
There is no such thing as a cheap Ferrari, a dealer once told me. They are all a labour of love, great video story!
Absolutely worth it. You have a Ferrari that you can actually enjoy and drive, you know it intimately and it's help you grow your channel. Kudos and congrats 🎉
We’ll never know where you would be if you didn’t get this Ferrari. I think overall it’s been a good buy and kept you going for 3 years. You are where you are today because of this car. Congratulations and well done mate.
Well done Jack - it’s well worth it for what you have learnt and the people you’ve met, for sure. I’m glad it’s sorted now!
It was well worth it for you mate. You've changed your career, learned new skills and meet new friends. Don't forget you've jumped into exclusive club of vintage Ferrari owners with a car which is not a garage queen.
Don't worry about car price at the moment, make sure it will be seen on many car shows and when time comes to sell it will be praised base on the wide knowledge, rather than just pure car value set by the market at the end it is a RUclips star :)
Some think only with their heads and wallets. Others think with their hearts. You love this car and have done a marvellous job keeping the icon running. It may not work out on the balance sheet when you sell it, but you are solidly in the black for enjoyment, the people you have met to help and those you have entertained. I am amazed how much you have done with her; removing the heads is mind boggling for me.😱
I replaced a corroded rear tail light signal socket on my BMW and saved $800+$ 250 diagnosis from my dealer and thought I was a mechanical stud😂 have a happy 2023🎉
While the costs have been astronomical, this Infuenso has allowed you to follow your passion and alter the course of your working life. And, you have made new friends and fans worldwide. While some downs, this Italian beast has delivered way more ups in my opinion!!! (Of course, I’m not paying the bills).
Great to see it running as intended. Enjoy it while it lasts as it might not be long. If it allowed you to create RUclips content for all to enjoy then it was certainly worth it.
The influenza will give you more than you ever think in rewards, learning all those skills has set you up to purchase and repair cars that you probably never would have before. Congratulations! I think it has been well worth the time and effort.
Thanks for sharing the costs! It's important for let every car enthusiast to know what they are getting in to!
Number 27, it may not be as nice as many others but it still sounds great and you do pretty good for a left hand drive car. Doing a lot of the work yourself is satisfying for some like me. That way you learn and know the quirks of your machine and enjoy those backroad drives. I hope you become diligent about keeping this car dry and never drive in wet weather. My '75 Fiat 124 Sport Coupe has been kept dry most of it's life and is still pretty solid but ive sealed most of the small rust spots with a rust sealer thats stops further oxidation in it's tracks if applied properly. Getting Italian cars wet is not recomended if you want them to last. Also, bad roads with bumps and holes car ruin an older car's suspension. Enjoy the drives. Peace.
What you have learned by fixing her is priceless so although the 12k costs & hours of labour hurt at the time, you are quids in. We had the pleasure of watching the videos. So Thank you and hopefully there will be more 😉
People get so creative justifying bad decisions. What else could he have learned during that time for free?
Well done for getting the car going again, the scary thing is how much was wrong with what was not an entirely neglected or particularly high milage car.
Well done , your patience is a credit to you .glad you got it all fixed in the end , put some miles on it in the spring summer , I love the 308 best looking shape on the road
That car isn't just a part of your RUclips show, it's a part of you - I hope you'll keep it for a long time!
started to watch you as you got this...lock down. Awesome journey. Put it back to white, and now its priceless, even had Mr Tyrrell tinker with it!!!.
Let's not forget the joy of knowing your car in details. As opposed to driving around in a car with a lot of unknowns. You *know* what has been done. To almost every bit of the car 😁 Merry x-mas!
The early part of this series helped keep me entertained during the breakout of covid and the following lockdowns. It's great to see there's a happy ending after all the problems that car had.
It’s been ( thus far ) the best content of your channel .Don’t sell it !
I sold my 1981 308 GTSi in 2004 for $35000 Canadian. i owned it 5 years. i put about $11.000 in fixing and service. i put 22000 miles on it. had 52000 miles when i sold it. It was very nice shape. It was bit slow in the city but open highway felt like flying it so smooth.
If you hadn’t bought the influenzo, this would not have been so big indeed. And we all love you for it!
What you have there is beyond market pricing. You have had your own hands on the car and now know it very very well. Sure is beautiful. Thank you Jack for all the shared content. I appreciate it all and continue to watch loyalty. Merry Christmas all the way from Gilbert, AZ 🇺🇸
Ah, but we got to meet you and share in your journey. Thanks for that and Happy Holidays 😊🌲
For THE Ferrari for folks of a certain age… (funny how we all want the car but not the moustache)’
I swear Christmas the year would equal your parts outlay! Thanks so much for all the entertainment you’re giving and loving the new content too👍
Being that I didn't to go through the pain of actually doing the work, spending the money, etc. it was 100% worth it. This car and the associated videos are why I started watching this channel in the first place, especially during the dark days of the lockdown. Happy Christmas, Jack, and thanks so much for seeing this through and for sharing your journey with us!
I know i'm late to the party....just catching up on these. I'm doing a Rocketeer conversion on my MX% and I have had many many disasters, some of which were my own doing. Glad you hung in there - from one accident prone car guy to another (Maybe!) - well done on all you have achieved!
My comment got removed on another channel when I said the robust nature of old racing Ferraris and ease of maintenance on them had not been translated into their road cars. With relatively low mileages Ferraris seem to be needlessly expensive to fix due to poor servicing design.The cheapest economy cars last longer.
Totally worth it imo - well done for sticking with it - I actually thought the total for repair was going to be more than the car cost!
I have to congratulate you on your patience, persistence and passion. I don't think many people would have even spent more than a month with that poor stricken car before passing it on and putting it down to bad experience. You have been a massive inspiration in dispelling alot of fears and doubts I'm sure for most prospective owners considering having one of these as a useable and rewarding classic. I have been an avid viewer for the last couple of months watching your reviews, but thanks to a back injury managed to go through the whole adventure with your gorgeous Influenzo in less than two days. As a mechanic I am very envious of the lack of electronic modules and other pointless plastic nonsense that constitutes modern cars. A proper gentleman's B road blaster. Please don't ever pass this car on, it's a peach Jack. Well done mate!
Thank you Gordon… I hope you make a quick recovery mate!!
@@Number27 Thanks Jack, much appreciated mate, I just hope we see and hear more from the Influenzo, even if he decides to behave himself! They say every day we learn something new, and I certainly did witnessing your dedication and sheer bloody minded patience to get you through. Old Italian cars are the best, but need a different mentality to see you through. Wondrous things. Hopefully one day I can recreate amd improve on a Lancia beta coupe if I can get one and the financial manager let's me and relive my childhood. Fingers crossed, and keep up the great work you do with this car and your reviews, they're brilliant. Take care mate
The influenzo sounds better than it ever has Jack. Well done. I watched the MP4-4 video the other day, I’ve got to say that was one of the best things that I’ve ever seen.
Lots of hard work from you Jack and your willingness to work the problems has paid off. Smart decisions from you overall, it could have been way more expensive for someone less savvy. Good on you for hanging in there! Great videos, it's been an absolute pleasure following the ups and downs of your Influenzo journey on RUclips. 👏👏👏
Merry Christmas too! 🎄
I just heard that Giotto Bizzarrini has died. I didn't know where to put it, so I put it here. Much more than an icon. Someone truly special in the world of motoring. RIP Giotto.
I am in a Similar situation...had my 1982 308 for 5 years and after many similar stories as yours...also in for $60G's CDN...but pretty much New Condition Now. I can identify with your Jack slip Event...I had a Car Cover Bungee take off paint off BOTH Sides of the doors and $5Gs later also better than New...We Love these Cars TOO MUCH.
So great to see that this cool car runs well now. Great job Jack!!!!! You were so patient and you know bad things happen sometimes, people who don't do these things don't make mistakes. You owned your mistakes and stood up for it. I like your attitude and the way you approach things!! Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2023!!
Definitely been worth it. Great content and its helped grow your channel (and therefore income from it). It definitely been my favourite car on your channel! You should also get most of your spend back when you come to sell it.
Such a brilliant project, your technical knowledge is insane! I'm currently an apprentice mechanic in my second year (age 17) and my dream is to restore classic cars and Ferraris in particular. Hats off!
Awesome video. Loved this series and the car. Please continue to have plenty more videos on it. Keep up the good work.
Looks like you're ready for miles of smiles Jack! Thanks for bringing us along!
We all love this car, well done, your patience is exemplary!!. The JM video is definitely well worth watching.
I'd say the car itself is worth what you've put in to it, but the value of the RUclips content and everything you've learned has made it very worthwhile. Not to mention you've saved a classic Ferrari and can now enjoy it!
As you know, this 'thing' is the foundation of your channel Jack. All the other cars can come and go but if you lost the Influenzo....no show! Merry Christmas!
Loved all your honest videos on the 308 Jack. Well done. Now go and enjoy the car and 'take us on some road trips' next year. I'm just in the process of restoring a LHD 328 GTB that I bought late summer and due to be ready by Easter 23. I say 'I' but my specialist garage is on my behalf. I'm not confident enough to work on cars so full credit to you. And yes I know all too well how costly these horses are to repair and maintain. When they are running sweetly though they are a joy.
Oh...what a journey!!! In Australia, these cars are selling for more than $150,000 AUD. That is approximately 84,000 GBP. I absolutely adore this car. It is amazing to watch all the frustrations you have gone through fixing this car. It tested your patience but you have sailed through it successfully. Good job!! I think, it is time you pick another hoopty exotic and carry us through similar videos. Finally, it is a "Ho Ho Ho" moment. Merry Christmas.
Thank you for all the entertainment Jack. I shall be watching again in the new year. Happy Christmas and happy motoring!! Roger
Jack, honestly, you really deserve some fun with the car now. Next spring/summer go somewhere to enjoy it. Put a Hawaian shirt on, trim your moustache and go the Alps or go to Italy to see relatives and drive the local roads.
Now, I did recommend you quite early on that you should take the whole engine out. I think you should have done it, even twice. Things become so much easier that way. You need a place to take the car up, remove the engine and store the body while you take the engine home to your garage. In a sports car taking the engine out is usually in the end the best way. Well, let's hope there is no more need for big jobs, knock knock. but then you also have the Frank&lise.
And you should not worry about the price. That is water under bridge. It's one life and you have a Ferrari.
Excellent viewing and informative.
Another production that i watch several times.
I’ve never driven one, or even been near one, but this car is on my want list.
It's been worth it. We've all loved the series. You should get your money back. Way cheaper than buying a new EV or Hybrid. Just enjoy it for a bit. Merry Christmas.
Most of us have done the same or very close at least, you've got a nice car, a smile and many, many stories and experiences. I think you really know it's worth it. Believe me if you do sell it you WILL regret it, I know I did. Get out and enjoy it.
I bought a low mileage 308GTSi nearly a year ago. I paid about 15k more than you initially but the problems have been commensurately less, in fact arguably zero. It needed all new bushes, and other general bits and bobs which I’ve done myself but I knew that from the start and it was priced in. I’ve put 3000 (wonderful) miles on it over summer, most.y on the local A and B road here on the Welsh borders.
I think there are some useful lessons. Firstly if you are a reasonable DIY mechanic these cars are easy to work on. Secondly in general I’ve been surprised at how cheap parts prices are in general. Availability is easy from places like Superformance. Insurance is comically cheap and there is no tax or MOT.
It’s my first Ferrari and so far (touching wood) it’s been a joy. Having done the work it needed myself, at current values I’ve probably got between 5-10k value in the car should anything major go wrong. (Like many, I’m not trying to make money but I am trying to avoid losing a load!). They are a great introduction to Ferraris, and with careful purchasing a DIY mechanic can make these a very affordable option.
Great video that will be a real eye opener for anyone considering buying a 308. Hopefully once everything is sorted you’ll get some enjoyment from the car.
"We're all mad here." :-D
So happy to see this car running and to see you happy with it, which is all that matters.
I bought my 308 in 2003 sight unseen on ebay with a last minute bid just over $20k. Over almost 12 years, I never completely totalled up everything I spent but was at least $30k on top of the $20k. Then the market took off and I was able to sell it for over $40k and sell of the rest of the parts I had for enough to probably almost break even. I joked for years that at any time I could sell it easily for what I bought it for. :)
Glad you've finally gotten it running the way it should be, now go enjoy it for a while before tinkering with something else on it. :)
Its a lot of money, no doubt about it. Just a good realistic example of what you need to have set aside to get these things kept maintained.
I admire your patience going thorough all this hardship. Nearly thirty years ago at the peak of the first explosion of Ferrari prices my Dad was tempted buying a 308 in Lugano Switzerland. They wanted a whopping 200 000 Swiss Francs for it. Luckily we could not afford it and my Dad stayed away from it! My Dad had so many Ferrraris of rich clients in his body shop and worked on those. Of course there is a dream of owning one yourself.
I remember in 1980 I tried to persuade a guy who owned a Dino and a 275GTB not to sell his 275GTB. I told him she should sell the Dino and stick to the 275GTB as this car was really something special. He said that this car was RUINING him. So many repairs and maintenance costs were more than he could handle. So he sold it for 80 000 Francs!!!!
He should have stuck with it. See the valuie of the car today.
I say: The 308 was the last absolutely beautiful Ferrari, better looking than the 512 BB. I suggest not selling it today. Maybe one day the value will explode again. And if not, you own a beautiful classic Ferrari. I am sure you will not loose a lot if you keep it. You went through the worst torture by now!
All I can say is well done Jack!
Have run exotics most of my driving life and still love it😊
It's been a great project to follow through the downs and ups. I was gutted for you when it slipped off the jack. Fabulous to see it's finally sorted.
Can you possibly imagine the cost if you hadn’t done SO much diligent work on this to isolate issues and fix them. Wonderful car, but OMG, just how many hours and how much experience, not o mention tools and mates, to complete what you have done. Truly impressive, but I can’t ever see myself spending so much time and energy on one car
Jack, great video but as an old hand at doing up Italian exotica, both bikes and cars, mainly from the 1970s, I have one very important cost saving tip that you don't seem to have figured out yet: when doing the vehicle for yourself, don't keep a tally of what you spend. For one thing, there's a grave ridk your wife will find it and secondly, with no record, over the years the renovation just grows cheaper and cheaper.