1980 Ferrari 308 GTSi 4800 Original Miles 1 Owner Honest Patina Preservation

1980 Ferrari 308GTSi Additional Info:

The Ferrari 308 GTB berlinetta and targa topped 308 GTS are V8 mid-engined, two-seater sports cars manufactured by Ferrari from 1975 to 1985. The 308 replaced the Dino 246 GT and GTS in 1975 and was updated as the 328 GTB/GTS in 1985. The similar 208 GTB and GTS were equipped with a smaller, initially naturally aspirated and later turbocharged, two-litre engine, and were sold mainly in Italy.

The 308 had a tube frame with separate body. The 308 GTB/GTS and GT4 were mechanically similar, and also shared much with the original Dino. Both 308s sit on the same tube platform, however the GT4-being a 2+2-has a longer wheelbase. The engine was a V8 of a 90 degree configuration, with two belt-driven overhead camshafts per cylinder bank. It was transversely mounted in unit with the transaxle transmission assembly, which was below and to the rear of the engine's sump. All models used a fully synchromesh 5-speed "dog-leg" manual gearbox and a clutch-type limited slip differential. Suspension was all-independent, comprising double wishbones, coaxial coil springs and hydraulic dampers, and anti-roll bars on both axles; four wheel vented disc brakes were also fitted. Steering was unassisted rack and pinion.

The 308's body was designed by Pininfarina's Leonardo Fioravanti, who had been responsible for some of Ferrari's most celebrated shapes to date such as the Daytona, the Dino and the Berlinetta Boxer. The 308 used elements of these shapes to create something very much in contrast with the angular Bertone-designed GT4. GTS models featured a removable roof panel with grained satin black finish, which could be stowed in a vinyl cover behind the seats when not in use.

The Pininfarina-styled Ferrari 308 GTB was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1975 as a supplement to the Bertone-shaped 2+2 Dino 308 GT4 and a direct replacement for the 2-seater Dino 246.

Its F106 AB V8 engine was equipped with four twin-choke Weber 40DCNF carburetors and single coil ignition. European versions produced 252 HP at 6600 rpm (7700 rpm redline), but American versions were down to 237 HP at 6,600 rpm due to emissions control devices. European specification cars used dry sump lubrication. Cars destined to the Australian, Japanese and US market were fitted with a conventional wet sump engine from the GT4.

A notable aspect of the early 308 GTB was that, although still built by Carrozzeria Scaglietti, its bodywork was entirely made of glass-reinforced plastic (or GRP), allowing a very light weight of 1,050 kg. This lasted until June 1977, when the 308 was switched to steel bodies, resulting in an overall weight increase of approximately 150 kg. Five-spoke 14-inch alloy wheels were standard, while 16-inch wheels were made available later as an option together with sports exhaust system, high compression pistons, a high lift camshaft and a deeper front spoiler.

At the 1977 Frankfurt Motor Show, the targa topped 308 GTS was introduced.4 All GTS' used a wet sump engine and were steel-bodied. European GTB models retained the dry sump lubrication until 1981.

There were 3219 GTSs and 2897 GTBs made from 1975 to 1980. Only 808 of the fibreglass (vetroresina in Italian) version were made.

This incredible original unrestored example is a One Owner car with 4,816 miles from new. The car has an honesty and patina that truly sets it apart from any other 308 we have seen, and cannot be denied. The paint while in good overall condition, has crazing in the finish visible only upon close inspection, that really gives the car its honesty. The paint is is no danger of failing or peeling and this finish should be preserved in my opinion- its really one of the neat things about this car. The interior is soft and supple showing no wear as one would expect from a car with so few miles. The car is in excellent running and driving condition having had major service work including the Timing Belt replaced in the last year. The engine bay and undercarriage are in excellent condition with all original components present. All books, tools, and records accompany the car.

There are always many 308's to choose from, but this car is special. You don't get the opportunity to acquire a car with such low mileage and obvious originality very often.