A nicely presented example of the 308 GTB in lesser seen Nero black livery
Offered with a sensible original mileage believed to be around 75,000 miles
Exhibiting an admirable level of originality and in a fine condition for its age
The Appeal
The Ferrari 308 made its debut at the 1975 Paris Motor Show. As the car that was, essentially, the spiritual successor to the Dino, the pressure was on. Luckily, design was handled by Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti who had designed the Daytona, Dino and Berlinetta Boxer.
The result was very well received. The 308’s original carburettor fed V8 made 252bhp at a screaming 6,600rpm. A GTS, targa topped version was introduced in 1977. Later iterations became somewhat stifled by emission restricting paraphernalia making the early carburettor cars increasingly sought after. With only 2,897 GTBs built in this specification only helps to underscore the GTBs desirable classic status.
This example is a purist’s delight being a factory right hand drive car in the phase 1 carburettor specification. Despite an earlier partial respray, the level of originality is admirable making this an eye-catching example that will only become rarer with each passing year.
The History and Paperwork
This 308 was manufactured in January 1979 as a factory right hand drive example
It is believed to be a UK specified and supplied car
The 308 was first registered in the UK on 15th January 1979
The Ferrari was used and enjoyed by nine previous owners between then and 2018
The previous owner retained the car for 14 years
The current owner acquired the car in June 2018
At that stage the car was indicating around 23,000 miles
We are advised that a new speedometer was fitted at 49,000 miles
In current ownership the car has covered less than 3,000 further miles
The accompanying paperwork was not on hand when the car was photographed
We understand the current V5 registration document is present
This categorises the 308 as an Historic Vehicle on the basis of age
As such it is considered MOT and VAT exempt in the UK
The last recorded MOT was an advisory free pass in September 2018
A full service, cambelt replacement and other work was performed was reported in 06/2023
An annual service was previously performed in 2016
The Interior
The interior appears highly original throughout with all expected 308 cues present
The interior is finished in Crema leather with black accents
The original Veglia Borletti gauge set is present, correct and looks superb
Factory fitted with optional Borletti air conditioning, a rare enhancement
This is a fine looking, classic Ferrari interior finished in Crema hues with black accents. The seats are deeply bolstered and exhibit just the right level of use-related patina. No splits, tears or excessive wear were noted. These seemingly original items really set the tone for this well-presented and highly authentic interior.
The dashboard is finished in black leather and features a tall instrument binnacle directly ahead of the driver. This is home to five, original white on black Veglia Borletti gauges. A 180mph speedometer calibrated in miles accompanies a tachometer which is redlined at 7,700rpm.
A smaller fuel gauge, water temperature gauge and oil pressure gauge are also housed here. These sit behind the original three spoke, alloy and leather steering wheel. To the right of the wheel is an oil temperature gauge and analogue clock. In the centre console sits the iconic dogleg, alloy gated gear lever. Air conditioning controls and other charming, lozenge topped, switchgear is also situated here.
Black carpets with edge binding and black rubber heal pads are fitted. The door cards are finished with a combination of Crema leather with black accents to the armrests and storage pockets. Behind The shaped rear window and glazed, three quarter lights help flood the cabin with light. A period correct Blaupunkt Atlanta radio cassette head unit is fitted.
Useful storage compartments are housed at both ends of the car. In the nose is a spare wheel compartment, complete with full sized alloy spare wheel and washer bottle. In the tail is a carpeted luggage compartment with a zipped protective lid. The tool roll is housed here and access to the Bosch electric aerial is available. The owner reports the boot latch to be faulty.
The Exterior
The 308 is finished in Nero black, a refreshing change for a classic Ferrari
Exuding a high, lustrous shine with some paintwork professionally reapplied in 2013
The correct 14-inch Ferrari Campagnolo alloy wheels are present
The Pininfarina design is one of the most recognisable and successful of this period and provided a nice counterpoint to the much more wedge shaped and hard edged 308 GT4. It was much more evocative of the beloved Dino’s design thanks to them both being penned by Fioravanti. The paintwork exudes a high shine and seems appropriately thick and smoothly applied.
It is reported that Car Body Solutions replaced the sills, repaired and painted the lower half of the car, and applied underseal to the suspension components in 2013. There are a number of stone chips and minor paint imperfections noted on close inspection. These have been photographed for your review.
Our car rides on an original looking set of Ferrari Campagnolo 14-inch light alloy wheels. The condition looks excellent throughout suggesting they may have previously been refurbished. They are centred with bright looking, yellow prancing horse caps. A matching set of the correct sized Michelin XWX tyres are fitted which were replaced in 2017, around 4,000 miles ago.
The Mechanics
This 1979 model is fitted with the Ferrari Tipo F106 AB V8 mid mounted engine
Equipped with four twin-choke Weber 40DCNF carburettors and single coil ignition
Power is fed to the rear wheels via the dogleg, five speed manual transmission
Interestingly the first series of 308’s with the twin-choke Webers were more powerful than later fuel injected and four valve iterations. Power was quoted at 252bhp which, in the 1,200kg car, made it good for a 150+ mph top speed and acceleration to match.
In the current ownership much has been done to ensure this car’s driving experience matches its sublime looks. The owner reports that a full mechanical inspection was undertaken by Deadset Rebel Co in June 2023. The resulting work comprised fitting new timing belts and cam cover gaskets. The cam timing was set, the valve clearances were checked.
The HT leads were cleaned, new spark plugs were fitted, the air filter, engine oil and oil filter were replaced. New air conditioning brackets were fitted, and the coolant was replaced. The ignition timing was set, the carburettors were balanced, and an ignition module was repaired.
In September 2016 AE Performance Engineering undertook an annual service at an indicated 21,110 miles. Additionally, heater control cables and head lamp units were replaced, and the driver’s window seal was resecured.
The engine bay condition looks to be highly original and in good overall condition. JAll numbers and data plates appear to be present and correct. The underside of the car looks equally good with good levels of protective underseal noted.
Summary
The Ferrari 308 has gone on to be one of Ferraris most recognisable and successful classic models. The car helped Ferrari survive and navigate the difficult transition between the Dino and the more modern and competitive cars that followed. By modern standards it was always a low volume car with significantly less than 3,000 built in this phase 1 configuration.
This example presents in a good overall condition and its factory right hand drive configuration, GTB hardtop guise and optional air conditioning really ticks the purist’s boxes. Clearly much has been spent keeping the car an attractive and rare ownership proposition for the next lucky owner.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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1979 Ferrari 308 GTB
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