1985 Ferrari 308 GTS Qv Targa Coupe
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Highlights
- Rare and right-hand drive example
- Desirable Quattrovalvole engine
- UK supplied car
- Belt change and servicing performed by independent specialist
- Removable hard top roof panel
The Appeal
The poster child of 1980s exotica. The Ferrari 308 needs little introduction in the automotive world and ushered in a new generation of “junior” Ferraris upon release in 1975, a subcategory still thriving in the modern Ferrari roster to this day. Mid-engined eight cylinder goodness with a wonderful dose of Pininfarina styling, the 308 is perhaps the ultimate vintage prancing horse and comes highly regarded on the collector market.
Beautifully finished in a classic red over cream colourway, this 1985 308 stands as a wonderful presentation of the revered model and, in good usable form with the often argued more engaging four valve per cylinder Quattrovalvole engine, would be a welcome addition to any collection or would be a wonderful entry into the rewarding world of classic Ferrari ownership.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 11/03/1985
- UK supplied RHD example
- Distributed through Ferrari dealer Maranello Sales LTD of Surrey in early 1985
- Accompanied by Ferrari branded book pack containing various manuals and owners booklets
- Ferrari service book also present with stamps indicating regular servicing
- Advisory free MOT valid until September 2024
- V5 registration document present with the vehicle
- Several invoices present for more recent servicing including a several belt changes including the timing belt
The Condition
- Wonderfully presented, striking example of the model, standing in good original order throughout
- Finished in desirable red over cream colourway
- Removable hard top roof panel
- Cream leather upholstery throughout with complimenting red piping and plush red carpeting
- Electric windows both in good functioning form
The 308 does a terrific job of remaining small and sleek from an aesthetic perspective whilst retaining an impressive level of comfort and practicality on the inside. Draped in quality cream and deep vibrant reds, the cabin of this particular example is in clean, well preserved form and is a testament to the careful ownership it has been subjected to throughout its time.
The leather is that of the utmost quality throughout and exhibits just gentle signs of wear commensurate with age in places, the sculpted seats, front and rear boast strong bolstering and cushioning and are in great overall form as are the adjoining leather wrapped door panels. Internal switchgear and trim pieces are all of a similarly good standard with just a light patina visible on the metal finish fascias around the control panels.
Wedged Pininfarina design, pop up headlamps, a removable top, there's very little not to like about the aesthetics of the 308, and if 1980s exotic cars are your poison, this prancing horse ought to be enough to widen the eyes. Finished from the factory in a glorious red hue, the 308 we have here seems as vibrant as the day it rolled out of the forecourt in 1985. The paintwork is of a generally very high standard throughout and exhibits well.
There are some light areas of blemishing one would come to expect of an honest car of this age however make no mistake, this is still a wholly presentable car throughout. External trim badging and glasswork are all of a similarly high quality and work well to help demonstrate this as a wonderful, honest and highly original 308.
16” Ferrari five spoke wheels reside comfortably at all four corners, all in good clean shape, with a fifth spare stowed in the front storage compartment of the car.
The Mechanics
- Desirable Quattrovalvole mid mounted engine
- Gated manual transmission
- Timing belt changed by specialist
- Thoroughly engaging drive
- Advisory free MOT
The mid mounted Ferrari V8 is almost commonplace these days, still very much prevalent in the roster, cars such as the 458 have this iconic classic prancing horse to thank for the setup affectionately known as the “junior” Ferrari.
This example being a later 308, comes with the legendary Quattrovalvole engine, boasting four valves per cylinder and an impressive power output for the time, it's a well respected piece of Ferrari engineering and one which when paired with the quality five speed gated manual transmission found in this car, provides a thoroughly rewarding driving experience.
The car is in generally very good mechanical order overall, it fires into life quickly and comfortably on turn of the ignition, a characteristic V8 engine note bellowing from the quad rear exhaust setup. Invoices show a crucial timing belt replacement in 2021 and further belt changes in 2022 along with other mechanical work undertaken by an independent specialist, with the vendor telling us that the car has only covered around 200 miles since then. An advisory free MOT stretching into September 2024 adds further peace of mind for prospective buyers.
Summary
A striking head turner and iconic classic Ferrari. The 308 GTS is one of the finest models to ever wear the esteemed prancing horse badge, and whether you're looking to live out those Magnum PI fantasies or have your eyes set on a truly great classic exotic super car it's hard to ignore a vehicle of this calibre. Truly a quality example of the model, this very usable, highly presentable 1985 GTS QV, in its desirable specification, surely ticks all of the boxes the astute Ferrari enthusiast looks for in a vehicle and as such is an attractive proposition to be seriously considered.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1985
- Make Ferrari
- Model 308
- Colour Red
- Odometer 85,340 Miles
- Engine size 2926
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Sawbridgeworth
- Location Hertfordshire
- Country United Kingdom
8
bids
from 5
bidders
- david-h•••• £38,200 05/05/24
- Tang Ma•••• £36,250 05/05/24
- david-h•••• £36,000 04/05/24
- philipp•••• £35,500 03/05/24
- Tang Ma•••• £35,000 03/05/24
- emperor•••• £30,000 03/05/24
- Tang Ma•••• £26,000 02/05/24
- andrew_•••• £25,000 02/05/24
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