1983 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalole For Sale by Auction

Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire
Viewing: Tues 16th June from 12pm
Auction: Wed 17th June from 9am
Location: Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX
1983 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalole
Just 20, 000 miles from new

Estimate
£65, 000 - £75, 000

Lot details
Registration No: GAR 328Y
Chassis No: 00043519
MOT: Exempt

Supplied new to D. Goodman Esq by Lancaster Ferrari of Colchester
1 of only 233 UK-supplied, RHD examples
Just 20, 000 miles from new
Treated to a cambelt change and new clutch by marque specialist Shiltech last year
Comes with the original 14-inch alloy wheels (wearing period Michelin XWX tyres), book pack and tool roll
By switching to Bosch fuel injection in March 1981, Ferrari robbed its successful 308 GTB / GTS pairing of some 40 horsepower. Concerned about the consequent loss of performance, Maranello executive Eugenio Alzati became determined to give the 90-degree 'quad-cam' 2926cc V8 its teeth back. Announced at the October 1982 Paris Salon, the new QV or 'quattrovalvole' model was a revelation. Sporting - as its name suggests - four-valve cylinder heads, it was credited with developing 237bhp at 7, 000rpm and 192lbft of torque. Emissions friendly, it nevertheless boasted less noise, more power and better throttle response than its predecessor. Reputedly capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in 5. 7 seconds and on to a top speed of 158mph, the QV cars once again had the raw speed to match their sublime Pininfarina sculpted looks. A staple part of 1980s pop culture thanks to its starring role in the internationally popular TV series 'Magnum PI' not to mention countless other big and small screen roles, the 308 GTS has long been one of Maranello's greatest hits. That said, a mere 233 Quattrovalvole examples are understood to have been UK supplied.

Increasingly ‘hot property’ during the 1980s, Ferrari’s 308 models often changed hands almost as fast as they accelerated! Supplied new to D. J. Goodman Esq via Lancaster Ferrari of Colchester on January 1st 1983, chassis 00043519 was bought by its fifth keeper, R. I. Bell Esq., just five years later. Unlike his predecessors, Mr Bell treasured the GTS for nigh on four decades. The proprietor of a building firm, he found that the stunning Rosso Corsa machine had an adverse effect on clients and so restricted its use to occasional high days and holidays. Initially main dealer serviced, the distinctively registered ‘GAR 328Y’ had a new rear main oil seal and clutch fitted at 10, 478 miles and 16, 681 miles by Lancaster Ferrari and Maranello Concessionaires respectively. Treated to a new water pump and cambelts at 17, 478 miles shortly before Mr Bell’s acquisition, he entrusted it to Trentside Classic & Sports Cars of North Lincolnshire some 1, 300 miles later for attention to its air-conditioning pump and differential plus a new set of cambelts and roller tensioners. Drawn to chassis 00043519 because of its low mileage, high degree of originality and long-term ownership, the vendor added the 308 to his burgeoning Ferrari collection last year. Dispatched to respected marque specialists Shiltech with instructions to go through it thoroughly, they conducted a full service and brake overhaul not to mention renewing the cambelts at 19, 668 miles. The clutch was changed shortly thereafter too. Describing the Ferrari as feeling ‘notably tight and responsive to drive’, the seller further informs us that it is only returning to market due to his acquisition of an unusually hued Dino 246 GT and the resultant pressure on garage space. Worthy of close inspection, this decidedly low mileage and rare UK-supplied 308 GTS Quattrovalvole would grace another marque collection. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, book pack, assorted bills / old MOTs and the original 14-inch alloy wheels (wearing period Michelin XWX tyres).

** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).