Highlights

Desirable 252bhp carburettor model
One of 184 RHD carburettor GTS models
Little used since bare metal restoration and engine rebuild by Ferrari specialist
Recent extensive retrim, mechanical refurbishment and service
Maranello Concessionaires 1980 London Motor Show car
Rare Argento Auteuil metallic with red leather interior
Low mileage car in very good order

The Appeal

The 308 catapulted Ferrari into the big time. There had been brilliant Enzo cars before but it was the new mid-engined marvel, with its sinuous panelwork and sonorous V8, that brought the tiny Maranello outfit to the masses.

The early cars are particularly desirable because they retain the more powerful carburettor-fed arrangement, a set up that also contributes to the aural delights. Here we have one of the last of those built and the car that Maranello Concessionaires featured on its 1980 London Motor Show stand. It breaks tradition in a very appealing way by being finished in rare Argento Auteuil metallic rather than the more common Rosso.

Following long term storage, which has kept the mileage low, this car received a very high end, bare metal bodywork and engine rebuild by a Ferrari specialist under the aegis of the previous owner. More recently there has been a comprehensive mechanical refurbishment and service plus an interior retrim.

The result is a car in very good condition with a thick history file to confirm its provenance. Interest in the early 308s has always been strong and this one will certainly appeal to the collector.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1st February 1981
10 registered keepers
Current keeper acquired the car on 1st February 2021
Recorded by DVLA as previously white but this may be an error as original bill of sale shows Argento Auteuil
Originally ordered by Maranello in Egham for Coopers, Leicestershire in February 1980
List price was £19,253.49 including optional deep front spoiler, air conditioning and deep dish alloys
The car was displayed on the Maranello stand at the 1980 London Motor Show
Delivered to Cooopers in December 1980
Acquired by first registered keeper through Modena Engineering in February 1981
Extensive history to 1990 when the car was taken off the road and dry stored
Bare metal respray and engine rebuild undertaken by previous keeper shortly before sale
This work was undertaken by a well known Ferrari specialist
Current keeper has refurbished all components and ancillaries and retrimmed interior
Extensive photographic history of restoration work shown in photos and in file
Original service book and owners manual plus factory wallet
QV London invoices dated 2021 covering retrim, exhaust work and service at 56,320 miles
QV London pre-sale inspection dated 19th February 2021
Letters from Maranello Concessionaires confirming vehicle specification and provenance
Original order form showing colour and options as detailed above
Ferrari press release from April 1981 regarding release of new fuel injected car
Older invoices including from specialist Graypaul for maintenance work
Last MOT expired on 19th January 2022 showing no advisories and 55,647 mles on test
Historic Vehicle which is exempt from car tax, MOT and ULEZ charges

The vendor states that the original magnesium alloys and tyres, shallow front spoiler and original exhaust system can be supplied to the buyer by separate arrangement.

The Condition

Original factory-correct Argento Auteuil metallic subject to bare metal respray a few years ago
Very sparing use since means the car presents in very good order with good paintwork
Panelwork is similarly well kept with good fit and finish
Tidy five spoke Cromodora alloys in well kept condition with matching spare
Retrimmed Rosso red leather interior reassembled to factory-correct specification
Carpets also retrimmed to high standard and refitted
Original tool kit, jack and storage bag

The recent investment in this beautiful Argento Auteuil car is obvious from the photographs. The bare metal respray was undertaken by the previous keeper and the interior retrim is newer, but both reflect the quality of the work and the car’s sparing use since. It is part of a high end classic Ferrari collection, with all the care and attention that inevitably implies.

Compared to the more common Rosso it is great to see a Maranello car finished in grey metallic, a shade that was popular for Ferrari road cars before the 1980s. It accentuates the bodywork, which is well kept with tidy panel fit and finish.

Inside the story is the same, a highly original car in great condition. Some neat factory optional touches complete the picture, including air conditioning and deep front spoiler.

The Mechanics

Recently rebuilt 2,926cc ‘Dino’ V8 developing 252bhp
Four twin-choke Weber carburettors
5spd manual gearbox
Performance exhaust and headers fitted
Recent service by QV London with few miles covered since
Extensive mechanical overhaul work documented in invoices since 2021

The ‘Dino’ power unit originally developed for racing by Enzo’s son proved so good and so effective that it underpinned all non-V12 Ferraris for decades. That includes this 308, which got a 3litre V8 version. These early cars run on a quartet of twin-choke Webers which makes them more powerful than later fuel injected cars. The other bonus is that they deliver a very appropriate and mellifluous soundtrack that is favoured by collectors.

The engine on this car was fully rebuilt as part of the comprehensive overhaul executed by the previous owner shortly before the current keeper acquired the car. This work was undertaken by a well known Ferrari specialist to whom the current keeper has entrusted his other two classic Ferraris. It has covered very few miles since.

There is evidence of further work, by QV London, since he acquired the car. This work has included fitting a performance exhaust and headers.

The car arrives on the market with few miles since its last service and said to be in excellent mechanical health. Further evidence of this is provided by a 2021 pre-sale health check also undertaken by QV London.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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