Highlights
- Original and low mileage USA GTB
- Classic Rosso Chiaro over Pelle Beige
- Factory vehicle identification certificate
- Tidy and presentable with scope to improve
The Appeal
The 308 is the Ferrari that put the firm on teenage bedroom walls and established its current hegemony. Cash-rich 1980s buyers flocked to its sinuous lines, especially when finished in classic Rosso, and that sonorous V8.
The Pininfarina shape proved so enduring that it remained in production for 14 years, but it is the early 308 models that are closest to Fioravanti’s vision. This original and low mileage ‘78 proves the point, its Rosso Chiaro paintwork and Pelle Beige leather interior a classic combination that is hard to beat.
Verification by the factory and UK owners’ club confirms this car was originally supplied new to a buyer in Illinois in April 1978. It arrived in the UK and was registered here in early 2017 and has remained with its single keeper ever since.
It is a very presentable car in the sort of condition that supports the low mileage. It could be used ‘as is’ or there is scope to improve the paintwork. Some light mechanical recommissioning may be required due to the very limited use since the last MOT expired in 2017. Once done, the buyer gets one of motoring’s true icons to use and enjoy.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 11th April 1978 in Illinois
- First UK registered 1st February 2017
- Factory Ferrari Classiche vehicle production data sheet dated 8th February 1978
- This shows delivery as November 1978 but service paperwork confirms the April delivery date
- One of 2,897 308GTBs built
- DVLA registration documents
- Service book showing first registration and warranty arrangement s
- Importation and transportation documents dated 18th March 2015
- Factory handbooks in very good condition confirming 1978 production year
- Last MOT expired 26th April 2017 with no advisories and 51,704 miles showing on test
- Now displaying 51,738 miles
- MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
The Condition
- Rosso Chiaro paintwork with Pelle Beige leather two-tone interior
- USA specification car with impact bumpers and side marker lights
- Bodywork is straight and well kept with good panel fit
- Small areas of damage visible to panels, such as driver’s door, but not unsightly
- Paintwork is consistent and bright but with some crazing and sinking viewed up close
- Underside presents well with no advisories on last MOT and few miles covered since
- 14in Cromodora five spoke alloy wheels in good condition
- Yokohoma tyres showing good condition and plenty of tread
- Original and well kept unmodified interior in beige leather with black highlights
- Cabin condition supports impression of a low mileage car
- Leather headlining and sun visors in good order in matching beige
- Period Blaupunkt stereo fitted and toolkit and jack included
The 308 was a very new sort of Ferrari, but one that updated the swooping style of the earlier 246. The Rosso Chiaro panels of this 1978 car are as arresting now as they were when the car first hit showrooms in 1975 and it is easy to see why it became a star of bedroom walls and Hollywood TV shows.
It is a pleasingly standard and unmodified example with a well kept Pelle Beige interior that supports the impression of a low mileage car.
The bodywork is straight and largely damage free with only very minor areas of deterioration to note. The paintwork shows some deterioration in the photographs but remains presentable.
The Mechanics
- 2,926cc 90 degree V8 Ferrari F106AB engine
- USA specification delivering 237bhp
- Four twin choke Weber carburettors
- 5spd manual gearbox with dog leg 1st gear arrangement
- Limited slip differential fitted
- 34 miles covered since last MOT test in April 2016
- Some mechanical checks and recommissioning may be required due to recent limited use
The 308 followed a long line of ‘entry level’ cars that Enzo refused to badge as Ferraris - because they didn’t have V12 engines - but it finally earned its Maranello badging. That’s because it was the real deal, thanks to that combination of beautiful styling and a hand-built ‘Dino’ V8 beneath the rear panels.
USA market cars like this one got a marginally detuned version of the F106AB engine, but it was still good for a healthy 237bhp via four big twin-choke Webers.
This car has covered very few miles since it first arrived in the UK. The last MOT test in April 2016 shows 51,704 miles and the car is now reading 51,738. We have no reports of mechanical or other running issues but the buyer may wish to undertake a mechanical check over and service on purchase.
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.
