Ferrari 308 GTB (Carburettor) (1979)

The 308 GTB is a V8 mid-engined, 2-seater sports cars manufactured by the Italian company Ferrari from 1976 to 1985. The 308 was built to replace the Dino 246 GT and GTS. The 308's body was designed by Pininfarina's Leonardo Fioravanti, who had been responsible for some of Ferrari's most celebrated shapes to date, including the Daytona, the Dino and the Berlinetta Boxer.

The first production GTB rolled off the assembly line in 1976. It had a body made of fibreglass because Ferrari had no idea if they would sell enough to start a massive manufacturing campaign in steel. So they tested the waters with fiberglass which could be made more cost-effectively in small numbers. The instant success of the GTB meant that they started tooling up to build the car to a higher level of quality in steel like all other Ferraris.
The engine was a 3 litre 90 degree V8, with belt-driven twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank. It was transversely mounted in unit with the transaxle transmission assembly, which was below and to the rear of the engine's sump. All models used a fully synchromeshed 5-speed manual and a clutch-type limited slip differential. Suspension was all-independent.
The early cars and Fibreglass cars were equipped with carburettors and a dry sump However in late 1979 the cars started to feature a wet sump and then in 1980 Ferrari made the leap to Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection in order to meet ever more tricky U.S. emission standards. Clearly, Enzo Ferrari did not want to go this route as the race cars of the day retained carburettors. This change had several resulting effects to the 308. For one, it lost the intoxicating intake howl of the Webers.
This example offered for sale by DK is a highly desirable "carburettor steel car with a dry sump". It was supplied new in 1979 to its first owner who remarkably kept the car until 2015 having covered just 12,923 Kms! The condition of the car reflects the fastidious nature of this long term owner. The original colour combination is not only stunning but also rare and most sought after. Some of the plastic protection to the interior has been retained from new preserving its exceptional condition. Not only does the car present well but it is also accompanied by its original books and tools.
Having covered just 13,500 kms from new and having had just one owner for over 35 years this really must be the most desirable steel 308 available for sale at this moment in time.