Ferrari 308 GTB (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". Presented in superb Rosso Chiaro over a Tan hide interior, it was supplied new early in 1979 to its first owner in Mansfield, with optional extras including Air Conditioning, Wide Wheels, Full size spare wheel, and a Front Spoiler. The car was then exported to New Zealand in 1984 and enjoyed by the second owner who remarkably kept the car until 2015, having covered just 21,600 Miles and maintaining the car fastidiously.

Since being with DK, the car has recently benefitted from a major service including timing belts, the air conditioning has been updated, new suspension shock absorbers, suspension bushes throughout, a new Ferrari exhaust silencer, and new tyres. The car is presented in a highly original and exceptional condition reflected by its well documented service history and original interior. It comes accompanied with its original service book and copies of the original order form and specification sheet.

Supplied in this stunning condition and having covered just 21,600 Miles from new, having had just two owners. This 308 GTB is ready to be enjoyed by its new owner immediately. Viewings are available at our showroom, which is based just outside London.