Ferrari 308 GTS (1979)

The 308 GTB and GTS was 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 and the first GTS the following year. 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 early production carburettor steel car. It was supplied new in 1979 to its first owner, Mr Rout by Maranello Concessionaires Ltd. After owning the car for a couple of years it was sold to its second owner. Realising the error in his ways however, Mr Rout re-acquired the car, continuing to own it until purchase by its most recent custodian. At that time, an inspection was carried out by us at DK Engineering prior to sale from a third party. Since this inspection and purchase, the car has been returned to us several times. Both for servicing and additionally to rectify all details highlighted in the inspection have been seen to and corrected at the request of by its most fastidious owner and at a cost well in excess of £20,000.

Presented today in its classic and original colour combination of Rosso Chiaro over Sabbia hide and complete with the originally optioned with Corda carpets, wider 16” wheels, and air-conditioning. It further benefits from a superb history file with original books, and a correct toolkit. Having covered just 27,800 miles from new, with a fresh service from DK Engineering, this 308 GTS is ready to be used, enjoyed and is available to view immediately at our showrooms just outside London.