Ferrari 308 GTB (1979)

The 308 GTB the direct descendent of the Dino was in production from 1976 to 1985. 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 fibreglass 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 dry sump lubrication. When new it was presented in Rosso Chiaro over a Tan hide interior and was supplied in early 1979 to its first owner from Mansfield with optional extras including Air Conditioning, Wide Wheels, Full size spare wheel, and a Front Spoiler. The car was later exported to New Zealand in 1984 and enjoyed by the second owner who remarkably kept the car until 2015 by which time it had covered just 21,600 Miles. During his long standing ownership it was maintained fastidiously with no expense spared. Having been used in the kind climate of New Zealand for the majority of its life its condition remained exceptional.

In late 2015 it was sourced by DK Engineering and subsequently exported to the United Kingdom before being sold to the current owner. Upon arrival the car was subjected to a major service including timing belts, the air conditioning being updated, new suspension shock absorbers, suspension bushes throughout, a new Ferrari exhaust silencer and new tyres being fitted. At the time of sale it had covered just 21,600 Miles and has since covered just 400 further Miles. When not being driven it has been stored in our state of the art storage facility.

Today the car is presented in a highly original and exceptional condition reflected by its well documented service history and entirely original interior. The comprehensive history file is accompanied by its original bookpack, service book and copies of the original order form and specification sheet. Having covered just 22,000 Miles from new and having had just three fastidious 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.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.