Ferrari’s 308 series was updated in 1982 with a 32-valve cylinder head design which greatly improved the power, responsiveness, and efficiency of the model’s transverse 2.9-liter V-8 engine. Aptly named the 308 “Quattrovalvole,” this new model was offered in targa (GTS) and berlinetta (GTB) varieties through the end of the 1985 model year. Additional revisions over the 1981 model included a deeper front fascia, power mirrors, optional rear airfoil, and Speedline wheels. In total, the Quattrovalvole’s four-year availability saw just 748 GTB examples produced. Indeed, the 308 GTB Quattrovalvole is among the rarest submodels within the storied 308 range, and examples from the final year of production are unquestionably those most desired by collectors.

This wonderfully preserved, 1985 US-market 308 GTB Quattrovalvole offered here is finished in its original Rosso Corsa paintwork over a beige leather interior with red piping. Factory specifications include a rarely seen color-matched rear airfoil and European front spoiler. Unofficial figures vary, but it is one of very few US-spec GTB Quattrovalvole examples produced during the model’s final year of availability—and it is perhaps the best-preserved and most-awarded specimen of its kind in the world.

The car was originally delivered new to Shelton Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale and resided in Florida until 1989, when the car’s second recorded owner purchased it from Algar Ferrari in Byrn Mawr, Pennsylvania. During 26 years of meticulous caretaking, this previous owner regularly exhibited this 308 GTB Quattrovalvole at local concours, as well as regional and national FCA events. Notable honors include back-to-back 1st Place results at the 1990 and 1991 FCA National Concours and five Platinum awards at the FCA Regional Concours in Reading, Pennsylvania. It has never entered an official, judged FCA event and scored below 98 points. Furthermore, this esteemed example secured several years of accolades from the Philadelphia Ferrari Festival.

Amazingly, the car was always driven to concours events wearing a spare steering wheel, wiper blades, and wheels— which were then replaced with the original units immediately prior to judging. Maintenance under previous ownership was exclusively handled by Algar Ferrari and Scuderia Performante in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

In 2015, it was acquired by the consignor and has lived a life which mirrors its extremely careful use and regular exercise under previous ownership. Sans for a pair of updated door speakers, the car remains exceptionally original throughout. In preparation for sale, the consignor commissioned a complete engine-out servicing by Ferrari specialists at Exclusive Motorcars of Phoenix, Arizona.

Presently indicating fewer than 27,200 miles at time of cataloguing, this exceedingly rare and remarkably original, award-winning 308 GTB Quattrovalvole is undoubtedly a very tempting acquisition for any discerning concours-focused tifoso.