In a first for Ferrari, early examples of the 308 GTB were constructed out of fibreglass. Then, in the middle of 1977, the marque returned to more conventional pressed steel and aluminium for the bodywork styled by Pininfarina and brought to life by Carrozzeria Scaglietti. Beneath the pretty skin rested a transverse, mid-mounted 2,926-cc V-8 engine fed by four twin-choke Weber carburettors. The all-new unit, featuring a dry sump lubrication system, produced 237 horsepower.

Ferrari factory data records that the steel-bodied 308 GTB offered here was delivered in May 1978 to supplying dealer, Charles Pozzi SA of Paris. Chassis 24463 was configured in left-hand drive and specified in the metallic shade of Blu Sera while the interior was trimmed with Crema leather. It is understood that the first owner retained the car in France for 25 years, during which time it was repainted red. The second custodian kept it for a further 17 years.

The third owner, prominent French collector Marcel Petitjean, purchased the car in 2020—this came soon after chassis 24463 had been treated to an extensive recommissioning. A March 2020 invoice (available to view on file) from official Ferrari distributor SF Côte d'Azur of Cannes totals €22,648. This covered the replacing of the timing belts, steering rack, and gear linkage, plus a comprehensive service. Bought by the consigning keeper in February 2022, the 308 GTB has since moved to the Middle East.

Notably, the roof of the car bears the autograph of Michael Schumacher. According to a letter on file written by a police officer in charge of the Scuderia racer’s security detail at the time, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion signed on his way to a helipad as he travelled to the 1997 Monaco Grand Prix. The German would win the wet-weather contest by some 53 seconds in what is regarded to be among his best-ever drives.

An appealing introduction to classic Maranello motoring, chassis 24463 retains its matching-numbers 2.9-litre V-8 engine in addition to the signature of one of Ferrari’s greatest figures.