Equipped with a removable glass fibre roof panel, the GTS variant really did offer the best of both worlds. The car retained the 308 GTB coupé’s gorgeous 1970s wedge design created by Pininfarina. Then, with the “targa”-style top stowed behind the seats, driver and passenger had even better access to the soundtrack of the transversely mounted, 2,926-cc, V-8 engine. Fed by four twin-choke Weber carburettors, the all-new motor created 237 horsepower.

Such an enticing recipe, unsurprisingly, proved immensely popular. Built between 1977 and 1980, the 308 GTS became the best-selling model up to that point in Ferrari history.

According to factory data, the example offered here was delivered new in June 1978 to Rome to be sold by supplying dealer, Sa.Mo.Car. Configured in left-hand drive, chassis 24821 was specified in the unconventional combination of Bianco Polo over a Pelle Blu interior.

Included in the car’s history file is an evaluation by marque expert, Guillaume Cognet. He notes that a previous registration card for this Ferrari records Prince Albert of Monaco as an owner. During its time in the principality, the car wore the registration “M001 MC” and was noted to have been finished in blue. The 308 GTS was subsequently acquired by a dressmaker in the south of France before, in November 1983, it was purchased by prominent car collector, Marcel Petitjean. He retained the car for the better part of four decades. The Ferrari was bought by the consigning owner in February 2022.

Having since moved to the Middle East, chassis 24821 is offered for sale with its matching-numbers 2.9-litre V-8 engine and five-speed, open-gate, manual transmission. Following a period of static display, this car will require recommissioning prior to being driven.

Accompanied by owner’s guides, a tool roll, jack, and spare wheel, this 308 GTS will appeal to marque enthusiast thanks to its desirable colour finish and royal ties.