This beautiful example of the celebrated 308 GTB claims rarity, desirable early chassis number, and a driveline rebuild by one of the niche’s most respected names. As explained in the Ferrari Market Letter, this car is one of the first four examples of the early fiberglass 308 berlinetta that were exported to the United States. Because of this car’s early chassis number, the lowest of the four, it is often considered the first to be imported.

Chassis number 19397 was completed in May 1976, and is approximately the 156th example of 712 fiberglass-bodied 308 GTBs sold worldwide, of which just 100 were specified for North America. Distributed with three other examples to Algar Motors, the 308 was sold in December to John Tutterrow of Los Gatos, California. He retained possession for many years before selling the car in 1988 to Chris Springer of San Jose.

Mr. Springer eventually conducted a full cosmetic restoration that included repainting the bare fiberglass with a new coat of Rosso Chiaro, and re-trimming the interior in correct beige leather with black carpets. During the course of this work, the owner opted for a full mechanical restoration, and the motor and transmission received a complete rebuild by the famed Bob Wallace of Phoenix, Arizona.

Mr. Springer then showed the restored Ferrari occasionally (including a class win at the Palo Alto Concours d’Elegance) before selling it in 2015. The 308 has more recently been treated to a major engine service by Continental AutoSports in Illinois that included a new water pump, thermostat, and cam pulley guides, retuned carburetors, and new belts, rings, and gaskets.

Currently displaying 12,341 miles, this rare fiberglass 308 GTB is accompanied by original tools and manuals, a copy of the FML articles detailing the vetroresina chassis sequence, and recent invoices. It would beautifully complement any collection of important sports cars.