No single car company seems to draw as much attention as Ferrari. Their cars have been the desire of many, while being owned by few. With many models to choose from over the years, it is challenging for most individuals to determine their favorite. However, it seems that public perception has categorized which Ferraris are more popular than others. One such example is the Ferrari 308 GTB and GTS series. In the beginning, the 308 GTB debuted at the Paris Salon in October of 1975, bringing forth revolutionary concepts in design by none other than trusted partner Pininfarina. The car quickly gathered worldwide attention and North America embraced the fiberglass-bodied import a year later. Although a dormant American market at the time, dealers saw the eye-catching sports car as a revelation. Despite subtle handling issues that were later corrected, the car’s charming good looks and new 308 engine and gearbox became an overwhelming sales success.

Scrapping the fiberglass body for steel by 1977, Ferrari debuted the 308 GTS and added more features, including a removable Targa-style roof. Such refinements only further increased its popularity and by 1980, the car became somewhat of a celebrity icon, making weekly, prime time appearances with actor Tom Selleck behind the wheel on the hit CBS television series Magnum P.I. From 1977 to 1985, the Ferrari GTB and GTS models would continue improving quality and horsepower for the American market. As a result, the transition from carburetors to fuel injection in 1980 became a key component in the horsepower/emissions race. In addition, a slight change in gear ratios improved acceleration. The new models now carried GTSi badge identification and became the ultimate in the series, as they were smoother, more nimble and more luxurious than ever before. This 1981 example runs with the transverse- and mid-mounted 2,927-cc, 205-hp V-8 engine with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and is matched to a smooth-shifting five-speed gearbox.

The example presented here is finished in a handsome shade of gray metallic and is richly complemented by a bright red leather interior. Lovingly maintained since new by only two owners, it has been sparingly used by both during its 34 years of operation and the mileage shown is actual. The owner reports that the 308 GTSi has received a new belt service and is accompanied by a selection of service records. Among the equipment on this Ferrari is air conditioning, power windows, rack-pinion steering, ventilated four-wheel disc brakes, cast alloy light factory five-spoke wheels and complete Veglia instrumentation. The books for the car are in the Ferrari leather binder. The cover for the removable targa roof section is also onboard.

Ferrari produced 1,743 308 GTSi examples from 1980 through 1982; this represents a splendid example of the marque. As with all types of the brand, this Ferrari will certainly be an enjoyable addition to any garage.