The advent of the new Pininfarina designed 308 GTB was hailed by the Tifosi as one of the best Ferraris of modern times. Following on the heels of the mechanically inspired Bertone-designed 308 GT4, the new 308 was considered drop dead gorgeous by most observers.

And as Sergio Pininfarina himself pointed out, “every Ferrari car previously designed by us was a great success in the market.” From a styling point of view, the 308 owes more to the legendary 246 Dino than to any previous road-going Ferrari. Perhaps equally important, the 308 GTB and ensuing GTS were the first non-twelve-cylinder road cars to carry the actual Ferrari badge.

The car was quite sophisticated, particularly for the time, with a transverse-mounted all-alloy four-cam 2.9-liter V-8 engine, initially producing 255 horsepower – a remarkable figure. With four-wheel independent suspension and ventilated four-wheel disc brakes, the car was extremely well balanced and offered taut handling along with a compliant ride.

Increasingly stringent emission regulations caused drivability problems with U.S. delivery carbureted cars, and as a result Bosch’s K-Jetronic fuel injection system was fitted. The new 308 GTBi was far more tractable, starting instantly and running smoothly, while requiring far less maintenance. Unfortunately despite the new injection system, the stringent emissions requirements reduced horsepower again, to 205-hp.

At the same time, the interior was improved with much better seats, a more ergonomic console, and revised instrumentation. Overall, the new 308 was a much better car, as Road & Track said in their review of the new model, “The ‘i’ means injected – and improved.”

The Ferrari 308 GTBi offered here is “totally original” and has a verified mileage of approximately 4,100 from new. In very nice condition, this exceptional Ferrari is finished in red with a black leather interior and is complete with five-speed transaxle with a limited slip differential, power windows, factory alloy wheels, air conditioning (which needs servicing) and an AM/FM cassette player. It is reported to come with invoices from a “$10,000 full major” three years ago and is further accompanied by the original pouch with all books, tools, spare, belts, jack and associated wheel tools.

Reliable sources indicate that over the production period from 1980 to 1982; this 308 GTBi is one of 494 similar cars built by Ferrari; the fewest built of the different 308 models. As great driving cars, serving as an entry vehicle into Ferrari ownership, it is exceptionally rare to come across such a fine low mileage example of the very capable 308 GTBi.