Chassis No.
26803
| London, United Kingdom
255 bhp, 2,926 cc DOHC 90-degree V-8 engine with four Weber 40DCNF carburettors, five-speed gearbox, front and rear independent suspension by A-arms, coil springs, and telescopic shocks, and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,340 mm
The 308 GTB was launched in 1975, initially with fibreglass bodywork. Pininfarina’s design was considered quite stunning. The body shape was the most successful to ever adorn the Prancing Horse badge. Over 20,000, in various engine guises, were sold between 1975 and 1989. After two years of producing the fibreglass-bodied car, it was abandoned and Scaglietti started making GTBs in steel.
A spider version, the 308 GTS, was launched to the world at the first Motor Fair, held at Earls Court, in London, in 1977. The production run lasted until 1985 and outsold the coupés by almost two to one, with just over 8,000 spiders against 4,150 berlinettas. These were serious production numbers, and Ferrari, now under Fiat ownership, was growing quite dramatically.
One of the first journalists to drive the 308 GTB in 1975 was Paul Frère. He described the car as, “the most seductive model to ever come from Maranello”. Furthermore, “the performance is deceptive, with the motor being so flexible and sweet in its performance”.
Another driver to give his views on the car, this time in the new Autohebdo magazine, was Formula One constructor and former racing driver Tico Martini. He drove the car at Magny-Cours on a damp day. He said, “It remained very comfortable, manageable, and easy to catch. I remember quite well the joy of driving the vehicle, and I found it necessary to only slow down to control the understeer. It was always handling itself in a perfectly safe manner...And then there was the acceleration...To have acceleration like that, to bring out so many horses without thinking of the consequences! What a way to get into trouble with all of today’s limits”.
The Ferrari 308 GTS presented here is a U.S.-delivery version that is finished in Nero with a tan leather interior. It is still fitted with the correct period radio and has the optional air conditioning. This Ferrari 308 has been upgraded with later 17-inch, five-spoke AZEV alloy wheels, giving the car a much more modern look. The car has been in the Maat Collection, unused, for 19 years, and it would, therefore, require some light recomissioning before being put on the road.
