The Ferrari 308 succeeded the Dino, and in doing so, it returned the transverse mid-engine design to the prancing horse’s stable. Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti is credited with the dramatic design, which would eventually influence the legendary 288 GTO.

With the 308, Ferrari had a proper home for its 90-degree V-8 engine. Initially offered in carbureted form, the V-8 adopted Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection in 1980, and the car became known as the 308 GTBi/GTSi, in either berlinetta or spider form, respectively. Power was down with the Bosch system, but the car was more reliable and had reduced emissions compared to before. Just two years later, Ferrari attended the 1982 Paris Motor Show with the 308 GTS Quattrovalvole, which, as its name suggests, featured four valves per cylinder. Output climbed to 240 horsepower in European specification, and the Bosch K-Jetronic system was retained.

A few styling updates accompanied the engine-room modifications. Improved airflow came via a reworked front fascia, while function and form came together with a new steering-wheel design and power-adjustable exterior rearview mirrors. The 308 Quattrovalvole was also offered in fixed-roof GTB and targa-style GTS with a removable black vinyl roof section over the passenger compartment. Not surprisingly, most buyers opted for the open GTS model. Production began in 1982 and wrapped up in 1985, with around 3,800 examples of both bodies eventually leaving Maranello.

The opportunity to acquire a new 308 GTS Quattrovalvole has long passed, though you would hardly know it with this car. This spectacular example comes from the last year of production and is finished in Rosso Corsa over a tan leather interior. The car was built in January 1985 and was subsequently delivered new through Hollywood Sports Cars in Hollywood, California. After being acquired by the Ming Collection from its original owner in April 2013, the car now shows just 3,959 miles. An age-related servicing was conducted in the summer of 2013, and the car rides on its period Goodyear NCT VR50 tires. This final-year example is equipped with air-conditioning and 16-inch wheels and is offered with its tool roll and manuals in their correct folio.