Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
A ‘Magnum PI’ RHD Ferrari 308GTS with 52,458 miles and colossal history file.
EQUIPMENT
Tubular frame chassis, two seater Spider body, removable roof panel with storage cover, retractable headlight pods, front and rear opening panels, deep scalloped air intakes, zipped luggage compartment, limited slip differential, ‘cavallino rampante’, 308 GTS and ‘Disegno Di Pininfarina’ badging, iodine fog lights, power windows, twin Fiamm horns, door oddment bags, full Veglia Borletti instruments, tell-tale warning lamps, Momo steering wheel. Factory Options: Wider wheels, air conditioning, radio.
EXTERIOR
Instantly recognisable, the edgy styling flair from Pininfarina is simply gorgeous and is hailed as one of the designer’s true masterpieces, and a welcome return from the much-debated Bertone penned 308GT4. Finished in beautiful Argento Auteuil, (Code 633.6.031), this stunning example boasts a bright uniform finish and remarkable preserved condition. Minor age-related markings can only be found under scrupulous inspection and certainly do not detract from the appearance whatsoever. All factory trim sections, rubbers and lights are in pristine order, as are the stylish original badges and exterior plates. The removable roof panel is perfect and stores neatly behind the seats to create the GTS namesake ‘Spider’ body. Fabulous in every respect.
INTERIOR
Blue full leather seat facings, (Code VM3282), in this 308GTS are in immaculate condition along with the co-ordinating deep blue carpeting carpeting. Seven Veglia Borletti instruments work perfectly along with all the attractive chrome button sliders and ornate switch gear. The three prancing horse vent pods on the dash and exposed chrome ‘H’ gate gear shift are simply automotive art, and the Momo leather-rimmed steering wheel with the circular horn push proudly displaying the ‘cavallino rampante’ reminds the driver how special this car is. Originality and authenticity seekers will rest easy with the factory build plate with chassis number still affixed to the steering column. The deep luggage area is hidden by a zipped cover, which unusually is fully intact. Door storage compartments closer representing designer handbags complete this exquisite classic Ferrari interior.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Centrally mounted, the excellent V8 powerplant displaces 2926cc and incredibly each engine was assembled by a single engine builder. Fed by four twin-choke Weber 40 DCNF carburettors producing an exhilarating induction note, 255bhp is enough to propel this car to 60mph in 6.1 secs and on to a top speed of 152mph. Regular documented servicing ensures excellent reliability and performance. The last service was in August 2018 and a major service including cambelts was carried out in May 2016 by Ferrari specialist Rardley Motors Ltd. The 5-speed ‘dog-leg’ gearbox with a single plate dry clutch is controlled perfectly through the Ferrari open-gated gearshift selector.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Ferrari 7½ x 14” Cromodora light alloy wheels are wider than standard as specified from the factory as an optional extra. Premium and matching Michelin XWX 205/70 VR14 tyres show ample tread and are fitted to all wheels including the spare. The effective braking system comprises of four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with a Bonaldi vacuum servo on a dual circuit. Still impressive to this day and bringing the Ferrari to a rapid halt.
HISTORY FILE
A letter in the history file dated 7th April 2015 from Mr Tony Willis of The Maranello Concessionaires Archive confirms this example as a right-hand drive UK Market car, one of only 184 manufactured by Ferrari Spa in Italy in January 1980. The body number 175 is confirmed along with chassis, engine and gearbox numbers, to which all remain as matching numbers. The original specification is confirmed also. Delivery to UK market importer Maranello Concessionaries was in January 1980 and the first owner is confirmed as a Mr Peter Goide who owned the car for almost 19 years! In October 1999 the car was sold by Ferrari Specialists, Talacrest of Egham, Surrey, to Mr Richard Downes as a cost of £72,000 as confirmed by a used vehicle invoice in the history file.
The history file is simply incredible with ownership history traceable throughout and a huge box file of invoices and receipts from respected Ferrari specialists, including most recently several from Rardley Motors Ltd. The beautifully styled Ferrari document wallet contains all handbooks and the original stamped service record and there is even an original 308GTS/GTB sales brochure! A letter from the first owner, Mr Goide, dated October 1999 confirms he was the sole driver of the car since he purchased it in 1981 and a report on the car comments that to find a Ferrari so carefully cherished by each custodian is a rare find, and that the car has never been modified nor needed major work. The report comments sum up that no restoration can ever match an ‘on song’ original car such as this, an even a short drive in this spectacular 308 GTS affirms this sentiment. Search no more, this is the Ferrari 308 GTS to buy.
HPI Clear.
