1980 Ferrari 308 GTSi


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The Ferrari 308 GTB was introduced at the 1975 Paris Motor Show, essentially to replace the 246 Dino GT. The car was designed to fit between the top of the range 365 GT/4 Berlinetta Boxer and 2+2 308 GT/4. The car was released to critical acclaim and its sweeping Pininfarina design was admired by everyone who laid eyes on it.
Originally the car was manufactured with a glass reinforced plastic (fibreglass) body to keep the weight down and the car was powered by a three litre V8 engine with a dry sump. Only circa 800 fibreglass cars were built before Ferrari reverted to a more conventional steel body construction in 1977. Most markets also reverted to having a wet sump engine. In 1977 Ferrari introduced the 308 GTS, which was essentially the same car with a targa roof. The car was made famous through its appearance in the TV show Magnum PI. The model evolved into the 308 GTBi / 308 GTSi in 1980 when Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection replaced the traditional Webber carburettors. Two years later the four valves per cylinder “Quattrovalvole” or “QV” was introduced. The 308 was an incredible success and circa 12,000 cars were built from 1975 to 1985 before the 328 was introduced.

We are delighted to offer a lovely example of Pininfarina’s classic, timeless Ferrari 308 GTB / GTS series of cars. This particular car is a 1980 308 GTSi and thus a very early fuel injected example. It is understood to have been delivered new to the USA and its early history is not known. The car was acquired and imported into Australia in June 1996, subsequently converted to right hand drive and compliance here in Queensland in May 1998. All of this documentation is on file with the car.

The conversion is excellent and difficult to pick. Looks are one thing and it is equally as important that the car drives as it should. And this car does . . . period!
Today the odometer reads circa 96,500 miles and it is evident that the car has been well cared for throughout its life. The car has a known and documented ownership history in Australia, where it has spent its entire time in south east Queensland, with its current owner having acquired the car back in August 2010 (at 93,393 miles). Whilst in Australia the car has been maintained and serviced by Ferrari specialists which is well documented on file.
This car is presented in arguably the most popular and best colour combination of red with a tan interior. The paint work is generally in very good condition and importantly the panel gaps are excellent. Structurally the car is also excellent. All of the exterior trim and glass is also in good condition. The condition of the interior of the car is consistent with the exterior which is very good. The seats, door cards, centre console and dash are all in excellent condition with no rips or tears. The seats show light patina which probably belies their age and use. Under the front and rear covers the car presents beautifully and the engine bay is very clean. The rear boot cover is intact and the zipper actually works! All of the gauges and instruments are original and everything appears to work.

This car drives as well as it looks. The little V8 engine makes all the right noises and the car is very true on the road with no rattles or squeaks. The gearbox is smooth and the second gear synchro is strong (this was replaced in 2009), the steering is true and the brakes pull the car up as they should. There are recent compression test results on file which are excellent.

Another good indicator that this car has been well looked after is that it retains all of its plaques, ID tags and stickers, including the original Salchi paint sticker under the engine cover.
In summary this is a really nice example of Ferraris iconic 308. The car presents and drives really well and everything looks to be correct.
This is a great opportunity at this entry level price point to classic Ferrari motoring.


Specification

  • Ferrari 308 GTSi
  • 1980
  • Coupe
  • Manual
  • 96534 miles
  • 2927 cc

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