1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi

Details

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 wonderful example of Pininfarina’s classic, timeless Ferrari 308 GTB. This particular car is a 1981 308 GTSi and thus a very early fuel injected example.

This is a one owner car that is best described as an unmolested real ‘time capsule’! With only 49,000 miles on the odometer it has clearly been much loved by its first and only owner and the car presents and drives fabulously today. Finished in its original and fabulous colour scheme of ‘argento’ with ‘nero’ trim it is a refreshing change to the ubiquitous ‘sea of red cars’ often seen at Ferrari events!

The paint work on the car is very very good and more consistent with a far newer car. Importantly the panel gaps are excellent and the doors close with a snappy ‘click’ one would expect. All of the glass and trim are also in very good condition. Under the front and rear covers the car presents beautifully and the engine bay is very clean. The rear boot cover is intact though like many 308’s the zipper is broken. The interior is also in very good condition, however, the seats are showing some wear and there are a few blotches that would benefit from a recolour. There are no rips or tears to the leather. All of the gauges and instruments are original and everything appears to work. The air conditioning system could do with a regas.

Turn the key and engine bursts to life and into a smooth idle, even when cold. 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 unusually the second gear synchro is strong, the steering is true and the brakes pull the car up as they should.

The car has a full set of books in the correct and original Ferrari pouch, tools and even the accessory light! The warranty card confirms the car was delivered through Lance Dixon Ferrari in Melbourne to its first and only owner who lived interestingly lived in Carlingford in New South Wales on the 25th September 1981.

The car has had minimal use in the last five years, however, it has been regularly maintained during this time by marque experts here in Brisbane.

Essentially everything looks to be correct on this car and as a ‘one owner time capsule’ it presents a very unique opportunity. It is reluctantly offered for sale and after 33 years it’s time to find her second keeper!

Find another one like this!

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