To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Arizona
event, 17 - 18 January 2019.
Estimate:
$100,000 - $125,000
- Fine example of the first turbocharged road-going Ferrari
- Classic color combination with cr�me interior
- Showing less than 46,000 miles
- Recent comprehensive service
The impressive GTS Turbo was the first turbocharged road-going
Ferrari. With its robust 1,991-cc V-8, it was Ferrari's appealing
solution to avoid Italy's 38-percent VAT on cars with engines over
2.0 liters. The 208's naturally aspirated engine was smaller than
its other models, so Ferrari added turbo-charging to ensure
uncompromised performance. The 208 GTS, able to climb to 155 mph,
was taxed less while addressing the penchant Ferrari aficionados
had for power and speed. It sold well in Italy.
The 208 GTS was the turbo version of its contemporary big brother,
the Ferrari 328. The body styling and passenger cabin were
essentially the same for both models; engine size was the main
difference: the 328 had a 3.2-liter V-8, while the 208 had a
2.0-liter, turbocharged powerplant. Yet the engines delivered
comparable performance.
Designed by Pininfarina, the 208, with its smooth nose and tail,
exhibited a softening of Ferrari's angular wedge profile giving it
a sleeker appearance while retaining the quietly confident Ferrari
stance. The model was produced from 1986 to 1989. In that time, 828
were built. Few made it across the Atlantic. This GTS Turbo arrived
in the U.S. in 2003 and spent the next 15 years on the East Coast
with one owner. In 2018, the current owner acquired the car and
transported it to Scottsdale, Arizona, where it has been completely
serviced by the Ferrari experts at EMG Motorsport in preparation
for sale.
The car sports its original Ferrari red finish over a well-kept
cr�me leather interior with red carpets. It is accompanied by
service records, jack, spare tire and belts, and factory tool kit.
All instruments, gauges, and lights work. Records indicate the car
has fewer than 46,000 miles. This 208 GTS Turbo presents a chance
to obtain a rare Ferrari that does its Prancing Horse emblem
proud.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.
