Vehicle Description
Introduced in 1975 as a V8-powered successor to the 246 Dino, the
308 smashed sales records for Ferrari, going on to be a rousing
commercial success. With more than 12,000 examples leaving the
famous factory gates in open-topped GTS and fixed-roof GTB form,
the 308's importance in Maranello history cannot be overstated, and
the model cast the mold for the mid-engine sports cars have been
Ferrari's bread and butter for so many years. The flipside of its
popularity is that the 308 was long relegated to "budget" status,
and many examples suffered at the hands of bargain hunters.
Thankfully, that is no longer the case as the 308 is seen by many
as a foundational element of the Ferrari collector market, and the
iconic series now receives the appreciation it deserves. While the
308 has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, it is still quite
unusual to encounter one as meticulously restored as this gorgeous
1978 308 GTB. The fixed roof GTB is considerably rarer than the
GTS, and early carbureted cars such as this are considered the
purest expression of the formula. S/N 25239 is an exceptional,
numbers-matching example, finished in the extraordinarily rare and
striking color combination of Oro Chiaro Metallizzato with a
beautiful dark brown leather interior. This car is the subject of a
photo-documented nut-and-bolt restoration performed in Italy by
marque specialists Red Cars International. It is impeccably
finished to concours-quality standards inside and out. Photos in
the history file reveal the meticulous attention to detail paid to
every aspect of the restoration, from the exquisite paintwork to
the correct plating of suspension components and hardware. Once the
project was completed in 2016, the car went directly to the Ferrari
Classiche department in Maranello to be inspected for its official
"Red Book" certificate of authenticity. As stated in the Classiche
book, the marvelousOro Chiarocolor is correct for this car, and the
subtle metallic hue flatters its curves brilliantly. The quality of
the finish is outstanding, and the body features all the right
US-specification bumpers, lamps, and fittings. Detailing is
impressive, with excellent satin black trim and proper accessories
such as the early-style black Vitaloni mirrors. It rides on
restored Cromadora 5-spoke alloy wheels shod with period-correct
205/70-14 Michelin X radials, which deliver the appropriate stance
and handling characteristics. Complementing the paintwork is a
beautifully finished brown leather interior, restored to
factory-correct standards. The seats are in superb order, with
proper black inserts and stitching. They remain remarkably fresh,
displaying very little in the way of creasing and signs of use.
Brown carpets are similarly excellent and well detailed with
matching bindings and a correct heel pad. The black leather dash is
like-new, as is the hand-stitched three-spoke steering wheel.
Switches and HVAC controls are finely detailed and in virtually
showroom-new order, with notable options including factory air
conditioning. The original numbers-matching engine and gearbox were
rebuilt as part of the restoration. Photos of the stampings are
included in the Classiche red book and the restoration album. The
3.0-liter V8 is, of course, beautifully detailed with proper
clamps, hoses, labels, and hardware used throughout. Four Weber
downdraft carburetors feed the V8, which are restored and detailed
with the correct cad-plated hardware. It is true to factory
specifications, down to the standard exhaust system and US-spec
auxiliary air pump. This 308 GTB is a joy to drive, with light and
lively steering, just the right amount of power, and excellent ride
quality. It is the quintessential Italian sports car, with a
glorious V8 soundtrack and kart-like handling. Additional
highlights of this car include owner's manuals, a fully restored
factory tool kit, jack and jack bag, and an incredible, hand-made
leather-bound restoration album in a custom display case. With its
fabulous and distinct livery and truly exceptional restoration,
this 308 is the finest example of the type we've had the pleasure
to offer and is sure to satisfy the most discerning of Ferrari
enthusiasts. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6720-1978-ferrari-308-gtb/
