Vehicle Description
The much-anticipated replacement for the revolutionary Dino 246
broke ground at the 1975 Paris Auto Salon. New from the ground up,
the V8-powered 308 signaled Ferrari's full embrace of the
mid-engine sports car formula pioneered by the Dino 246 GT.
Maranello had been tentative about the Dino, avoiding Ferrari
badging in the event buyers rejected the idea of a compact
mid-engine Ferrari. But their fears were quickly abated by the
little Dino's remarkable popularity, so while the 308 was still
part of the Dino family, it was granted full Ferrari status and
proudly carried the legendary badges on its nose and tail. The 308
GTB and open-topped GTS were penned at Pininfarina, and while the
GTS substantially outsold the GTB, the slick-topBerlinettais
preferred by many collectors for its purity of form and purpose.
This highly desirable 1979 308 GTB is a superb example of Ferrari's
iconic sports car, showing just over 58,000 miles from new and
boasting exceptionally well-documented history. Finished in a
beautiful and rarely seen shade of metallic blue over tan
upholstery, it is a long-time California car that remained in the
care of one fastidious owner from 1979 through 2015. It is
accompanied by a large stack of California registration receipts,
service records, Ferrari Classiche Red Book certificate of
authenticity, and much more. According to the original window
sticker on file, chassis 28609 was delivered through Ferrari of Los
Gatos to Dr. Ronald Yee of Sacramento, California. The only option
listed is the Blu Dino metallic paint, which was a substantial $670
extra cost. Correspondence on file shows that while the car was
still under warranty, Dr. Yee noticed the original finish was
failing - a not uncommon occurrence in the late 1970s. Ferrari of
North America covered the repairs, entrusting Wes Lasher Ferrari to
perform a complete respray on their dime. The color they applied is
a shade darker than the original, but it suits the shape
beautifully, and the second time proved a charm as the paintwork
survived the ensuing years remarkably well. Mr. Yee eventually sold
his cherished 308 to a fellow Sacramento-based enthusiast who was
also a Ferrari Club of America concours judge. That owner continued
to care for the car without regard to cost, showing it in various
West Coast events, earning an FCA Platinum award along the way. In
2018, it found its first owner outside California, where it
continued to receive meticulous maintenance. Service records show
it had a comprehensive service exceeding $20,000, including a
timing belt change, clutch replacement, suspension overhaul, fluid
changes, and more. It was at this time it received its Classiche
Certification, verifying its factory-correct specification and
original engine/gearbox. Today, this 308 remains a beautifully
preserved example inside and out. The paintwork is in excellent
order, with a few minor blemishes consistent with its 40-plus years
and 58,000 miles. The gorgeous yet understated shade of dark blue
proves that Ferraris don't always look their best in red, and it
highlights the beauty and purity of the fixed-roof GTB's shape. Fit
and finish of the bodywork is to factory appropriate standards, and
the car rides on excellent Cromadora 5-spoke alloy wheels shod with
proper 205/70-VR14 Michelin XWX tires. The bumpers and trim are all
in superb order, and the boot houses the factory tool kit and jack
in their original vinyl pouches. The tan interior trim displays the
inviting character of a cherished, unrestored car, and the leather
is supple and clean with minimal wear on the seat bolsters. Door
panels, sills, tan carpets, and the black leather dash are all in
excellent order. Gauges, switches, and controls display minimal
wear, including the console-mounted HVAC levers and period-correct
Blaupunkt AM/FM/8-Track player. The honest and authentic character
continues under the engine lid, where the sizeable wrinkle-finish
airbox largely obscures the original numbers-matching 3.0-liter V8.
Many aficionados prefer these carbureted two-valve cars for their
snappier power delivery compared to the injected models, as well as
the rorty induction noise from the quartet of Webers. This example
runs beautifully, with good power and precise gearshift once the
fluids are up to full operating temperature. Detailing is true to
factory standards, with proper hardware, plumbing, and fittings.
The undercarriage is similarly well-detailed, with correct finishes
on the suspension and brake components, all of which are
well-documented in the Classiche report. Thanks to the efforts of a
string of dedicated enthusiasts, this beautiful and desirable 308
GTB is fabulously well-preserved and ready for enjoyment. It is an
outstanding example of what made the 308 such an icon - lusciously
shaped and a marvelously focused tool for driving, it is as
beautiful to look at as it is to use and will undoubtedly be a
welcome addition to any enthusiast's stable. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6837-1979-ferrari-308-gtb/