Vehicle Description
1978 Ferrari 308 GTS
The Ferrari 308 GTB Berlinetta and targa topped 308 GTS are V8
mid-engined, 2-seater sports cars manufactured by the Italian
company Ferrari from 1975 to 1985. The 308 replaced the Dino 246 GT
and GTS in 1975 and was updated as the 328 in 1985. The similar 208
GTB and GTS were equipped with a smaller initially naturally
aspirated, later turbocharged 2-litre engine, and sold mostly in
Italy.
For consignment some yellow eccitazione with this stunning 308 GTS
(Targa top) over black bottom "boxer paint". Excellent condition,
nicely documented recent service records and the ability to fly low
under the Polizia Stradale radar...well maybe not, but don't take
my word for it!
Exterior
The 308's body was designed by Pininfarina's Leonardo Fioravanti,
who had been responsible for some of Ferrari's most celebrated
shapes to date such as the Daytona, the Dino and the Berlinetta
Boxer. The 308 used elements of these shapes to create something
very much in contrast with the angular GT4. GTS models featured a
removable roof panel with grained satin black finish which could be
stowed in a vinyl cover behind the seats when not in use. Bodywork
has changed to all steel construction for 1978 and this steel is
straight and rust free with nicely minded gaps. As a Canadian
version the big crash bumper is left out, but still legal to drive
in the US. All this sporty menagerie bathed in Nuovo Giallo Fly
with black bottom boxer styled paint. The mid-engine design uses
plenty of black accenting with window surrounds, faux venting at
the B pillar, and hidden headlights with brake venting in black on
the front angular quarters. On back the iconic round Ferrari
taillights and the prancing horse badge. A low fast arrow (una
freccia veloce bassa).
Interior
"Lusso sportivo" best describes the black leather bucket
environment we are thrust into with a swing of the doors. The
buckets grab you not unlike the gated shoot grid grabs the lever in
the center console. On either side of the buckets are Italian
design door panels with a swoop armrest and full leather buckle
pouch within the lower door for storage. Back to that center
console which seems to house all the controls right within reach of
the driver or passenger. An aluminum panel creates the gauge
cluster which is well thought out for glancing while moving fast
just to monitor the essentials. A Blaupunkt stereo in need of some
TLC is mounted with an EQ on the side of the dash. Wonderful yellow
Ferrari dancing horse badged stitched floor mats are attracting
some attention for the interior as well as protecting clean black
carpeting. "liscio come il culo di un bambino!"
Drivetrain
Its F106 AB V8 engine was equipped with four twin-choke Weber
40DCNF carburetors and single coil ignition rests easily in the
mid-section of this sports car. There is a 5-speed manual
transmission on back, and rear wheel power is transferred from the
power plant to the tires via a 3.70 rear axle.
Undercarriage
Underneath we see straight steel with some chip off of the
undercoating on the floor pans. Otherwise, plenty of patina and no
rust are noted on the structures underneath. Slight oil leaking is
present around the bottom end of this engine. 4-wheel independent
coil springs, and disc brakes are noted underneath.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and it idles with a low roar, it was off to the
test track. Performance was very smooth and nice, maybe even a bit
tamer than I thought it would be, but it handled like it's on
rails. Good straight bias free panic stopping, and all controls
were working as they should from that center console. The stereo
was a bit finicky and is a Blaupunkt replacement.
The major servicing has been completed and is well beyond the
comprehension of this writer, but photos of the repair invoice are
included with our photos. "Veloce come il vento" best describes
this Italian design sports car from 1978. Made popular by the
American TV series Magnum PI, this iconic 308 is ripe for the
picking. And you have to love Nuovo Giallo Fly for the color.
Quando la luna colpisce il tuo occhio come una grande
pizza...that's AMORE!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
