For Sale: 1976 Ferrari 308 GTB Vetroresina in Maldon, Essex,

The Ferrari 308 GTB was introduced at the 1975 Paris Motor Show as a replacement for the 246 Dino and to supplement the Bertone-shaped 308 Dino GT4. The new mid-engined two-seater was an instant success with both the motoring press and the general public, who appreciated the performance delivered by the centrally positioned 2.9 litre V8 and the design elements carried over from the popular 246 including side panel air intakes, twin tail lights and recessed curved rear window. Like many of its contemporaries, the 308 GTB also received the fashionable "wedge" styling treatment but crucially Pininfarina exercised a degree of restraint in its application and the resulting design was both fresh and modern while retaining the best of the Ferrari traditions.
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However, perhaps the most notable feature of the early 308 GTBs was the material used for the bodywork which, for the first 800 or so cars, consisted almost entirely of fiberglass with only the bonnet being made in aluminium. This was a first for Ferrari and to this day the Vetroresina (which means fiberglass in Italian) remains the only model the factory has produced in this material. The reason for the use of fiberglass over steel was likely in response to the disappointing Dino 308 GT4 sales and the need to rapidly ramp up production and regain lost market share.
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Production of all 308s ran from 1975 until 1985 when it was updated as the 328. Over the ten years of production almost 11,500 cars were built with steel bodies but only some 800 Vetroresina's were produced and these were limited to the first two years of manufacture. In 1977 production switched to steel and thereafter the early cars were considered inferior, their reputation being hindered by the fact that the fiberglass bodies were more difficult and expensive to repair. However the low production numbers, lighter kerb weight and reduced susceptibility to corrosion, inevitably changed opinions and today the fiberglass cars are by far the most desirable of the 308 range.�
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The example offered here is a very rare UK-delivered car being one of only 197 completed in right hand drive and one of approximately 100 delivered with a dry sump engine. Ordered in 1975 it was delivered to its first owner, a Mr I H Rolland, on August 1st 1976 in Scotland and came complete with optional air conditioning, radio, heated rear windscreen and electric windows with tinted glass. Since that time the car has been cherished by all subsequent owners benefitting from a concours restoration in 1987, a full engine rebuild in 1995 and over �10,000 worth of detailing in the last two years. It retains full matching numbers and is accompanied by its original tool roll, jack,�leather document pouch, service book and owner's manual. A full Cambelt service has just been carried out.�The extensive history file provides a full list of owners and a comprehensive set of invoices and correspondence. Finished in its factory original paint scheme of Giallo Fly and Tan leather interior it provides an exceptional opportunity to own a very useable 1970's Ferrari in superb condition.�Please contact us for further details,�