Vehicle Description
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,�
