Vehicle Description
Enzo Ferrari's first son, Alfredino "Dino" Ferrari was a shining
star in his father's eyes. In in early twenties, he was headed for
promising career as an engineer and businessman, poised to take
over his father's motoring empire and contine the Ferrari legacy
through the next generation. Dino rapidly gained experience working
alongside some of the greatest engineers in history such as
Vittorio Jano and Gioacchino Colombo. Dino is credited with the
concept of the big-bore 4-cylinder 750 Monza which spawned several
other variants and proved to be a successful endurance racer. The
4-cylinder cars relied on their prodigious torque, light weight and
understressed nature to bring home the gold for Ferrari when the
more rapid but fragile V12s failed. While Enzo was a traditionally
stubborn man, he often listened when his son spoke and Dino had
convinced his father of the merits of a compact V6 both in
competition and for the road. Sadly, Dino became ill and passed
away at only 24 and the world never got to see his full potential.
In the young man's honor, the jewel-like 2.0 liter DOHC V6 he
inspired was the first to be fitted to a mid-engine production
Ferrari. Technically, the car was not officially badged as a
Ferrari but it was the real deal in all but its official name.
Perhaps in the ultimate tribute to his son, Enzo named the car Dino
and living up to the younger Ferrari's dream, the car spawned an
unbroken line of mid-engine V8-powered cars that became the
company's lifeblood through to this day. The first successor to the
Dino, the 308, grew in size, gained two cylinders and finally
earned a Ferrari badge. The 308 GTB/GTS became the company's most
successful model to date, selling more than 12,000 examples over a
10 year production span. As with the Dino 246 before it, the 308
was offered as a GTB "Berlinetta" coupe or a GTS with a removable
targa roof. The 3.0 liter four-cam V8 debuted with four downdraught
Weber carburetors, gaining fuel injection on later models.
Carbureted 308s are sought after for their raw, guttural nature and
fabulous soundtrack. The chassis is also a delight - with light,
direct steering, kart-like handling and the tactile gaited shifter,
it is a proper driver's car. As the volume leader for so many
years, the 308 found itself at the bottom of the collectability
scale, and as a result a great many suffered from poor maintenance.
Today, properly maintained 308s are highly sought after and the
model is enjoying a well-deserved renaissance along with a
corresponding jump in value and collectability. This tidy 1979 308
GTB is the most desirable of the 308 series, the fixed roof
carbureted car and comes to us from a long-term knowledgeable
enthusiast. It shows approximately 81,000 miles, which to the
uninitiated may seem high, but it is often the case that often cars
that are regularly exercised perform better, and reward with
greater reliability than those that sit unused. This example was
regularly exercised and regularly maintained and it presents very
well, indeed. Finished in classic Rosso Chiaro over black leather,
the body is straight and attractive with very good paint and
correct detailing. The panel fit is very good, and the
undercarriage is tidy and clean. The vulnerable front spoiler is in
very good condition, showing no cracks or curb damage. It wears
correct original bumpers, mirrors and signature 5-spoke alloy
wheels. The wheels are in good condition and are fitted with an
excellent set of Pirelli P4000 tires, while the spare wheel still
wears an original Michelin. The black interior is in very good
order with excellent leather seats, tidy black carpeting and a very
good dash that shows no shrinking or cracks. The correct original
steering wheel, instruments and switchgear are all in very good
order and the only deviation from factory is the fitment of an
aftermarket radio. Door panels and console trim are similarly very
neat and tidy. Behind the seats rests the sweet, revvy four-cam 3.0
liter V8 engine and 5-speed transaxle. The engine has recently been
serviced with new belts and other necessary work, and the engine
bay is orderly, clean and correct. Of course, with use comes
maintenance and this example has certainly not been neglected.
Recent service records will be included in the sale, as well as
original books, manuals and tools. Even without the service
records, it is clearly evident this has been a very well maintained
example. Regular use ensures the chassis, brakes and suspension
work well and the car feels excellent on the road. Much like an old
baseball glove or a vintage guitar, a classic Ferrari will only
feel better with every use. For the enthusiast who wants one of the
all-time great driver's sports cars they can actually drive, look
no further than this excellent 308GTB. .