1979 | Ferrari 308 GTS

The 308 GTB was launched at the Paris Motor Show in 1975 and was built alongside the 308 GT4, contrived as a replacement for the 246 Dino. Designed by Leonardo Fiorvanti, the man who styled some of the most iconic Ferraris including the Daytona, the new 308 was a rakish and attractive body which fused classic elements of Ferrari styling with a thoroughly modern design. For the first two years of production, the body of the 308 was produced in fibreglass after which steel was used. The 308 shared a similar tube frame chassis as the original Dino and 308 GT4 with four-wheel double wishbone independent suspension. The engine was a V8 unit which was positioned behind the driver; it was transversely mounted with double overhead camshafts and four 40DCNF Weber carburettors, latterly replaced with Bosch K Jetronic mechanical fuel injection.

This lovely privately owned and entered 308 GTS was built by Ferrari in Maranello December 1979 as can be found by the original order and correspondence with Ferrari aficionado Tony Willis. Delivered to the UK on 25th April 1980 to Mr Wozniak, a dentist, via HR Owen Ferrari London. The original order shows that car was specified in Rosso Chiaro with Nero black hide, with matching carpets, air conditioning, wider wheels, front spoiler and fog lamps with flashing facility all of which can be seen in the history file.

In 1989 the car had been purchased by a Mr Baughn, printed correspondence with Maranello Concessionaires Ltd shows that he was unhappy with his bodywork and commissioned Maranello’s to fully bare metal repaint the car at a cost of £18,000 before he had the car fully retrimmed two years later, owning the car until 1998.

In the tenure of owner number three, whilst being thoroughly enjoyed and very well maintained, the car had its first dealing with Kent High Performance Centre, this a relationship with the car that has lasted up until recently with Kent High Performance performing the latest cambelt service for our owner in 2022 at 61,299 miles. The History file is extensive, almost all MoT certificates are present as is what appears to be every bill and piece of correspondence with the car, our vendor purchased the car from Kent High Performance/The Ferrari Centre in 2018 and has frequented shows and meets always gaining compliments about his GTS.

Importantly, this is a UK supplied right hand drive early (1979 production) example, seen as more desirable than the fuel injected cars that followed and sits correctly on the original wheels with good tyres all round. Our vendor states that the buyer should have all the confidence to not only purchase but drive the car home from auction with the wind in their hair. Supplied with a large history file, glovebox manuals and service book in the Ferrari wallet, wheel jack and brace in a period roll cover, hard top cover for when hard top is stored behind the driver and passenger, a full size spare wheel matching those currently on the car and treated to a new MoT for reassurance.

One of the best privately owned and true enthusiast 308’s we have had the pleasure to offer, viewing is highly recommended for an iconic example of the prancing horse. Consigned By Mathew Priddy.