Richard Stafford
Senior Specialist, Head of Research
LOT 677
1978 Ferrari 308 GTS Targa Coupé Coachwork by Pininfarina Registration no. AWW 162T Chassis no. 308GTS/25603
Estimate: £45,000 - £55,000
Lot 677
1978 Ferrari 308 GTS Targa Coupé Coachwork by Pininfarina Registration no. AWW 162T Chassis no. 308GTS/25603
The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Motorcycles and Automobilia|7 September 2019, 16:00 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum
1978 Ferrari 308 GTS Targa Coupé
Coachwork by Pininfarina
Registration no. AWW 162T
Chassis no. 308GTS/25603
Coachwork by Pininfarina
Registration no. AWW 162T
Chassis no. 308GTS/25603
*Early model with carburettor induction
*Imported from the USA
*Left-hand drive
*Circa 31,000 miles from new
Footnotes
Ferrari's line of highly successful V8-engined road cars began with the 308 GT4 of 1973. Originally badged as a Dino, the all-new 308 GT4 2+2 superseded the preceding Dino V6. The newcomer's wedge-shaped styling - by Bertone rather than the customary Pininfarina - was not universally well received but the performance of the amidships-mounted, double-overhead-camshaft, 3.0-litre V8 certainly was, the latter's 255bhp proving sufficient to propel the 308 GT4 to over 150mph.
Introduced at the Paris Salon in 1975, the stunningly beautiful 308 GTB - Ferrari's second V8-engined road car - marked a return to Pininfarina styling following the Bertone-designed 308 GT4. Badged as a 'proper' Ferrari rather than a Dino, the newcomer had changed little mechanically apart from a reduction in both wheelbase and weight, retaining its predecessor's underpinnings and transversely mounted 3.0-litre quad-cam engine. Produced initially with glassfibre bodywork - the first time this material had been used for a production Ferrari - the Scaglietti-built 308 used steel after April 1977 while further developments included the introduction of an open-top GTS version with Targa-style removable roof, the adoption of Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection (1980) and, finally, revised cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder (1982). An exhilarating driver's car and a Ferrari purist's delight, the 308 GTB and its many derivatives proved a huge commercial success for Maranello with over 12,000 sold.
One of the earlier cars with carburettor induction, this left-hand drive Ferrari 308 GTS was built to European specification, including its bumpers and indicators. '25603' was imported from the USA around 10 years ago by the previous owner and has belonged to the current vendor for the last five years, being maintained by his company. Finished in the classic colour combination of Rosso Corsa with tan leather interior, the car has covered only some 31,000 miles from new. The vendor describes the paintwork as superb throughout, while the original interior is said to be excellent apart from some wear to the rearmost carpets. The car comes complete with its original tool kit and jack, Ferrari letter of authentication, some expired MoTs, recent bills, and a V5C Registration Certificate. Benefiting from its limited mileage and reported to be silky smooth to drive, this beautiful 308 GTS represents very good value for an early carburettor car in this condition.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the correct registration number is 'HWW 162T'. Also note the vehicle has just had a check over, where a new battery was fitted along with the refurbishment of the original magnesium. The car has just been MOT'd with no advisories.
Additional information
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