
Gregor Wenner
Specialist Consultant
LOT 115
1978 Ferrari 308 GTS Coachwork by Scaglietti, Design by Pininfarina Chassis no. F106AS*24113* Engine no. F106A020*03126*
Introduced at the Paris Auto Salon in 1975, the contemporary styled 308 GTB, Ferrari's second V8 road car, marked a return to Pininfarina styling following the Bertone-designed 308 GT4. Badged as a 'proper' Ferrari rather than a Dino, the 308 GTB had changed little mechanically apart from a reduction in both wheelbase and weight, retaining its predecessor's underpinnings and transversely mounted engine that now featured dry-sump lubrication. In road tune this superbly engineered power unit produced 255bhp, an out-put good enough to propel the 308 GTB to a top speed of over 240km/h. Produced initially with fiberglass bodywork (the first time this material had been used for a production Ferrari), the Scaglietti-built 308 GTB used steel after April 1977. Further developments included the introduction of an open-top GTS version with Targa-style removable roof.
A 308 GTS of the first series, equipped with the desirable Weber carburettors, this model is not only rarer, more popular and more powerful, but above all much closer to Ferrari's original conception than the later variants with fuel injection. This striking 'Blue Sera' 308 GTS was finished at the Maranello works during 1978 and is one of approximately 2,185 early caburettor cars produced between 1977 and 1980. It was delivered new to the US where it is believed to have remained for most of its life.
In 2016 the Ferrari passed into the ownership of a passionate enthusiast who spared no expense to restore the car to its former glory. Like most of the Ferraris of this period, it was originally finished in the colour Rosso Corsa, the interior was crème. Since the owner had bought the car intending to keep it, he chose to finish it in a colour of his own choice: Blue Serra, an original Ferrari colour correct for the period, of course. For him this was a better colour for the car and entirely appropriate for the 308 as it was originally available on this model.
This choice was influenced by the fact that the car had been completely dismantled and stripped to bare metal during the restoration. All windows and doors, including the rear window, were removed before the vehicle was repainted. The black-finished parts were repainted also. An extensive photographic report is one file, recording the restoration process. During the restoration it was also decided to convert the car to desirable EU-specifications. We're advised the rebuild included the following:
Correct and original 14" wheels completely refurbished and shod with new Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres in size 205/70VR14
New and correct wing mirrors fitted
New windscreen fitted
New bumpers fitted
Front and rear suspension completely dismantled: all rubbers, bushes, bearings, etc removed; components sandblasted and refinished in two-pack paint
New suspension bushes, rubbers and bearings fitted
Complete overhaul of the entire braking system: brake calipers overhauled and new discs fitted
Shock absorbers overhauled
Major service including changing belts
Underside completely repainted in black
New front cover/protective plate fitted
New exhaust of the Vetroresina type installed, including the correct rear panel
Completely new high-quality leather interior, custom-made with greatest care taken to reproduce the correct pattern and colour
Entire interior insulated with sound-absorbing material
Most rubbers replaced, including those for the windows
Since the restoration of this striking 308 GTS, the owner has carefully maintained the car and has used it sporadically, only in good weather. The car has been on static display for a while and might need some shakedown kilometres and a check-up prior to extensive use is recommended.
The car comes with an owners manual, Dutch registration documents and the photographic restoration report. All in all, this is a nice example of the desirable carburettor-version Ferrari 308 GTS, and as younger generations of collectors enter the market, the interest in these classic Ferraris continue to increase.






















































































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