1977 Ferrari 308 GTB coupe. S/N 21163 Gold/brown leather. Odo: 38,xxx km -- 24,xxx miles. The 308 was introduced almost 31 years ago at the Paris Salon in October 1975. Designed by Leonardo Fioravanti (1939-), the man behind Pininfarina during its golden years. During his 24 years service in Pininfarina, he designed 8 Ferraris by himself, including the masterpieces like Dino, Daytona, 308GTB and BB, plus guided another 5, such as the aerodynamic layout of Testarossa. Unlike many nowadays stylists, Fioravanti is also an aerodynamic expert - he started life in Pininfarina as aerodynamist - which explained why his designs could be kept original throughout the production adaptation process. The 308 GTB was hailed by many as Pininfarina's true successor to the timeless design of the Dino after Ferrari's choice to use Bertone for the first time to pen the 308 GT4. It also marked the first production V8 to wear a Ferrari badge. The first 712 308's were made of fiberglass. In 1977 production switched to steel bodied for what some reported was the owner's request for less expensive accident repairs. Others believed Enzo was criticized for mimicking the Corvette build material which didn't go over well. This is one of 2,185 steel bodied carbureted coupes that continued production until 1980 when the ill fated"i" version was developed to counter emissions regulations. Mysterious oil consumption problems on fuel injected '80-82 models and a considerable loss in power were corrected in 1982 with the introduction of the quattrovalve engine. The slightly longer, wider, taller 328, with a redesigned interior and integrated bumpers, was introduced in 1984. The series continued until the last 328s rolled off the line in 1989. Most consider 308 and the following 328 series to be mass produced Ferraris since approximately twenty-one thousand were built. They therefore categorize them as less collectible. But by comparison 2,609 Dino 246 GT coupes were produced between 1969-74 or 435 per year. A total 4,139 308 GTB coupes were made between 1975-83 or 517 per year. At only 82 more per model year this "mass produced" stigma reveals itself as a victim of its own success. Beautiful ageless design that pleased fans then, and still does today, allowed Ferrari to continue sales and production for a then unheard of 15 years. Sports Car Market recognizes the 308 series reaching collectible status in most states making insurance and licensing less expensive and names it one of its 2005 collectible cars to watch. Values range from $23-30K plus $5,000 for the dry-sump motor. Between 1975 and 1977 European 308s were offered with an optional dry-sump motor that was not offered on US spec vehicles. The dry-sump cools the oil more efficiently while allowing a lower center of gravity for the engine. If your looking for a Ferrari in a color other than red, this original Oro Chiaro 106-Y-137 is a good thing. Few left the factory gold -- source for colors: http://www.r-design.net/308/index_e.html. The paint has been redone to a very high standard but with some chips apparent on a walk around. The interior leather and dash are in excellent condition after 30 years.
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ANALYSIS -- This car was specifically ordered as an "Italian" spec vehicle by the original owner in Orange County, California who wanted the real thing not a US spec vehicle. It was imported by Werner Schoch Porsche delivered to the Long Beach Port on August 10, 1977, released on November 15, 1977. Included are copies of the port import papers and each year's California registration to date. The vehicle sat covered in the garage for over six years after the owner passed away in 1995. Through the reference of a friend, the widowed owner called Steve Tillack --http://tillackco.com/-- who is restoration expert with a total of 38 cars shown at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance over 18 consecutive years. She also called Costa Mesa Ferrari and the owner of Luiz Scuderia Ferrari who was the only one allowed to work on the vehicle but had since retired. After talking with Steve, she sold the car to him for what she remembers was $20,000. Steve performed a mechanical restoration on the vehicle at 22,614 km -- 14,133 miles. He pulled and tore down the engine, replacing all seals, belts, hoses, gaskets plus replaced the clutch, radiator fans, rebuilt shocks and many other misc. parts for a total of over $36,000 documented repairs. Steve asked Brembo to come out from the factory to perform the brake installation which is said to be the first they performed on a 308. The grille was a custom addition by Tillack to give it a boxter look while also adding the 17 inch Speedlines with Pirelli P Zero tires. The original wheels which need refinishing are included but the bumper is not, it was sold. All tools are complete and included. To quote Steve when this current owner bought the car in 2003, "to let you know how untouched this car has been, the front and rear zippers for the luggage compartments are still original, I can't tell you how many of these I've replaced." Overall the vehicle is still in great condition for its age with no accidents. The leather seats do not show wear marks and the paint shines beautifully. The oil has been changed regularly every 3,000 miles. It is driven every 4-6 weeks for at least 1/2 to an hour to make sure all fluids, including the oil in the dry sump, run hot. Everything works, including power windows, AC that blows cold, radio, lights, gauges and clock. The driver window does sound loose but operates fine. To the collector, this Ferrari might by overlooked because of the mass market sales which has its up side leading to more available parts. Yet, their balanced performance, high revving 7,500 RPM motor and beautiful lines still turn heads of the enthusiast to the parking lot attendant. |
Paul at 310.431.5600, paul@motorcarmarket.com. This car is sold. 02/07 http://www.motorcarmarket.com/ |
| Documented invoices for mechanical restoration from Tillack -- click here |
