1978 Ferrari 308 GTS

Our 308 GTS could have driven straight off the set of Magnum PI. Although an earlier car, it is all but identical in looks.

However, this car will star in a rather more recent TV programme, ITV4’s The Car Years. We believe the programme will air on 19th July, between 8 and 9pm and will be available to watch on ITV player later.

In it, the delightful Vicki Butler-Henderson champions the Ferrari, whilst her co-presenter Alex Riley presents the case for the opposition, in this case a Lotus Esprit. A panel of judges including Top Gear’s Stig, Ben Collins, motoring presenter Rory Reid, ex F1 racing driver Karun Chandhok and others then have to decide which car is best.

Our seller, although not featured in the programme, did get to be involved with the filming and from what we can gather was a little perturbed at the exuberant manner in which Vicki BH drove the car. We’ve seen the trailer!

The car is reluctantly offered for sale as our seller currently has too many cars vying for garage space and something must make way for a new project.

He bought the car in 2015 from renowned classic car dealers Slades in High Wycombe. The previous owner had commissioned a full nut and bolt restoration the previous year costing a not inconsiderable £35,000, so we are at a bit of a loss to know why he sold it on so soon.

His loss was our seller’s undoubted gain, and he has enjoyed the car covering a modest 1,200 miles in six years.

When not in use, the 308 has been carefully stored in a heated and humidity-controlled garage.

Is there really any colour for a classic Ferrari than red? Feel free to disagree, but you are wrong. The car was painted yellow by a previous owner or Giallo Fly in Ferrari speak, it was then painted back to original red during its restoration.

When we tell you that the car was entrusted to QV London for the rebuild you will surely be reassured and impressed in equal measure. They are without a doubt one of the best in the business for classic Ferraris, as the workforce were factory trained and worked on them in the period.

QV are very well respected in the UK Ferrari Owners Club, which says it all. They’re a discerning bunch.

Their invoice tells us that the car was taken down to bare metal and was then beautifully painted in ‘Rossa Corsa’.

This is the point where we point out the small flaws or imperfections, but we are delighted to say we are struggling to find anything to criticise. This is not only a testament to their expertise but also to the careful ownership that the car has enjoyed since.

It is a similar story with the five-spoke alloy wheels. They have also been clearly refurbished to the highest of standards and premium Avon tyres are fitted all round.

If we are to be really picky, the black trim area around the windscreen could be better finished.

And let us not forget that our 308 has the targa roof, itself in good order. This easily removable panel allows alfresco motoring when the weather permits, but with the security of a hard top when conditions are less than favourable. The best of both worlds.

Not content with the Ferrari’s already excellent interior, our seller decided that he favoured a lighter material. He therefore had the seats and door cars retrimmed in the finest tan leather. It’s a classic combination. He spent £4,400 with a specialist, ensuring that the very best job was done. The seats still look as good as new.

The driving position is comfortable, the view down the bonnet spectacular. The leather trimmed steering wheel is a delight to hold and falling readily to hand is the gear lever, nestling in that iconic metal gate.

The front compartment houses a full-size alloy spare wheel, fitted with an older tyre.

Luggage space is shall we say limited, but this is a car for high days and summer jaunts.

We always make sure to include photographs of the underside of all our cars, so you can rest assured that no hidden nasties lurk. We can only spot the merest traces of a little surface rust, nothing that wouldn’t take more than a few hours to deal with and then we would carefully apply some more underseal.

As part of the rebuild, we note that the front and rear suspension was stripped and sent for blasting and powder coating. The Koni dampers were rebuilt.

The chassis, whilst laid bare, was waxoyled before all the suspension components were refitted.

That glorious V8 engine was not overlooked in the restoration. It was stripped and both cylinder heads were sent away to have new guides fitted.

Our seller tells us that it starts on the button, runs smoothly, and pulls like the proverbial train.

A new stainless steel exhaust system was also fitted.

We always like to see plenty of paperwork with any classic car, but this is especially true of something as exotic as a Ferrari.

And as you can see in our picture section, we have a lovely selection which includes a number of MoT certificates and the all-important bill for the 2014 nut and bolt restoration. It makes for reassuring reading.

Being a handy type, our seller has carried out basic maintenance whilst the car has been in his careful ownership.

The handbooks and Ferrari wallet are present and correct and there are two sets of keys.

As an entry to classic Ferrari ownership, the 308 takes some beating. We favour the GTS as the targa roof allows some wind-in-the-hair motoring with none of the downsides.

History and provenance are paramount when investing hard earned cash on any Italian exotica and prospective buyers should be reassured by the 308’s recent history. A full rebuild in 2014, followed by meticulous care and attention from our experienced seller.

The fact that the car is now a TV star, and one piloted by the very talented Vicki Butler-Henderson just adds to the excitement surrounding this car.

Our considered estimate is that it will sell for between £66,000 and £80,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, within government guidelines of course. The car is located with the seller in County Down, Northern Ireland.

Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’