1978 Ferrari 308 GTS

This particular 308 GTS is a 1978-registered, Italian-delivered example with the aforementioned steel body construction and wet-sump engine setup, with carburettors rather than the later fuel-injection system.

Delivered new to its first owner in Italy, this example was subsequently imported into France during 2013, and came into the custodianship of our vendors in 2016, only the third keeper of the vehicle throughout its lifetime.

A fantastic matching-numbers example (with documentation to back this up) this 308 has also been kept garaged whilst in both the current and previous ownership in France, and has been used sparingly for various road rallies and events, with the vendor stating that they were always mindful of treating the car correctly during warm-up and cool-down periods.

Resplendent in the classic shade of Rosso Corsa, this 308 GTS is every inch the classic Ferrari poster car.

The steel bodywork on this example is in fantastic condition throughout, and has evidently been cherished by all three of its European-based owners. There is some light marks and wear visible - as expected from a car of this age and mileage - but certainly nothing that stands out, and no signs of any impact damage that we can see, nor that we’ve been alerted to.

Looking closer, there are some more prominent marks on the nearside headlight surround which are visible when popped-up, along with some typical marks to the exposed areas such as the door catches, side intakes and lower trims, but this is all commensurate and in keeping with the vehicle’s condition.

All four wheels are in excellent shape, with no kerb rash or major marks.

Black leather with red carpets are another timeless choice, and one which certainly suits the overall feel of the 308 GTS very well indeed.

The cabin of this classic Italian wedge presents in good order, but shows clear signs of having been used and enjoyed throughout its life - as all cars should be!

The seats, for example, are free from any rips or tears, though there is plenty of wear and creasing visible, particularly on both headrests, the driver’s outer bolster and the base of the drivers seat, which is starting to show signs of the foams collapsing.

The switchgear is reportedly all in fully functional condition, and the surfaces of the various switches, toggles and polished details inside this 308 wear a lovely light patina that further reinforces the idea that this is an example that has been used and enjoyed, rather than sat in a garage for most of its life gathering dust.

High-traffic areas such as the door cards, shifter and inner sills show some typical wear marks such as scuffs and scrapes, whilst the dashboard is in very good condition with no cracking or sun damage, though there is some wear around the instrument binnacle.

According to our vendor, there are no faults with any of the interior systems, though a new stereo unit will need to be sourced and fitted by the next owner, should they wish to do so.

As far as we can see, the 3.0-litre, naturally aspirated V8 engine that sits in the mid-mounted bay of this 308 is in good order, with only the usual smattering of general grime that comes from being used and enjoyed, and no sign of any oil or fluid leaks that we can see.

Underneath, the chassis is in a similar condition, showing typical usage wear but nothing that looks untoward to us, nor any signs of untoward corrosion or structural issues that would set any alarm bells ringing.

According to our vendor, the car is in excellent mechanical health, with no reported issues, strange behaviours or noises.

In recent months, the car has had new rear brake pads, and a major service by a leading Ferrari dealer - more on that in a moment.

Included with the car are several invoices from various specialists and main Ferrari dealers, including a recent major service at Charles Pozzi Ferrari of Le Mans, showing an extensive service with fluid and filter changes, new wheel bearings, joints, radiator supports, coolant expansion tank and other work, at a cost of €6,385.80.

In 2015, the car also received significant attention from Charles Pozzi Ferrari, including new compressor/water pump belts, new distributor belts and tensioners, an oil, fluid and filter change, and a general tune-up, costing €3,478.83.

Alongside this, there are also invoices for numerous miscellaneous parts, kits and trim pieces from both the UK and EU, with various minor details being attended to over the years by both the current and previous owner.

V8-powered, naturally-aspirated, wedge-shaped Ferraris will forever be cool, and are true ‘poster cars’ for numerous generations of automotive enthusiasts and drivers.

This 1978-registered, Italian-delivered Ferrari 308 GTS is one such car, presented in very good - but used and enjoyed - condition throughout, and benefits from low ownership and extensive recent expenditure at a leading Ferrari dealership.

An EU-delivered, carburettor-fed example, we imagine this 308 GTS will whet the appetite of drivers, collectors and enthusiasts alike, and estimate a value of €80,000 - €90,000 when the hammer falls.

Go on, you know you want to! As the French say, bon chance!

Inspection is always encouraged, with this particular car located in Paris, France. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.