1977 FERRARI 308 GTB COUPE

1977 FERRARI 308 GTB COUPE
Sold for US$ 115,500 Including Commission
Bonhams Auction, Amelia Island, FL. 2015
2014 Cavalino Platinum award winning
Chassis no. 23031
Engine no. 23031
2,926cc DOHC V8 Engine
4 Weber Carburetors
240bhp at 6,600rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Single ownership for more than 35 years
*US-delivery model in its original Rosso Chiaro paint
*Low-mileage, carefully preserved original example
*Desirable early production 308GTB
*Offered with original books and tools
THE 308 GTB
The 308 GTB was the first model in Ferrari's long and popular line of mid-engine V8 sports cars, continuing through the current 458 Italia. The 308 was introduced in 1975 at the Paris Auto Salon as a replacement to the Dino 246 and marked a shift in Ferrari's production from low volume models and coachbuilt cars to models with much wider market appeal. Their striking looks, good performance, and relative affordability made the 308 an outstanding success, with 12,004 examples sold over its 10-year production run. The 308 quickly became an icon, partly because of a 308 GTS that was the car of choice on a popular TV show, Magnum, P.I, a choice that inextricably linked the 308 to 1970s and '80s popular culture.
For the body of this new line of V8 sports cars, Ferrari employed Pininfarina to design a new, contemporary coupe that followed Ferrari's new design language introduced with the 365BB in 1974. Leonardo Fioravanti, who had also designed the Dino and Daytona, created this new aesthetic of muscular curves and hard lines that defined Ferraris for the next two decades. Scaglietti originally produced these bodies in fiberglass, however production was switched to steel after just 712 examples. Like the Dino 246 GT, the engine is mounted transversely above the rear axle, offering quick and agile handling and excellent weight distribution. The DOHC dry-sump V8 provides a performance advantage over the Dino and produces the unmistakable sound of a Ferrari V8. The tube-frame chassis features independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, with power transferred to the rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission controlled through Ferrari's iconic gated-shifter.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This 308 GTB, chassis 23031, was delivered to its original owner in 1977, who remained the custodian of car until 2013. Being a US-market model, 23031 features the emission control and safety systems required from the era. After leaving its original owner of 36 years, this 308 underwent comprehensive servicing and refreshing in preparation for the 2014 Cavallino Classic in Palm Beach, Florida. Along with mechanical servicing, the Cromadora wheels were repainted, the seats were recovered and the carpet was replaced, as well as other enhancements that ultimately led this car to win the coveted Platinum trophy at the Cavallino Classic – an award reserved for Ferraris scoring at least 95 points. The car is presented in remarkable condition with under 40,000 original miles and still retains its original Rosso Chiaro paint. This example comes complete with all of the original books, the original tool kit, jack, emergency light and original Ferrari keychain. Along with these important accessories, a file detailing every service since 1990 is included, with all services carried out by the same certified Ferrari mechanic in Fort Lauderdale for 24 years.
This 308 GTB is an incredible Platinum-award winning example presented in its original color combination with many period-correct accessories and details. This car presents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the best examples of the iconic 308.
Robert Myrick Photography