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Ferrari 308 GTS 2.9L V8 1981

General description : 1982 Ferrari 308 GTSi (auction ends Friday September 29th)

VIN – ZFFAA02A3B0037197
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Tan
Engine – 2.9 Liter quad cam V8
Transmission – 5-Speed Manual
Current Miles – 42,431 miles
Current Owner – Purchased in 1990
Current Owner Miles – Approx. 14,000 miles

General Overview

In 1975 Ferrari debuted the Pininfarina designed Ferrari 308. Pininfarina designer Leonardo Fioravanti, credited with the design of the Daytona, the Dino, and Berlinetta Boxer captured a crisp and fresh profile with the 308. As a replacement for the 246, the 308 became an important market maker for Ferrari. Literally dominating North American sales making the 308 one of the most popular model Ferraris.

Mechanically, the 308 featured the same layout of the GT4 with a transverse quad-cam V8, initially with carburetion and, by 1980, offered with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection. Although initially limited to a fixed roof configuration, the GTS arrived in 1977, featuring a removable satin black roof panel, which could be stowed in a vinyl cover behind the seats when not in use. Through a decade of production iterations, the 308 introduced Ferrari to a new generation of buyers while affirming the validity of mid-engine design, a platform which continues in modern Ferrari production today. The 308 GTB Registry in conjunction with the Ferrari Owners Club website states that 1,743 308 GTSi models were built between 1980-1983.

History and Build Details

This Ferrari was assembled at the factory in May 1981, finding ownership with the current California owner in 1990 when the odometer indicated approximately 27,000 miles. Purchased in Redwood City, CA and remaining in Northern California for the ensuing 26 years, shortly after purchase, the current owner had the car extensively serviced including the installation of a new clutch, radiator work, heads machined, new valves, new valve guides, three new connecting rods, a new high-performance sump, a new clutch cable, new throttle cable, and a new oil pan. Notes accompanying the car include handwritten careful measurements for the valve settings, dimensions for the crank mains and rods, and receipts for parts and precision machining. After the engine work was completed, the owner enjoyed the car for about five years, had the car professionally resprayed for cosmetic improvement, and replaced the TRX metric wheels and tires with a set of BBS gold mesh wheels and standard size tires. In 1997, the owner stored the car on a lift in his personal garage where it remained until mid 2023. In preparation for consignment, Ferrari experts Patrick Ottis Company flushed the cooling system and replaced the thermostat switch and seal ring. Additionally, a major belt service has been performed by Prancing Horse ($10,000) which includes new cam seals, belts, tensioner bearings, gaskets, and valve adjustment. While this service was performed, the brakes and suspension were checked, new front brake hoses installed, all coolant hoses replaced, a thermostat and new water pump installed, and a new rotor installed. Additional work on this invoice included a new Bosch fuel pump, updated fuel hose from pump to accumulator, and new cross over hoses from the fuel tank. Also, in preparation for sale, a new set of Kumho Ecsta 205/55 ZR16 front 225/50 ZR16 rear tires (dated 2022) have been installed, and a new battery (3/2023) also installed.Condition Overview

Today this nicely preserved, driver quality 308 GTSi presents in vivid Ferrari red trimmed with tan leather interior and black removable roof. Assembled May 1981, it is one of just 1,743 produced before the 308 Quattrovalvole arrived in the following year. The red paint is glossy and smooth with excellent coverage and consistent presentation. The underside of the front air dam has minor bottom edge marks. The black bumpers are in very good condition, the headlights open and shut smoothly, and the distinctive body-colored louvers behind the headlight panels are in excellent condition. All glass appears preserved with no major marks or cracks, etched with the correct original logos. The satin black trim pieces have been properly preserved including the black louvered sections on the engine lid and louvered sail panels.

Body panel fit throughout is consistent with production fitting and closure for all opening features and offers crisp latching. The hood and deck lid open and close with ease, though the engine lid shocks will need to be replaced. The lower portion of the driver’s door sits slightly proud of the body surface and there are minor outward indentations visible in the rear quarter panel, possibly from items that were stored in the trunk. All opening contact surfaces retain very nice rubber surrounds showing only minor material compression and little to no dryness or cracking, due to long-term indoor storage and California ownership. Lenses and emblems are in excellent condition, also appearing original to the car. The BBS wheels are showing signs of age to the gold webbing, but the polished aluminum rims are free from curb rash. The original wheels with TRX tires are included as spares.

Inside the cabin, the inviting tan interior conveys a simple, elegant reflection of performance from this era. The well-maintained interior features preserved original finishes with modest age and wear. The driver’s seat has worn on the left side seatback bolster and cracking to the leather is evident but is otherwise serviceable. The passenger seat, preserved by infrequent use, presents quite well. Nested inside the dashboard binnacle, the instrument dial faces have good color and contrast, and the 5-speed manual shifter, switches, and other dashboard elements are in very good condition. The dash and padding, steering wheel, and cabin vents are all preserved and remain in generally good condition, including the optional AC ventilation controls which activate the blower, though not supplying conditioned air. The carpet and console leather are in very good condition and the headliner shows signs of age, though once again, suitable for a driver level Ferrari. The textured black roof is easily stowed behind the seats in the factory original black cover. Fit for the roof panel remains tight when installed with no significant flaws to the rubber seals and easy to use latches.

The fuel injected V8 engine remains preserved and authentic to the indicated miles. Finishes remain factory specified, with signs of age earned by modest use, consistent for enjoyable driving. An aftermarket exhaust system has been fitted to the car and the emissions control lines and pump have been removed. The rear storage zippered compartment zips shut, creating a taut blanket with no sagging across the closure lined inside with factory black carpet. The front storage area features a full-size wheel and TRX tire. The surrounding molded black cargo tub is in excellent original condition. The undercarriage has not been detailed but reveals finishes validating the miles and 25 years of indoor storage.

The car starts and runs quite well having benefited from the recent Prancing Horse $10k belt service. Progressive acceleration is delightful especially when engaging the 5-speed manual transmission in more spirited driving. The fuel-injection allows cold and warm starts and none of the fussiness often found in earlier carbureted cars. For enjoyable touring or cruising mild mountain roads, this GTSi offers one of the most pleasurable and balanced driving experiences of this era.

Included with the car

This Ferrari is accompanied by the original four wheels and original type TRX tires, the original muffler cluster, exhaust down pipe, a smog pump, emissions hoses and lines, a set of Ferrari branded floor mats, two sets of keys, a car cover, two cases of motor oil, a 308 GTBi owner’s manual, two Ferrari Owner’s Club magazines, a 308 GT4 workshop manual, tools and tool roll, and a set of four Ferrari wheel center emblems retained in the original plastic bags.

Please note this example is titled and currently registered in California, however, the exhaust and emissions control equipment have been removed and as such this car is only offered for sale to a licensed California dealer or non-California residents.

1981 Ferrari 308 GTS 2.9L V8 is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in California by Fantasy Junction for Not priced.

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