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Ferrari 308 GTS 3L V8 1983

General description : 1983 Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole GTS

VIN – ZFFMA13A6D0046965
Exterior Color – Rosso Corsa
Interior Color – Tan Leather
Engine – 2.9 L Quad-Cam V8
Transmission – 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 25,776 miles
Owner Purchase – 2017 with 25,097 miles


With ongoing success in racing, the rapidly growing Ferrari brand, and the challenging loss of Dino Ferrari, it was not easy for Ferrari to change sports car paradigms in 1975. Though the mid-engine Dino had made significant impact in new markets, the next step was a bold move for Ferrari. Amidst the otherwise dull automotive offerings of the period, the Pininfarina designed Ferrari 308 debuted at the 1975 Paris Auto Show to enthusiastic acclaim. Ferrari delivered a refreshing approach via designer Leonardo Fioravanti, who had penned many of Ferrari's most celebrated cars including the Daytona, the Dino, and the Berlinetta Boxer. Within a short period of time, the 308 quickly becoming a fixture of television shows, movies, and advertising posters, while shaping public opinion about what a sports car should look and feel like. Although initially limited to a fixed roof configuration, the GTS arrived in 1977, featuring a rigid removable black roof panel, which could be stowed in a vinyl cover behind the seats.

In 1980, the 308 was updated with fuel-injection which allowed for better emissions yet compromised performance with a loss of power, delivering only 202 hp on US models. Ferrari set about developing a solution to the output challenge in 1982 launching the Quattrovalvole. This four-valve per cylinder engine resulted in 232 hp output without compromising emission requirements for the all-important US market. Exterior body changes were minor, including a new grille sporting rectangular driving lights on each outboard side, a longitudinal hood vent to aid in evacuating warm air, and rectangular front side marker lights. Limited in production, while blending the best of the early series 308 with a more potent engine, the 308 QV has since become more and more sought after by enthusiasts who seek low mile examples that can be driven with confidence while also participating in concours and Ferrari club events.

This multiple award-winning and beautifully preserved Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole GTS was prepared and delivered for US sale to Walnut Creek Ferrari, Walnut Creek CA. According to the purchase invoice included with the car, the first owner took delivery August 28, 1983, including an AM/FM stereo tape unit and car cover. The first owner was meticulous about both his care and service efforts for the car documenting all services as shown in the chronologically sorted three ring binders of service invoice copies retained with the car. Annual services performed by the selling dealer included fluids, belts, etc. through 1989 when the car was stored with 11,606 miles. In 2002 the car was sold to the second owner, a resident of Los Angeles, CA. At the time of purchase, 12,002 miles were indicated. That same year, Prancing Horse in Burlingame, CA performed a 30k mile service including timing belt, new tires, water pump and coolant hoses. In 2006 the third owner, a resident of Sunnyvale, CA purchased the car with 14,626 miles indicated. Both mechanical and light cosmetic work continued with various vendors including The Pit Stop, Brisbane, CA and Coppa Bella, Seaside, CA who performed a major belt service, installed new rear brake calipers, and charged the AC system at 20,787 miles in 2012. In 2016 new tires were installed at 24,520 miles shortly before the current owner purchases the car in 2017.

The current and fourth owner purchased this Ferrari in 2017 with 24,512 miles indicated. Prancing Horse performed a 30k mile service that same year including a new timing belt, valve adjustment, new drive belt, and water pump rebuild. The car continued to pass California emissions tests as accumulating miles were kept to a minimum with annual oil and filter changes and the most recent emissions test with passing results achieved in September 2023.

In addition to the consistent service history and enthusiast care, under the decade of third ownership, this car has been judged and exhibited at numerous Concours events achieving 10 1st place wins, 6 Platinum Awards, attended several Ferrari Club of America events, participated in numerous driving events, and auto show displays including Concorso Italiano, Hillsborough Concours, Danville Concours, Palo Alto Concours, and the 2015 International Ferrari Meet where it won both the Platinum Award for its class and a Platinum Preservation Award. Given these significant credentials, platinum awards, and spectacular original presentation, it would be hard to find another example combining the history of awards, low miles, and Quattrovalvole GTS designation.

Today, showing just 25,776 miles, this beautifully preserved Ferrari presents as a wonderful original example throughout. The original paint is in excellent condition with high luster and great gloss to the Rosso Corsa finish applied at the factory. The factory paint has been confirmed by the 4-7 micron readings achieved when metering the majority of the body surfaces. Under prior ownership, the hood was removed, and a small paint crack repaired, and paint work performed to the frontal area of the hood. The hood and trunk open and shut smoothly, displaying very nice fit with even panel gaps. Doors also open and shut without issue. The black trim remains in excellent condition with no major flaws or notable warpage due to excessive heat exposure.

The removable roof panel and distinctive upper rear spoiler are in excellent condition with no marks or flaws of note. The glass appears to be original and in excellent condition as are the various window gaskets, black trim for the side vents and engine cover. The Ferrari emblems and badges are in excellent condition throughout the car, and the lenses and lighting remarkably as new, further supporting the superb preservation and low mile accumulation this car has enjoyed since new. The car wears a set of correct original 8x16 wheels with contemporary Michelin Pilot Sport 225/50 ZR16 tires.

Inside the car, the tan leather interior has been remarkably preserved benefiting from thoughtful application of protective treatments to maintain the look and feel that only properly preserved original materials can offer. Once seated inside, the seats are comfortable and the leather still soft and supple, with a comfortable feel. The interior finishes are very nicely preserved including the tan covered center console, black dashboard, and door panels. Carpeting is in keeping with the miles shown, with no significant signs of wear. Instruments and steering wheel are in excellent condition with no fading or unusual wear. The removable top removes and attaches easily, stowing in the factory case behind the seats, making for both open and closed cockpit driving without the hassle of a folding convertible top. The trunk compartment is also in excellent condition with original black carpeting, a taut black zipper liner, smoothly opening and closing access to the compartment.

The engine compartment has benefited from timing belt service performed approximately 500 miles ago when all fluids were serviced and changed while the engine was out. The engine and surrounding compartment remain original without significant modifications and excellent finishes to the supporting components reflective of the multiple Platinum Awards this car has received. The matching red intake plenum sits atop the 32-valve V8, boasting the added horsepower offered in the QV configuration. The handsome cast aluminum heads deliver all the visual engagement of a finely preserved Ferrari showing only modest amounts of patina since offered new. Factory finishes and original data plates, coded labels, and warning information items remain in place. The original spare tire mounted to the factory rim sits snugly inside the front tub, which appears in excellent condition showing no cracks or excessive scratches as is often seen in cars with more accumulated miles. The underside of the car is tidy, clean, and reflective of the indicated miles.

The car starts easily, idling smoothly and evenly in part due to the recent service and careful considerations given to the preserved systems. Driving this 308 one is reminded of how much the Quattrovalvole improved power delivery especially when compared to nearly any other 308 in the series. This 308 GTS QV is not only impressive for the power and smooth delivery via fuel injection, but it also delivers a well-balanced chassis, via improved suspension, 16” wheels, and of course open coachwork without compromising structural rigidity. Power comes on strong especially in the higher rev range and shifting is very comfortable via the 5-speed gated shifter and tall clutch pedal. Braking is quite good even when coming down from high speeds. Most impressively, the 32-valve engine delivers expressive power and great range without the fussiness often presented with carbureted cars.

The car is accompanied by a factory tool roll, tools, jack and case, owner’s embroidered fabric and leather folio with manual and service booklet, and two binders with service information, original California pink slip, original window sticker, original purchase invoice, numerous service records from current and prior owners, and car show event placards all sorted chronologically in the two binders.

Ready to offer the next fortunate enthusiast an enjoyable ownership experience of power and performance, this desirable and very original Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole GTS has benefited from thoughtful preservation and consummate care throughout its coveted life. Celebrated with multiple Platinum Awards from Ferrari expert judges, the combined Pininfarina design and Quattrovalvole driving experience is beautifully represented in this exceptional original 308.

1983 Ferrari 308 GTS 3L V8 is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in California by Fantasy Junction for Not priced.

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