Advertise for Free
Advertise for Free
Home Cars Motorcycles Spare Parts Readers' Stories
  • Click here to enlarge
  • Click here to enlarge
  • Click here to enlarge
  • Click here to enlarge
  • Click here to enlarge
  • Click here to enlarge
  • Click here to enlarge
  • Click here to enlarge
  • Click here to enlarge
  • Click here to enlarge
  • Click here to enlarge
  • Click here to enlarge
  • Click here to enlarge
  • Click here to enlarge
  • Click here to enlarge
Tell your friend

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.

 

Car Facts

Car type : Car Make : Ferrari Model : 308 GTS Model Version : 3L V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1983 Location : Emeryville Vehicle Registration : Normal

Not priced

Seller Information

Fantasy Junction

Fantasy Junction
+1 510 653 7555

ClassicDigest Market Radar on Ferrari 308 GTS

$ £ €

People who viewed this Ferrari 308 GTS also viewed similar Ferrari listed at ClassicDigest

Ferrari 308 GTS 1985
Ferrari 308 GTS
69800 €
Wehntalerstrasse 25 CH-8165 Oberweningen, Switzerland
Ferrari 308 GTS 1981
Ferrari 308 GTS
Emeryville
Ferrari 308 GTS 1978
Ferrari 308 GTS
Ashford Kent
Ferrari 308 GTS 1980
Ferrari 308 GTS
99500 €
Hainholzweg 1 Germany 21376 Gödenstorf-Lübberstedt
Ferrari 308 GTS 1982
Ferrari 308 GTS
59950 $
4576 1/2 Worth St. Los Angeles, CA 90063

Other cars listed for sale by this dealer

Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto 1967
Alfa Romeo Spider Duetto
Emeryville
Honda S2000 2000
Honda S2000
Emeryville
Ford Pick Up 1935
Ford Pick Up
Emeryville
Ford De Luxe 1934
Ford De Luxe
Emeryville
Mercedes-Benz 190SL 1960
Mercedes-Benz 190SL
Emeryville
More
About Ferrari
The first Ferrari road car was the 125 S introduced in 1947 and powered by a 1.5 L V12 engine, right?
Well it's not quite that simple, Ferrari did in fact produce e Tipo 815, in 1940. Tipo 815 was designed by ex-Alfa Romeo engineers Alberto Massimino and Vittorio Bellentani and by Enrico Nardi under Enzo's company but legal issues with the former associate Alfa Romeo prevented Ferrari from launching the Ferrari marque at that point.

Enzo did produce a series of fine road cars in the 50's and 60's but they were merely to finance his true passion racing, wheather GT/Sports car or Grand Prix. The 50's saw the birth of Ferrari's most memorable cars, 250 GTB (tour de France) 250 Testa Rossa, 250 GT swb just to name a few.

Under the surface tension was growing though. In November 1961 long-time sales manager Girolamo Gardini made an ultimatum to Enzo: if tensions continued, he would leave the company. As a result, Gardini was ousted, as well as Scuderia Ferrari manager Romolo Tavoni, chief engineer Carlo Chiti, experimental sports car development chief Giotto Bizzarrini, and a number of others who stood by them.
Without Chiti and Bizzarrini the development of what was to become the most quintessential Ferrari and today the world's most expensive car, 250 GTO, was at a pivoting point. 250 GTO project was saved by a young engineer Mauro Forghieri and long-time racing bodyman Sergio Scaglietti who stepped in and took over the program with known results.

In addition to 250 GTO, Ferrari launced such master pieces as 250 LM, 250P, 275 GTB, 365 GTB/4 "Daytona" during the the 60's
By the late 60's Ferrari's prototypes' success came to a sudden halt by a new competitor, GT40. Ford turned to Lola to produce a Ferrari beating long distance racer after Enzo had cut the deal off with Henry Ford II making the latter absolutely boil with fury. The collaboration between Ford and Lola created the mighty Ford GT40 that gave Ferrari some heavy hits in Le Mans 24 to come.
By the end of the 60's FIAT purchased 50% of the company, starting a development that has led to a new mass-produced era of Ferraris.

Whether you are selling or looking for a classic Ferrari www.classicdigest.com is the place to check out.
Sf Close