Description
The 308 GTB is a true classic Ferrari, which replaced its predecessor, the 246 Dino. More than 12, 000 units of the 308 GTB, designed by Pininfarina, were produced. From 1975 to 1977, 800 units were built with a polyester body , but after that the 308 was produced only with a steel body.
In addition, only the European version was supplied with a dry-sump engine, an eight-cylinder engine, with a cylinder capacity of 2926cc for 250 hp.
‘Collection by Vermant’ is delighted to present you this Ferrari 308 GTS. This GTS is an early steel body example that was first delivered in the US in February of 1978. Being a carburetted example, this GTS is the most desirable configuration of the steel body 308’s. In 2016 the car came into the hands of the last owner, a Dutch gentleman. He set out on restoring the car to as new condition with the aim on adding the car to his personal collection. After restoring the car for 5 years, it was finally finished in 2021. After finishing the restoration, the owner drove the car only a few times and came to the conclusion that he likes restoring the cars much more than driving them. Hence a new project was sourced and he subsequently sold the car to us.
During the restoration, the owner didn’t leave a single bolt untouched in his quest to make this 308 perfect. The bodywork was sanded back to bare metal and repainted in the period correct Colour of Blue Sera. This was originally available on the 308 and makes it stand out compared to the majority of 308’s that are finished in Rosso Corsa. Not only the body was completely repainted, but all the black trim parts were refinished in their correct shade of satin Black. To make the car more appealing, the previous owner removed the bulky US side markers and converted the car to EU spec. This really gives the car a more sleek and sophisticated look and is the more preferred look for a 308 by many enthusiasts. Not only the exterior was overhauled, but the interior received the same intricate treatment. The original leather on the seats had deteriorated to a point were they where no longer salvageable and thus the decision was taken to replace the complete upholstery of the seats and door cards with a beautiful Cognac coloured Nappa Leather. The complete carpet of the car has also been replaced with a correct new beige piece to complement the cognac seats. To aid in the usability, the interior was treated with sound absorbing mats to make the driving experience on long drives more pleasant for the occupants. The dashboard and subsequent armrests are amazingly still original and are in excellent condition.
Where the visual aspect of a car is important, the mechanical aspect is equally as important. The complete drive train of this 308 was dismantled. This allowed for the underside of this car to be refinished in black. Every single suspension and drive train component was sandblasted to remove every last piece of rust, if present. It was subsequently threated to a new coat of 2K paint. During the refitting of the parts, every single bush, rubber and bearing was replaced to make this 308 like new again or possibly even better. Before the overhaul the engine appeared to be in good condition, but under our ownership it was decided to completely overhaul the engine, carburettors and cylinder heads to bring the engine to the same condition as the rest of the car and make the car ready for many more years and miles to come. During the rebuild, all seals, bearings and worn parts were replaced with OEM parts to make the engine as good as new.
The complete restoration list can be found below:
- Correct and original 14" wheels completely refurbished and shod with new Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres in size 205/ 70VR14
- New and correct wing mirrors fitted
- New windscreen fitted
- New bumpers fitted
- Front and rear suspension completely dismantled: all rubbers, bushes, bearings, etc removed; components sandblasted and refinished in two-pack paint
- New suspension bushes, rubbers and bearings fitted
- Complete overhaul of the entire braking system: brake calipers overhauled and new discs fitted
- Shock absorbers overhauled
- Major service including changing belts
- Underside completely repainted in black
- New front cover/ protective plate fitted
- New exhaust of the Vetroresina type installed, including the correct rear panel
- Completely new high-quality leather interior, custom-made with greatest care taken to reproduce the correct pattern and colour
- Entire interior insulated with sound-absorbing material
- Most rubbers replaced, including those for the windows
- Complete overhaul of the carburettors
- Complete overhaul of the engine and cilinder heads
The car currently comes with the following documents:
- Dutch registration documents
- Leather Ferrari document pouch
- Service manual
- Restoration book
This early 308 is the perfect opportunity to buy a completely restored 308 GTS in one of the most beautiful colour combinations possible.
