Description
1978 Ferrari 308 GTS
Keys motorsport are pleased to present this beautiful example of a carburated 308 GTS, 41, 000 miles from new, rosso rubino over tan with black inserts.
This is a car we have known for around 10 years, having owned it previously and sold it to its current owner 4. 5 years ago. The car was imported from California in 2015 by a good customer of ours, an avid collector with a keen eye for an exceptional condition Ferrari.
Having lived all its life from 1978 to 2015 in the dry climate of California, the car has survived in remarkable condition in all aspects. It’s no secret that 70s Ferraris can suffer from rust issues so to find one as original and clean as this with a documented history from new made it a worthy candidate to import into the UK.
The car is finished in its original and very desirable colour scheme of rosso rubino over tan with black inserts.
The car has benefitted from constant and meticulous maintenance throughout its life both in the USA and the UK. Upon arrival into the UK the car benefitted from a very comprehensive service along with the replacement of any and all perishable pipes. It then enjoyed sympathetic use and careful storage. In 2020 we sold it to its current owner who has invested considerably in the car to ensure it is as good as it can be. During his tenure the car has been the beneficiary of a full suspension and brake overhaul, all bushes, bearings, dampers, springs, steering rack and track rod ends, brake discs, pads and lines have been replaced and all wishbones, anti roll bars etc have been powder coated along with all of the original fixtures being re-plated. The result is a car that rides and handles perfectly. The car has proven itself to be very reliable having completed a successful trip from the UK to Portugal and back.
The car has correct Michelin XWX tyres all round (2020) and the original wheels are in immaculate condition.
The bodywork is in excellent condition with no noteworthy blemishes, the car has a remarkably honest and original charm to it that is easily lost with a restored example.
The interior is largely all original, the seats have had some refurbishment work in recent years which has been done to an exceptional standard. The carpets, dash, door cards, roof lining, switch gear, stereo etc is all original and in excellent condition. Every thing on the car works exactly as it should, great care has been taken to ensure this car not only looks good but actually functions as a car that can be reliably used and enjoyed. The air conditioning works surprisingly well, the A/ C condenser is recently new and the system has been converted to R 134.
The engine performs exactly as it should, when the car first arrived into the UK we carried out alterations to the exhaust system, timing and jetting to allow the car to breath properly and perform like its less suffocated European equivalent. This has resulted in a beautifully performing 308. The car runs perfectly and is fully up to date on servicing having received cam belts and a major service less than a year ago. The car starts easily from hot or cold and displays strong oil pressure, it pulls cleanly throughout the rev range and sounds wonderful in the process.
The 5 speed manual gearbox is a joy to use with no issues evident. Each gear can be easily selected (even second!) and the clutch has a nice feel and biting point.
The brakes work very well including the hand brake thanks to recently new discs, pads, brake lines etc. the master cylinder is also recently new.
As mentioned above, the car has had a full suspension overhaul and set up.
The car is complete with its original spare wheel, tool kit and an exhaustive history spanning its entire life. Over £20, 000 has been invested in the car in the last 5 years alone. This is far from the usual 308 and is easily amongst the most sorted examples we maintain.
Please call Tom for more information.
