1976 Ferrari 308 GTB Vetroresina

Introduced at the Paris Salon in 1975, the stunningly beautiful 308 GTB, Ferrari's second V8-engined road car, marked a welcome return to Pininfarina styling following the Bertone-designed Dino 308 GT4. Badged as a 'proper' Ferrari rather than a Dino, the newcomer had changed little mechanically apart from a reduction in wheelbase, whilst retaining its predecessor's underpinnings and transversely mounted quad-cam, 3-litre V8, which now featured dry-sump lubrication. In road tune, this superbly engineered power unit produced 255bhp, an output good enough to propel the aerodynamically efficient 308 to a top speed of 150mph (240kph).

Produced initially with fibreglass (Vetroresina) bodywork - the first time this material had been used for a production Ferrari - the Scaglietti-built 308 GTB used steel after April 1977. This change in construction brought with it a considerable weight penalty (around 80kg) and consequently a reduction in performance, as well as increased susceptibility to corrosion. Naturally, anyone wanting to race a 308 GTB started out with the Vetroresina version if they could.

One of just 154 UK-supplied right-hand cars, the detailed history file is supplemented by a 2024 letter from noted Ferrari archivist Tony Willis. The letter confirms that this car was built in June 1976 for the official UK importer, Maranello Concessionaires Ltd, under MCL Order F/046 in Blue Chiaro Metallic 106.A.83, Beige 3218 hide, brown carpets, radio preparation, air-conditioning and ordered for Maranello Concessionaires Far East, but not delivered. The first owner was therefore a Mr. P. M. J. Fahey who took delivery on 15th September 1976. The accompanying delivery note show the air-conditioning and stereo as optional extras, pushing the grand total to £9,938.03. It is understood that the car was repainted and finished in Rossa Corsa in November 1980 and a recent inspection by a Ferrari specialist suggested that the windscreen is original.

The extremely comprehensive maintenance file is a who's-who of main dealer and Ferrari specialists dating back to its early life and the decades that followed, showing no expense spared in this car's upkeep. We did manage a wry smile noting a timing belt change in 1996 cost just over £180, (the parts being £13.50). The engine was given a full top-end rebuild in 2000, at which time it also had Nimonic valves fitted, regarded as an important upgrade. A new alloy header tank and water pump were fitted in 2010 and the car had a cambelt service and full shock absorber refurbishment in 2014 at a cost of over £8,000. In 2014, the paint was given a refresh at a cost of over £9,000 and at the same time all the panel gaps were checked and perfected. The body shop's craftsmanship has stood the test of time and today the car remains in lovely condition. In the most recent keeper's hands, all work was carried out by Shiltech and the vendor tells us that the firm's founder, Geoff Shilton, can vouch for the condition and quality of this car if needed.

In June 2024, SMDG (Ferrari and Maserati Specialists) carried out a full recommissioning that included a fluids service, fuel hoses and belts change, costing £4,200. The car has benefited from a brand new stainless steel exhaust system and shod with the correct tyres. The car’s first MOT certificate was issued in December 1979 at 16,627 miles and the accompanying certificates and period receipts confirm the car’s current mileage of just 36,600.

The enthusiast-led classic car market has always appreciated low production, low-mileage and well documented examples and prices have reflected this. This car offers the twin opportunities of enjoying the car as it is without being too precious about picking up the odd stone chip and with its black engine bay, the car could be returned to its original Blu Chiaro when the owner wishes with relative ease.