1976 Ferrari 308 GTB Vetroresina (Classiche)

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.

Should all Ferraris be red? Take a look at this GTB Vetroresina and we suggest that your opinion may well change. This striking, fibreglass-bodied 308GTB was produced by Ferrari SpA, Maranello in September 1976 for the UK-market importer, Maranello Concessionaires Ltd, and their dealer, Maltin Car Concessionaires in Henley-on-Thames. Ordered from new in Verde Medio Metallizzato (106-G-29) with a tan interior (VM846), it was UK-registered as WJO 125R and collected from the showroom on 2nd November 1976 by its first owner, a Mr F D Bailey, who must have felt a huge sense of relief, having ordered the car's colour from a batch of Ferrari colour swatches, and put up with lots of well-meaning advice from friends who doubted his sanity, to find that when it arrived, it was absolutely stunning, with his friend's faces now matching the colour of the car.

It's been the subject of a recent, professional, no expense spared, full-body refurbishment and interior retrim by Leather Care in Warrington, all completed to the very highest of standards. This is a rare car, confirmed to be matching numbers and one of just two examples in right-hand drive to have left the factory in this colour and the only one with a tan interior. We understand that only 11 GTBs were finished in this colour worldwide. Not only is this 308 GTB presented with a rare and desirable toolkit, jack kit and brocade document wallet, but it has also just benefitted from a recent and comprehensive mechanical overhaul including a full belt change and is ready to be enjoyed as intended once again. It should also be noted that Classiche Certification was issued in 2007, meaning that this Vetroresina has to be a must-have for any vibrant and serious Ferrari collector, with your early inspection being welcomed and encouraged to fully appreciate the rare opportunity on offer here.