1978 Ferrari 308 GTS

The Pininfarina-styled 308 GTB was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1975, as a parallel model to the Bertone-shaped Dino 308 GT4 and a replacement for the sensuous Dino 246. It was designed by Leonardo Fioravanti and the early cars were made of lightweight fibreglass and powered by a 255bhp(in Europe), V8 running on carburettors. The Targa topped 308 GTS arrived in 1977 and was perhaps best known for its regular appearances on the television series "Magnum, P.I'. Properly maintained 308s are now highly sought-after and the model is enjoying a well-deserved and dramatic rise in popularity.This remarkable 308GTS was supplied new in September 1978 to its first proud owner, Msr L.Jagger, from Trinty in North Jersey. Perhaps the Ferrari was not comfortable in the narrow streets and short roads of Bouley Bay, but it quickly reappeared in England and there is a Bill of Sale dated 12/03/1979 for £17,000 in the file indicating that the next owners were in Blandford in Dorset. The car was subsequently first registered here on 16.03.1979.This Ferrari has been owned for eleven years by our vendor who is a remarkable man. He has been involved in classic car renovation for over fifty years and his name is synonymous with high-quality work. For example, he is currently building a 'flat-floor' E-Type completely from scratch, not a restoration but every piece formed by him from sheet metal. He has always been very fond of this little 308 and has been meticulous with its care. We understand that at one point he even kept it in his front room!The astonishing condition of this Ferrari can be seen in the accompanying photographs and our consignor described it as one of the most beautiful he has ever seen. The owner describes the car as “Very well looked after. Really tight to drive, handles well and shockers good. Lovely to drive” He tells us that “All the suspension has been reconditioned, bead blasted, and painted. Brakes have been completely overhauled with new brake lines where necessary. Body wise, I have opened up the pinch weld along both sills, bead blasted inside and out, and painted inside, then re-welded together correctly with a spot welder and repainted in colour. Also, any signs of rust were treated the same way keeping the car completely original with the same sills as it came out of the factory.”The 308 is accompanied by a Ferrari car cover and an interesting history file containing lots of old MOTs, stamped service records etc. showing the car's early service with main dealers, but whilst in his ownership, he has carried out the annual services and belt changes himself. Why wouldn't you if you had the tools, expertise and knowledge, and it was your pride and joy? A note to this effect will be included in the sale for the new owner's peace of mind. With the current indicated mileage at 67,808, prior to the sale, the car will have a full oil and belt service, and a new set of brake pads.We are in danger of running out of superlatives here, so please feel free to come along and closely inspect this sparkling 308 GTS.