1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi LHD

October 1975 saw the debut of the most successful shape ever to wear the Cavallino Rampante emblem. Over 20,000 examples of all engine types and sizes were produced from 1975-1989. Pininfarina designed the two seater Berlinetta using the engine (now dry sump) and running gear from the 308 GT4 2+2. This new car was made on a traditional steel tube chassis but its beautiful body was firstly manufactured in GRP then after two years Scagaletti started making GTBs in steel. The 3 litre four cam V8 was more or less unchanged until March 1981 when Bosch fuel injection was added in place of the 4 double choke Webers, although the final drive was altered on these cars to give similar acceleration to a carburetter car. Irrespective of the model the 308 has to go down as one of Ferrari's all-time greatest road cars and prices are most definitely on the rise.

We are informed by the vendor that this particular 308 GTS/i was supplied new by The Sports Car Exchange of Dearborn, Michigan on the 15th of July 1982 to a Mr Clifford Robinson for $56000 who subsequently owned this car for the next 20 years and formed part of a private collection hence the very low mileage. With only 2 further keepers, the last being the President of the Ferrari Owners Club Houston Texas (who owned the car for six years), this particular car has led a much pampered existence, and it shows. Finished externally in Black there is a deep mirror like finish throughout, all panel gaps are reported to be consistent throughout and sets the car off beautifully.

It's the sharpness of detail that really impresses, the pedal rubbers are unworn, the steering wheel isn't shiny, the dashboard and both seats are virtually unmarked and the red leather is in superb order throughout. The centre console is complete with a bank of classic chrome levers and flick switches are reported to work perfectly. The window rubbers retain their original finish, even the original tool kit is complete, the original spare tyre has never been used and the jack looks never to have been touched.

The engine bay is reported to be like new with coolant and oil to level and clean; it fires instantly from cold with no smoke and soon settles to an even tick over. The vendor informs us that the driving experience on this particular car is sublime. The time honored clunk clunk of metal to metal gear lever and H gate merely add to the occasion, we are informed by the vendor that SVR 416W has just been the subject of a major service including the all important cambelts, and as such is ready to be driven without any concerns or worries whatsoever.

With a warranted mileage of just 15,660, 2 sets of keys, original owners wallet with all handbooks and documentation including service book and a new MOT certificate, it's the 308 that now offers the best value entry into full fat Ferrari ownership experience. The 308 is an old school charmer, the induction noise of which makes pulling away in first gear an occasion. This has to be one of the best 308s on offer anywhere in the world right now with its warranted low mileage, original condition and provenance. If you've always fancied one, we wouldn't hang around.