1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi

The 308GTB, launched at the Paris Motor Show in 1975, was conceived as a direct replacement for the 246 Dino and was built alongside the 308GT4. Designed by Leonardo Fioravanti, the man who styled some of the most iconic Ferraris including the Daytona, the new 308 had a rakish and attractive body which fused classic elements of Ferrari styling with a thoroughly modern design. For the first two years of production, the body of the 308 was produced in fibreglass, before the decision was reached to change to steel. It shared a similar tube frame chassis to the original Dino and 308GT4, with four-wheel double wishbone independent suspension. The Targa topped 308 GTS arrived in 1977 and was perhaps best known for its regular appearances on the television series "Magnum, P.I'. Although Ferrari had used fuel injection in a number of his single-seater and sports racing cars, it had been considered too complex for use with road cars, however, as time went by, the technology improved until in 1979 fuel injection was introduced on the 400GT. Perhaps the ousting of Weber artistry was inevitable not only from an engine development point of view but also to help in meeting the increased demands of the legislators in a number of export markets. Whatever the reasons, it became Ferrari policy to introduce fuel injection on all production models, and for the 308 Ferrari chose to stay with the Bosch K-Jetronic system. It was available on the US specification 308s around the middle of 1980, but not until some months later on cars destined for Europe. Along with the introduction of fuel injection, there was a switch to Marelli-Digiplex electronic ignition and the gearbox was modified. Outwardly, there was little to distinguish these cars from those that have gone before. The 'I' on the back denotes the use of injection as do the twin tailpipes either side of the silencer box, but this was not infallible as twin exhausts had also been used as a high-performance option on earlier cars.

Finished in the classic colour scheme of Rosso Corsa with a Tan leather interior, this 1981 left-hand drive, 3-litre, 308GTSi has the desirable combination of fuel injection and the 'Targa' roof. It was purchased to add to a personal collection and sourced from a respectable classic car company in California. The car had been in storage and was regarded as a very sound and standard car, and having spent its days in a 'Dry State' it's in very good original condition with decent paintwork. The only thing that needed attention was the bottom of the doors and these have now been professionally repaired. Since its arrival here it has been recommissioned by Keys Motorsport at Silverstone (Ferrari specialist) and the following was done; Cambelt service and tensioners, water pump gasket, gearbox oil changed, front and rear pads changed, new battery, reconditioned steering rack, new ducting to exhaust shroud, exchange starter motor, fuel pump and new pipes. The total cost was £3,219 and the car now drives very well.

The car comes with a Ferrari service pouch containing the original owners manual and new service book which has been stamped by Keys Motorsport who undertook the mechanical work. There is also a file with some recent and some older bills detailing work carried out on the car, and its original Californian Certificate of Title.

As is often the case with classic cars, 30 years of hindsight has a habit of clarifying the picture and, as with other Marques, the earlier models have become the most desirable. In the case of the 308, the succeeding 328, 348 and 355 became more sophisticated and better equipped but also heavier and more complex and, in the end, it's the 308 that retains the essential purity of Fioravanti's original concept.

This is a very pretty little 308, sound and eminently usable, and a great way into Ferrari ownership.