- Less than 19,200 miles from new
- Exceptionally well-preserved, unrestored original car
- Recent comprehensive service work with receipts
- Extensively documented from new
LOT 247
Selling on Saturday
1978 Ferrari 308 GTS
Ferrari's highly successful V-8-engined road cars began with the 308GT4 of 1973. Originally badged as a Dino, the all-new 308GT4 2+2 superseded the preceding Dino V-6. The new car's dramatic wedge-shaped styling by Bertone, rather than the customary Pininfarina, was not well-received universally, but the performance of the mid-engine, dual overhead camshaft, 3-litre V-8 certainly was. The latter's 236-horsepower proved sufficient to propel the 308GT4 to over 150 mph.
Introduced at the Paris Salon in 1975, the stunningly beautiful 308GTB, Ferrari's second V-8-engined road car, marked a return to Pininfarina styling following the Bertone-designed 308GT4. Badged as a 'proper' Ferrari rather than a Dino, the newcomer had changed little mechanically apart from a reduction in both wheelbase and weight, retaining its predecessor's underpinnings and transversely mounted 3-litre quad-cam engine that now featured dry-sump lubrication. In road tune, this superbly engineered power unit produced 255-horsepower, an output good enough to propel the 308GTB to a top speed of 150 mph. Produced initially with glassfiber bodywork - the first time this material had been used for a production Ferrari - the Scaglietti-built 308 used steel after April 1977, while further developments included the introduction of an open-top GTS version with targa-style removable roof, which would become an automotive icon in the wake of the Magnum P.I. television show. An exhilarating driver's car and a Ferrari purist's delight, the 308GTB and its many derivatives proved a huge commercial success for Maranello with over 12,000 sold.
This 308 GTS is known as 'Friendly's Ferrari' because it was purchased new and owned for many years by the legendary collector and founder of Friendly's Ice Cream, Prestley Blake. Blake purchased the car new in Beverly Hills, California at Hollywood Motors (original bill of sale and sales invoice are included) in March of 1979, choosing to pay for the car in full by check. It was equipped from new with just one factory option, which is air-conditioning. After many years of ownership, Blake sold the car in 1994. The current owner acquired the car from the estate of the second and only other owner of this Ferrari.
With less than 19,200 miles on the odometer, this Ferrari 308 GTS is highly original and in a remarkable state of preservation. The Rosso Corsa Red paint finish is believed to be entirely original with no evidence of rust or accident repair, showing a soft patina that is so desirable in a world full of over-restored Ferraris. The interior is in spectacular original condition as well. Recently, this 308 GTS received a major service by the marque experts at Collector Car Services, which totaled nearly $14,000. The Ferrari servicing was started on December 8, 2023, and completed on February 5, 2024. Accompanying the car are the original window sticker, owner's manual, fitted matching luggage, tool roll and jack/spare set. Additionally, original welcome letters, recall notices from Ferrari, and extensive service receipts are included in the sale.
This 308 GTS is a joy to drive, with light and lively steering, just the right amount of power, and excellent ride quality. It is the quintessential Italian sports car, with a glorious V-8 soundtrack and kart-like handling. It is exceedingly rare to see a Ferrari of this vintage in such exceptionally fine original condition - this fact, along with an impressive dossier of paperwork, recent service records, low mileage and documented ownership history make this Ferrari 308 GTS one of the very best of the breed available anywhere.
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