12K-Mile 1979 Ferrari 308 GTB ($149,000)

By Cooper Classic Cars

May 5, 2017

Photography by Cooper Naitove

Written by Andrew Golseth

Location: New York, New York
Chassis: F106AB30477
Engine: 3.0-Liter V8
Transmission: Five-Speed Manual
Mileage: 11,542 Miles
Color: Rosso Corsa | Black Leather
Production Run: 2,185 308 GTBs (steel-bodied)
Certificates: Ferrari Classiche Certified

PRICE: $165,000

THE END OF AN ERA: PININFARINA DESIGNED, MID-ENGINE, AND CARBURETED

Ferrari unveiled the Ferrari 308 GTB at the 1975 Paris Auto Show, and it’s mix of swooping curvaceous creases and the era’s wedge-shape obsession proved to be yet another Pininfarina design hit. Offered as a more exotic option of the concurrently produced Bertone-bodied Dino 308 GT4, the 308 GTB was based on the same tube frame but with a shorter wheelbase.

Originally, the bodywork was built from glass-reinforced-plastic (GRP) by the coachbuilders at Scaglietti, but from 1977 onward, the body was constructed from traditional steel. Although Ferrari later offered a Targa option, the GTB (fixed roof) was only built from 1975 to 1980, making the early fixed-roof GTB models highly sought after.

THE CAR

This 1979 Ferrari 308 GTB is an honest time capsule with just 11,542 miles on the odometer. The body is all original with straight panels and even gaps throughout, wearing completely original and near-flawless Rosso Corsa paint, and complete with all original equipment. The car is accident and rust free, with impeccable preservation inside and out.

On the mechanical side of its history, the car comes with all maintenance records from Ferrari of Central New Jersey, along with those from Euro-Tec Motoring including a recent belt service completed at 10,131 miles.

EXTERIOR

Body – This steel-bodied GTB is comprised entirely of its original Maranello-fitted bodywork, which is accident free and devoid of any major defects.

Paint – The nonmetallic Rosso Corsa paint is the factory applied finish, which retains good shine with no sun damage, chipping, peeling, or major imperfections to speak of. The seller notes the paint is in impeccable condition given the age of the vehicle.

Trim & Glass – All pieces of glass—including the windshield—are original to the car and are free of any scratches or chips. The black trim is in equally preserved condition. All window seals are watertight and free of typical disintegration.

Wheels – The factory 14-inch Speedline alloy wheels wear their original silver paint and are free from curb rash, chips, peeling, or fading. All four center caps are included in equally clean condition.

INTERIOR

Steering Wheel – At the control center, the original black leather-wrapped, raw aluminum-spoked MOMO steering wheel is in place with minimal wear congruent with the low mileage.

Dashboard & Instrumentation – The aluminum bezel-adorned instrument panel has all of its originally fitted Veglia instruments, all of which are fully functional—the white to yellow to amber tachometer script is sharp behind its scratch-free covering.

Seats, Trim, & Carpet – The black leather seat covers show minimal wear, with only a slight sheen and creases as evidence that this car has ever been sat in. The door panels, center console, and carpeting are even cleaner, presenting a showroom-fresh condition of materials and switchgear.

MECHANICAL

Engine – This GTB still sports its originally installed, transversely mounted 90-degree 3.0-liter twin-choke Weber 40 dual-overhead-cam V8.

Original Motor: Yes.
Engine Number: 01809
The Drive: The car starts promptly every time, and drives wonderfully thanks to fast and smooth acceleration devoid of any hesitation.

Transmission – Mated to the engine is the original five-speed dogleg transmission, which, in tandem with the clutch-type limited slip differential, delivers MPH at will and with ease.

Original Transmission: Yes.
Gearbox Number: F106A/5016
The Drive: Directed through an open-gate shift plate, the five-speed dogleg is a joy to use with instinctive gear selection and a quick-grabbing clutch engagement.

Handling – The four-wheel independent double wishbone suspension is spec’d with a conservatively dampened coil spring and damper combination in addition to front and rear anti-roll bars. Decreasing speed/stopping is handled by four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, and an unassisted rack-and-pinion steering system serves up quick steering inputs with excellent road feel.

The Drive: The simple yet proven drivetrain offers excellent feedback through the MOMO wheel and pedal assembly.

ORIGINALITY

This is as original as a near 40-year-old car comes. The body, paint, glass, bumpers, lighting equipment, wheels, interior, drivetrain, and powertrain remain original to the car and in like-new condition with just over 11,000 miles of use since new.

OWNERSHIP TIMELINE

This is a 2 owner car, but the timeline is unknown.

DOCUMENTATION

Included in the sale is the Ferrari Classiche certification, original full-size spare, jack, and toolkit along with the window sticker, maintenance receipts and full timeline of all servicing, and owner’s manual.

MARKET OBSERVATIONS

Gooding & Company Scottsdale 2017 – 1980 Ferrari 308 GTB – $148,500 (w/ premium) – Numbers matching Verde Medio Metallizzato/Tan with 15,995 kms, Ferrari Classiche certified.
Gooding & Company Amelia Island 2017 – 1978 Ferrari 308 GTB – $126,500 (w/ premium) – Euro-spec Metallic Blue/Tan with 87,720 kms, resprayed in original color.
Bonhams Monterey 2015 – 1979 Ferrari 308 GTB – $126,500 – Rosso Corsa/Black with 23,000 miles

WATCH: AN EVERYDAY 308

See what it’s like to live daily with a 308 … in Bangkok.

OUR THOUGHTS

The End Of An Era – The 308 GTB was Ferrari’s final carbureted mid-engine sports car, and what a sendoff it was. Fuel injection was all the rage in the late ‘70s and Ferrari was at the forefront of the petrol delivery advancement but still, there’s a romantic relationship between owner and carbureted machine that’s long since been replaced with more precise measuring and delivery systems.

Low Mileage, and Classiche Certified – While old cars with low mileage can be somewhat of a misguidance on mechanical condition, this GTB is up-to-date on maintenance and holds a history of routine pampered servicing. Still-fresh mechanicals and like-new looks mean this 308 GTB is ready to run without worry.