Mario Andretti's 1978 308 GTS!

Wow-great pics. He looks like the Fonz in that first shot. Hell let's face it, he's the real Fonz!

 

I spoke with him about it personally....in Napa, CA.

I was making the long journey home in an unproven car, just purchased dusty from storage, paint crazing in spots..

He walked past a bunch of modern Ferraris in front of his winery...posed for pictures with my gf...as he ran his hand over the cracked paint, his voice got quiet and kind of wistfull, as if drifting thru the past..

"These old carbed cars...they are great machines!"

So there you go!!

I pointed out I still had a HELL of a long drive to go back to Texas, and he better but the family Andretti blessing over the whole venture. He stepped to the front of the car, gave a silent prayer.

Closing it with the Sign of the Cross across his chest.
#22641 has run fine, ever since!!!

 

Not a yellow 308 fan, but nonetheless very cool.

 

To me, if I had the money it would be in the garage tomorrow. Truly a beautiful car, not sure why he would not put it up for auction with a high reserve or maybe he has gone that route already. The only thing that would make it better would be a non-cat with the same provenance, mileage and general condition.

 

That was my thought as well. Apparently he was too late to the party and appropriate shipping/lodging was an issue.


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Awesome the man obviously knew cars!

 

Awesome! I would love to have any car the great M.A. has owned.

 

I think it might be even more rare than that - It looks like the special edition Andretti Momo, without the center pad - check out the signature on the bottom spoke versus this one in the ad:
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I would say you're right. The Cavallino model has the badge where the signature is - but it's the same wheel. It's perfect for any 70's or early 80's Ferrari.
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I would love to have the car in my collection. Nice piece of history.

 

Very cool.

 

Wow, way cool car. Hopefully we can hear about the sale going to an Fchatter who will share it with us.

 

That thing is freaking awesome.

 

My 1974 Fiat 124 had that too.... as the engine speed picked up the alternator produced better current and the radio got louder

 

I sometimes think these 'celebrity owned' cars are just a waste of words. Yet Mario's connection is such a legitimately wonderful part of this cars DNA. Agree with Bullfighter (Jon): it's about the finest provenance you could want.

I smiled at the address on the invoice of "Victory Lane". And you've just got to love the Blaupunkt Berlin - showy optimism of the times. (I've got it in my car too and just nearly laugh when I look at it.)

Best wishes to Tim on this sale, who in his own right has done much for this hobby. Tim has been the conduit for many a gear-head connecting to their dream. This car is another example.

 

For the most part I agree and think celebrity ownership makes no difference in a sale. There are some exceptions, Steve McQueen being the most obvious example.

This one is interesting. And frankly I don't have a feel for it. It looks like a fantastic car, and the miles really are documented, as it's a two owner car. That alone should add something.

I talked to Tim about the car and he seemed like a super guy. If nothing comes of it, I really enjoyed the conversation.

 

He was for me. I bought my blue 328 from him 12 years ago, at a time when I never thought it was even an option. He encouraged me to take the plunge and supported me along the way.


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Too bad he didn't win the championship driving for Ferrari. Maybe it would have had a bunch of "factory performance mods".

 

tim is a solid guy w/ a very solid reputation. he also ran a swift db-4 back in the day! can't be all bad

 

Just curious if the car sold yet Augustine.

 

Hi Rob. I'm not sure. I spoke with Tim on Monday and he said he did have some good activity on the car but nothing final yet. I hope to see it go to someone who will at least get it out in public more, like at shows and such. With roughly 9,900 miles, I doubt we'll see it running around much, unfortunately. Hopefully someone proves me wrong!


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Cool. I think it would be great for a collection. I have to admit if I bought it I think I would be hesitant to rack up the miles.

 

There is only one Mario and he drove for Enzo so... its a piece of cool history for sure!

 

The signature on the rear of the car is not Mario's but the owners papers are definitely his signature

 

Absolutely beautiful car. I hope it goes to a good home.