For Sale 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS

Up for sale is my 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS. I acquired this car from our Fchat friend Jeff Ward, aka Fairview, last spring by trading away my 1983 Porsche 911 SC Cabriolet for his 308 GTS. Money was also exchanged in the transaction from my hands to his as you could guess. I have enjoyed the 308 for more than a year but a chance to invest in a local real estate opportunity has triggered the need to raise capital thus sell the Ferrari.

Asking price of $59,500.
Located in Waynesboro, VA 22980
Contact via email at [email protected] or PM

This is an extremely nice, well-maintained 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS in Rossa Chiaro over tan with a fully documented history and authentic 63,7xx miles. The serial number is 26451 and the build date is November, 1978. It was delivered new by the Griswold Co. Ferrari dealership in Berkeley, California to the original owner who was located in San Francisco, California where it remained until a few years ago. This is the desirable carbureted 308 with the removable targa top and is complete and documented in every way.

It has been pampered since new and carefully maintained. There are absolutely no issues and it is a sweetheart to own and drive. It is a thrill just to see it in the garage.

The car was professionally restored in 1999 by Sal Garcia of Waterfront Automobili San Francisco. Sal was so impressed with the restoration that he purchased the car and tagged it with the infamous 4RE DR California license plate. The car was appraised by Stephan von Cramm in #1 condition in 1999 and has only been driven 12,000 miles since.

Exterior

This Ferrari has never been damaged in any way and is very straight with excellent panel fit and finish. It shows very well, with only the tiniest of imperfections in the almost concours paint. The doors, hood, engine lid, and spare tire compartment lid all fit and close perfectly. The glass is all original and excellent as are the lights and lenses. The mirrors are OEM Ferrari but are later 308 which is a desirable upgrade. If you wish to return to the original style mirrors, they are readily available from several suppliers and you could sell the later mirrors and make a tidy profit.

Interior

The interior is original, including the seats which are tan leather. The seats and other interior panels show very little wear or aging. The gauges are excellent and work perfectly. The carpet is in very nice to excellent condition and there are two sets of floor mats among the many spares that will come with the car. The only non-original features of the interior are the later radio and the lighter which is a later Ferrari version which allows use of plug in chargers, etc. The original lighter (that is a unique style where a cigarette is inserted for lighting) comes with the spares for re-installation if you so choose. The targa top is designed to stow behind the seats, and the original storage cover that snaps over it when stowed is present, including the storage pouch for the cover. Air conditioning has been converted to 134A but currently needs a charge.

Engine and transmission

If you’ve not had a 308 before, you are in for a real treat as a good 308 is a pleasure to drive and own. Once you get familiar with the Weber carb cold start vs. warm starting procedure, the engine lights immediately. Oil pressure is excellent, water temperature stays nice and cool. The gated shifter and transmission are smooth and precise, the clutch takes up evenly, and the brakes pull straight and strong. On the interstate, the 308 settles in nicely, and the faster you go, the quieter it gets.

The engine bay is tidy and clean and is close to concours standards- very presentable as original. Underneath the driveline is clean and the fuel system and carburetors are free of leaks. The charging system works well as does the cooling system.

If you are a sharp-eyed Ferrari expert, you’ll see that in the photos the wheels are Superformance 16 inch replicas. You’re exactly right. Unfortunately I don’t have the original 14” wheels but a set pops up on ebay or here on Fchat frequently.

Extras included, records, manuals, and spares

Included with the 308 are the original and complete toolkit, original and complete jack kit with Ferrari emergency light, extra floor mats, original targa top storage cover, Ferrari factory parts manual, workshop manuals, extensive maintenance records, and the original 1978 sales brochure. My 308 is kept garaged and covered, and a fitted cover with storage bag is included.

Also included are original, as delivered, owner’s manual, warranty and maintenance booklet, the original Ferrari fabric owner’s manual case, and 1978 dealer list and service cards.

Service History and records

Service on the 308 is neither complicated and expensive for a handy DIY’er. If you put a 308 up on a lift, you’ll see that it is simply and sturdily built. Frankly, despite the mystery and the aura, it is a basic sports car, well made and designed. These cars are robust, and easier to work on than many others I have owned.

There is a myth that one must “pull the engine” to replace the timing belts. Per Ferrari, the timing belts should be replaced every 5 years as preventative maintenance. First of all, if you do most of your own sports car maintenance, you can do it yourself. You don’t have to pull the engine when the time arrives, most of the work is done through the right rear wheel well- the wheel well liner is removable and gives good access. The reasonably skilled owner can replace the timing belts on a 308 in about 8 hours. Parts for the job are less than $300 (belts and timing belt tensioner bearings). It is far easier than replacing the timing belts on a Honda Odyssey I can assure you. The timing belts were replaced two years ago, so you should be set for at least 3 more years.

The service history from new is quite complete and documents the extensive service work and verifies the mileage. As mentioned above, timing belts were replaced two years ago, and the timing tensioner bearings used were the upgraded and updated ones sold by Hill Engineering. Valve adjustments were also made at the same time. The clutch, pressure plate, and throw out bearing where replaced at 57,000 miles by Ferrari of Washington. Tires are Michelin Pilot with less than 5000 miles on them. All brake pads, hoses, distributor caps, wires, extenders, belts and other service items were replaced less than 5000 miles ago and you should be set to go for quite some time.

I welcome you to come see and drive this 308 GTS either personally or through a friend or mechanic. I can arrange a PPI and I can assist with domestic or international shipping.

Here is a link to over 100 photos, select the photos and videos tab. https://1978ferrari308gts.shutterfly.com


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Happy Labor Day weekend everyone. I've had a few inquiries but nothing serious yet. This is a well maintained car that is ready for show or drive.

Asking price lowered to $54,500. Offers considered. Photos and videos of specific areas can be provided.

Documented recent service history:
2019
R & R axles and CV joints. Repack with grease and replace boots

2018
Check and adjust camber and toe on four wheels
Check and adjust valve clearances as needed
Replaced cam valve cover gaskets
Check compression cold. 1-4 range 165-171. 4-8 range 168-179

2016
Timing Belts replaced along with Hill Engineering Tensioner
Water pump/alternator belt replaced
Air conditioning belt replaced
Replaced cam cover gaskets

2014
Replaced 8 spark plugs with NGK BP6ES
Replaced gearshift rubber boot
Replaced gearshift reversing spring
Replaced gearshift bushing
Replaced gearshift linkage silent block bushing
Replaced fuel tank sender unit
Replaced fuel connecting hose between fuel tanks

2013
Replaced oil pressure gage on dash
Replaced oil pressure sender

2012
Replaced front wheel centering rings
Replaced two front steering rod ends
Replaced Rack and Pinion rubber boots
Replaced thermostat and gasket
Four new Michelin Pilot Tires
Complete four wheel caster, camber, and toe wheel alignment
Replaced three window switches
Update ignition system to Petronix electronic ignition

2011
Timing Belts replaced along with Hill Engineering Tensioner
Water pump replaced
Water pump/alternator belt replaced
Air conditioning belt replaced
Engine torque bar bushing replaced
Comprehensive tune up including:

• High tension spark plug wires replaced
• Braided breather hose replaced
• Fuel filter replaced
• Cam cover gaskets replaced
• Four Weber Carburetors rebuilt included rejetting
• Distrubutor caps, rotors, condensers, 4 point sets, gaskets, oil seals replaced
• Check and adjust valve clearances
• 8 new NGK spark plugs
• Replaced Engine Coolant
• Replaced Brake Fluid with ATE super blue
• Replaced 8 100mm plug extenders

AC Converted to R134 and charged
Replaced AC Receiver / Dryer
Replaced AC Compressor
Replaced emissions air pump
Replaced two heater hoses
Replaced two front wheel bearings
Replaced two front axle nuts
Replaced 4 Koni Shocks
Change gear oil with Redline 75W90

 

Hello Al,
It is a US version originally sold in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The cats have been removed and test pipes installed; new cats can be easily sourced and should bolt right in.
The air pump belt is currently removed but a new air pump was installed within the past 5 years so I expect it will work with a belt.
Ignition has been updated to a Petronix MR-183 unit, documented in this thread by Jeff. https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/installing-the-pertronix-mr-183.389974/
I don’t have experience to know if this will improve emission compliance or hinder it. I have all the parts to return the ignition to the 4-point sets if necessary.
Alex

 

This car is now SOLD