Designed by Pininfarina and bodied by Scaglietti, the Ferrari 308 continues to be recognized as one of the finest and most beautiful road cars from Ferrari. Launched at the 1975 Paris Salon, the gorgeous 308 initially replaced the V-6 Dino 246, and by 1979, the Bertone-designed 308 GT4. The first 712 examples of the 308 were bodied in fiberglass, with the remainder of production rendered in steel. A transverse mid-mounted all-alloy, four-cam V-8 engine mounting a quartet of Weber carbs powered the sophisticated 308 and initially produced 240 HP in U.S.-specification. Breathtaking performance included 0-60 mph acceleration in 7.3 seconds and a 145 MPH top speed. With fully independent suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes, the 308 was extremely well balanced, and today, it remains thrilling to drive. Contemporary road tests and retrospective media coverage praise the 308, especially its responsive handling, well-appointed interior and great-sounding engine. The targa-roof 308 GTS was first offered in 1977 and continued through 1980, when the fuel-injected GTBi and GTSi arrived. The 308, in its various models, enjoyed a high-profile eight-year run on the 1980s TV series “Magnum, P.I.,” reinforcing the beautiful Ferrari’s enduring and growing popularity. Early cars, including the 308 GTS offered here, are the most powerful, eclipsed only by the later (1982-on) 308 QV or Quattrovalvole (four-valve) GTB/GTS. While this 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS is one of 3,219 GTS models produced in total from 1977-1980, it is extremely rare as one of a mere three produced in Giallo Fly 20-Y-191 paint with a Testa di Moro VM 890 interior. Purchased by Phil Bachman in 1990 out of the New York Metro area because he liked the interesting yellow-brown color combination, it benefits from restoration under the care of the Bachman Collection between 1990-1991. Bearing S/N 25371, it is offered with the odometer reading 12,062 miles at the time of writing. The 2.9L DOHC V-8 engine, breathing in through four Weber twin-choke carburetors, is numbered 421. The 5-speed manual gearbox, operated via Ferrari’s classical gated shifter, is numbered 3867. The Scaglietti body bears Scaglietti no. 405. Displayed at the 1994 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in a special exhibition class, this exemplary 308 GTS is a multiple-award winner, with accolades including First Place Italian Pre-1979 and the Phoenix awards at the Steamboat Vintage Auto Race and Concours d’Elegance, the Coppa per Otto Cilindri award at the 1995 Cavallino Classic, and First in Class and the Excellence Cup at the 2003 Cavallino Classic. Accompanying this outstanding V-8 Ferrari are a Schedoni luggage set, plus books and manuals, and tools.
