1976 FERRARI 308 GTB 'VETRORESINA'
One of only some 150 with glassfibre body, dry-sump engine, and left-hand drive.
Estimate (€): 130,000 - 160,000.
One of only some 150 with glassfibre body, dry-sump engine, and left-hand drive
•Italian resident from new
•Only one (family) owner prior to the current vendor
•Believed-genuine circa 51,200 kilometres recorded
•Recently serviced
The 308 GTB offered here has lighter glassfibre (vetroresina) bodywork and dry-sump lubrication of the very first cars produced, which are the most sought after by enthusiasts today.
Introduced at the Paris Salon in 1975, the stunningly beautiful 308 GTB – Ferrari's second V8-engined road car - marked a welcome return to Pininfarina styling following the Bertone-designed Dino 308 GT4. Badged as a 'proper' Ferrari rather than a Dino, the newcomer had changed little mechanically apart from a reduction in wheelbase, retaining its predecessor's underpinnings and transversely mounted quad-cam 3.0-litre V8 engine that now featured dry-sump lubrication. In road tune this superbly engineered power unit produced 255bhp, an output good enough to propel the aerodynamically efficient 308 to a top speed of 150mph (240km/h).
Produced initially with dry sump lubrication and glassfibre (vetroresina) bodywork - the first time this material had been used for a production Ferrari - the Scaglietti-built 308 GTB used steel after April 1977. The change brought with it a considerable weight penalty (around 80kg) and consequent reduction in performance, as well as an increased susceptibility to corrosion. Naturally, anyone wanting to race a 308 GTB started out with the vetroresina version if they could. Only 712 vetroresina 308 GTB coupés were produced.
This beautiful example represents arguably the most sought-after 308 derivative, being one of only some 150 built with the glassfibre body, dry-sump engine, and left-hand drive. The current vendor purchased the Ferrari circa 2014 to complete his exclusive Italian-based collection of sports cars. He advises us that it had belonged to one family from new until his acquisition, and has always remained in the Milan region of Italy. There are numerous entries in the registration document showing the car changing from company ownership to private ownership and then passing to another family member.
It is believed that this 308 was laid up for a number of years between 2002 and 2014; carefully re-commissioned, it now presents beautifully, and a short test drive enjoyed by a Bonhams member of staff confirmed that this 308 GTB's performance matches its looks. Currently displaying a believed-correct total of only 51,200 kilometres on the odometer, the car was serviced at 43,000 and 51,000 kilometres respectively. Described by the private vendor as in excellent condition throughout, this rare and desirable Ferrari comes complete with tool roll, Italian registration documents, and the aforementioned service invoices.
A wonderful opportunity to acquire a well-maintained and little used example of this most desirable version of the iconic 308 GTB.
Join the conversation!
0 comment