Lot 218: 1978 Ferrari 308GTB

Officially introduced at the Paris Salon in October 1975, the 308 GTB's styling was all new but incorporated all of the old magic by blending aspects of the 206/246 Dino with the later 365 GT4/BB. Reminiscent of the Boxer was the dihedral groove at bumper level splitting top and bottom, the plunging nose and the sail panels reaching back to meet a shallower spoiler, while the conical side air intakes and recessed concave rear window were familiar from the Dino. The very first 308 GTBs produced, until the end of 1976, were the fastest and best handling, thanks to a fibreglass body that weighed substantially less than the steel coachwork which replaced it. These first cars also featured race-bred dry sump lubrication, which again was replaced after a short period in favour of the less expensive wet sump system. For both of these reasons the first 308 GTBs are the most sought-after nowadays and are justly regarded as the finest of the 308/328 range. This exact car was thoroughly reviewed in Auto Italia's December 2007 edition, a magazine dedicated to the Italian marques and well respected within the industry. It was driven by Phil Ward who knows his way around these cars; he justifiably noted that buying one could be fraught with problems, even to the experienced. He also went on to say that XPF 407S has paintwork in excellent condition, that the engine appeared sound and certainly performed well and that the interior is in original condition with good speed electric windows, (they always seem slow on other cars). Worth noting also is that the carburettors monitored the fuel perfectly at idling speed with power delivery smooth and steering perfectly weighted as the car picked up momentum. It is presented with a full history including registration documents, numerous MoT test certificates and a current one valid until May 2009. Last sold in 2000 for over £30,000, it is now being offered for a fraction of that price. A striking car, well looked after.