Lot 127: 1983 Ferrari 308 GTS QV

Although the much-loved Ferrari Dino 246 GT was replaced in 1973 by the all-new Dino 308 GT4, Ferrari's first ever V8 engined production model, its Bertone styling and 2+2 seating received mixed reactions; it was not until 1975, when the 308 GTB was launched at the Paris Show, that aficionados of the marque felt the 246's true successor had arrived. The 308 GTB employed a tubular steel chassis with independent coil spring/wishbone suspension front and rear, complimented by anti-roll bars, adjustable dampers and powerful disc brakes. At is heart was the Formula One derived, all alloy, four camshaft and dry sump 3.0 litre V8 engine of the GT4, allied to a transversely mounted five-speed gearbox. Pininfarina's stunning two seat, glassfibre coachwork combined the best features of the 246 and the later 356GT4/BB and looked just right. Producing 255bhp at 7,700rpm and 201lb.ft of torque at 5,500rpm from 2,926cc, it was also very quick with a 154mph top speed and 0-60mph acceleration in just 6.5 seconds. For 1977 three important changes took place: steel replaced fibreglass for the body structure, adding some 200lb in weight, dry sump lubrication was dispensed with and the GTS model with targa top was introduced. The GTS proved a big success, outselling the GTB to which it offered similar performance combined with the joys of open top motoring. Both 308 GTB models were superceded in late 1980 by the 308 GTBi and GTSi, signifying a change in the V8's induction system with the four Weber carburettors being replaced by Bosch K-Jetronic indirect inejection and the adoption of Marelli electronic ignition. Power dropped by some 20bhp but the Ferrari was nonetheless still a fast and popular car. Those wanting more power were catered for with the launch of the Quattrovalvole model in October 1982 which, as the name suggested, featured a four valve per cylinder engine plus various internal improvements to the V8. An output of 240bhp ensured performance was similar to the 308 GTB, and the new model also sported a redesigned radiator grille, bumpers and front spoiler. This Luxembourg-registered example has had three owners from new and covered a mere 51,000 kilometres, a figure which has been authenticated. Finished in metallic grey with red interior trim, it is therefore offered in good to excellent condition and comes with a current TuV certificate. Dieser in Luxemburg zugelassene Ferrari stammt aus 3. Hand und hat lediglich 51,000 km auf dem Tacho, was der Einlieferer belegen kann. Dieser erfrischend nicht rote Ferrari wird als in gutem bis sehr gutem Zustand beschrieben, was den Betrachter der herrlichen Fotos nicht berrascht. Sicherlich einer der besseren 308 auf dem Markt.