Lot 129: 1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi

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 Both 308 GTB models were superceded in late 1980 by the 308 GTBi and GTSi, signifying a change in the V8's induction system with the four Weber carburettors being replaced by Bosch K-Jetronic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 injection and the adoption of Marelli electronic ignition. Power dropped by some 20bhp but the Ferrari was nonetheless still a fast and popular car. Delivered new to an American company in Geneva in early 1981, this USA specification GTSi subsequently remained in the Pozzi Collection of France's eponymous Ferrari importer from March the same year until November 2000. Finished in red with matching interior, it has covered just 41,200 miles since new and comes complete with numerous garage receipts - including one for a new camshaft belt fitted only 300 miles ago - totalling some 19,000 euros. An iconic and original Ferrari, it is offered in excellent condition.Dieser in rot mit roter Innenausstattung gehaltene 308 wurde ursprnglich an ein in Genf ansssiges amerikanisches Unternehmen ausgeliefert und war spter fast 20 Jahre lang ein Ausstellungsstck in der Samlung des franzsichen Ferrari-Importeurs Pozzi. Mit nur 41.200 Meilen auf dem Tacho und Belegen fr ber 19.000 Euro einschliesslich eines neuen Zahnriemens vor nur 300 Meilen wird dieser Ferrari nicht ohne Grund von seinem Besitzer als in hervorragendem Zustand beschrieben.