Lot 612: 1979 Ferrari 308GTS Targa Coup�
Coachwork by Pininfarina

Introduced at the Paris Salon in 1975, the stunningly beautiful 308GTB - Ferrari�s second V8-engined road car - marked a return to Pininfarina styling following the Bertone-designed 308GT4 that had launched this highly successful series in 1973. Badged as a �proper� Ferrari rather than a Dino, the 308GTB had changed little mechanically apart from a reduction in both wheelbase and weight, retaining its predecessor�s underpinnings and transversely mounted 3-litre quad-cam engine that now featured dry-sump lubrication. In road tune this superbly engineered power unit produced 255bhp, an output good enough to propel the 308GTB to a top speed of over 150mph. Produced initially with glassfibre bodywork - the first time this material had been used for a production Ferrari - the Scaglietti-built 308GTB used steel after April 1977, while further developments included the introduction of an open-top GTS version with Targa-style removable roof, the adoption of Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection (1980) and, finally, revised cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder (1982). An exhilarating driver�s car and a Ferrari purist�s delight, the 308GTB and its many derivatives proved a huge commercial success for Maranello with over 12,000 sold.
This exceptional example of Ferrari�s first Pininfarina-styled V8 road car has spent several years in storage and recorded only 26,000-or-so miles from new, a total that accompanying expired MoTs dating back to 1986 suggest is genuine. A right-hand drive model, it was purchased in 1993 (at 25,500 miles) from a South Coast dealer by the immediately preceding owner, who kept it garaged at his home and scarcely drove it. The current owner purchased the car last year, since when the cam belts and bearings have been renewed, the rear shock absorbers and engine bay struts replaced and general re-commissioning carried out. Original, unrestored and representing exceptional value for money, �GVG 2T� is offered with MoT to April 2008, old Swansea V5/current V5C documents and sundry expired MoTs to 1986, and comes complete with its original wallet containing owner�s handbook and international dealers� list.