1977 Ferrari 308GT Berlinetta Vetroresina
Coachwork by Pininfarina/Scaglietti
Registration no. ZV 7084 (RoI)
Chassis no. 20315
Engine no. 20315

The 308GTB 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 308GTB – Ferrari's second V8-engined road car - marked a welcome return to Pininfarina styling following the Bertone-designed Dino 308GT4. 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 308GTB 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 308GTB started out with the vetroresina version if they could. 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).

One of only 712 vetroresina 308GTB coupés produced, this rare right-hand drive example, chassis number '20315', was purchased by the current vendor in January 2007. Housed in a dry warm garage and used sparingly, the Ferrari was displayed at various shows and used for a few tours up to 2009, since when it has been driven approximately 20 miles per year – never in wet weather. The current odometer reading is 66,807 miles.

The previous owner, Mr Eric Wilson of Orpington, Surrey, had extensive restoration carried out by Foskers at Brands Hatch over an eight-year period, as evidenced by numerous invoices on file. While in the current vendor's care the car has been serviced by Classic Repair Centre in Waterford, Republic of Ireland, though it has not required any major repairs or restoration. Finished in Rosso Corsa with black leather seats and red carpets, '20315' is described as in generally good condition, temperamental electric windows being the only fault notified, while it should be noted that the timing belts are overdue replacement. Accompanying documentation consists of the aforementioned bills, Irish registration papers, current roadworthiness certificate and a copy of the last UK V5C (for the registration mark 'UGW 110R'.

A wonderful opportunity to acquire a well-maintained and little used example of this most desirable version of the iconic 308GTB.