Fantasy Junction

Description

1982 Ferrari 308 GTSi
s/n ZFFAA02AOC0041595
Rosso Corsa with Brown Leather

The all-new Pininfarina Ferrari 308 debuted at the 1975 Paris Auto Show. One has to imagine the excitement this car brought to an eager sports car public at this very challenging time in the auto industry. Pininfarina designer Leonardo Fioravanti, having already designed many of Ferrari's most celebrated cars including the Daytona the Dino and, Berlinetta Boxer captured a taut new energy with the 308. As a replacement for the 246, the 308 arrived as a new market maker for Ferrari. The 308 styling was dramatic and beautiful and became a feature of television shows and movies, shaping public opinion about what a sports car should look and feel like. Mechanically, the car featured the same layout of the GT4 with a transverse 3.0 liter quad-cam V8, initially with carburetion and later with fuel-injection. Although the initial design was limited to a fixed roof configuration, the GTS arrived in 1977, featuring a removable satin black roof panel, which could be stowed in a vinyl cover behind the seats when not in use. Through it’s decade of production iterations, the 308 vaulted Ferrari into new territories, establishing the brand in a wide range of unchartered markets.

This beautifully prepared Ferrari 308 GTSi has been lovingly cared for since delivery and has covered only 24,000 miles since new. Records date back to 2000, with the most recent work having been done in 2015. The records with the car indicate the owner Tom Petty (not of musical fame) had the car from 1989-2000, where it appears the majority of the current miles accumulated. Of particular note is the 2012 mechanical record for “major service” including replacing belts and tensioners. This nicely preserved 308 is finished in Rosso Corsa and trimmed with brown leather interior. Delivered in 1982, it is one of just 1743 produced before the 308 Quattrovalvole arrived later that year. The factory original paint is in very nice condition with no major dings, chips or blemishes. The gloss is very nice, exhibiting light swirling and some fine scratch marks that would delight a passionate detailer to revive with great satisfaction. Paint surfacing has been tested with a paint gauge revealing consistency throughout, as one might expect from an original paint car. Glass is also beautifully preserved with no major marks or cracks and consistent etched labels. The finish of all satin black trim pieces has been properly preserved; not over-buffed or glossed up with years of synthetic preservative.

The doors shut with a tight and crisp latch on both sides. Both exterior door latches have only minor play when releasing. Hood and deck lid open and close with ease. Both contact surfaces have excellent rubber surrounds with very minor material compression and little to no dryness or cracking. Lenses and further black trim all confirm the originality of this low mile example. The wheels are nicely maintained with no major curb rash and nice silver sheen. Tires are not original but are original spec and remain with good tread and no sidewall bulging.

Inside the cabin, the contrasting brown and black interior reminds us once again how only the Italians can take such bold steps in design. The common tan or black interior often seen in 308s is eschewed with just the right amount of coffee coloring in the supple and well maintained leather surfaces. The brown not only works well against the red exterior, it softens the interior (often harsh in black or shocking in tan) and your eyes focus more on the delightful interior details. The bright instruments, shifter, and switch pieces come to life against the soft brown hue. Even the leather seats offer a nice contrast against the chocolate colored carpet. The dash and padding, steering wheel, and instruments are all preserved and remain in very nice original condition. The textured black roof is easily stows behind the seats in the factory original black cover. Fit remains tight when installed with no visual compromises noted to the rubber seals.

The fuel-injected engine remains wonderfully cosmetically preserved, yet a perfect candidate for a meticulous detailer. Finishes remain factory specified, slightly dulled only by general use. The rear zipper compartment zips shut, creating a taut blanket with no sagging across the rear. Up front, the Michelin TRX spare tire remains, with what appears to be new tread. Undercarriage has not been detailed but reveals treatment confirming the 24,000 mile journey this car has enjoyed. Mild wear to the underside, some mild floor pan abrasions, and virtually no oil pan casting cooling fin-chips or gouges.

The 3.0 liter jumps to life with no hesitation when started and the car performs as one might expect from a low mile original. Braking and shifting are smooth and effortless – a hallmark of a well-maintained car. The reliable fuel-injection allows cold and warm starts and none of the fussiness often found in earlier carbureted engines. The A/C blows, but not cold. For enjoyable touring or mild mountain roads, the GTSi truly brings a smile to your face. Original factory owner’s manual, service manual, and Ferrari folder along with exceptionally nice tool roll, jack, and accessory pouch with various spares are all included with the sale.

For anyone who has longed for a Ferrari, there will be many on the market at any given time. Yet locating a well-maintained and properly preserved original car with original paint, uncommon interior, and correct factory finishes is becoming harder and harder to achieve. This Ferrari 308GTSi offers the enthusiast a chance to drive an original car, maintain it with pride, and show it with a big smile, delighting those who ask: “Who did your restoration?”

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608