Fantasy Junction

Description

1983 Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole GTS
s/n ZFFMA13A9D0045471
Rosso Corsa with Tan Leather

Ferrari, always an innovator in engineering and design, elected to change sports car paradigms in 1975, when they ushered in a new sports car; one that would significantly change the future of their brand and influence many other cars to come. The Pininfarina designed Ferrari 308 debuted at the 1975 Paris Auto Show to enthusiastic acclaim. The overwhelming delight in the all-new 308 was even the more exciting amidst the otherwise dull automotive offerings of the period. Ferrari delivered a refreshing approach via designer Leonardo Fioravanti, who had penned many of Ferrari's most celebrated cars including the Daytona, the Dino, and the Berlinetta Boxer. The 308 captured an angular new energy, immediately making it a new market maker. Within a short period of time, the 308 quickly becoming a feature of television shows, movies, and advertising posters, while shaping public opinion about what a sports car should look and feel like. Although initially 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.

In 1980, the 308 was updated with fuel-injection which allowed for better emissions yet compromised performance with a loss of power, delivering only 202 hp on US models. Ferrari set about developing a solution to the output challenge in 1982 launching the Quattrovalvole. This four-valve per cylinder engine resulted in a 232 hp output without compromising emission requirements for the all-important US market. Exterior body changes were minor but important, including a new grille sporting rectangular driving lights on each outboard side, a longitudinal hood vent to aid in evacuating warm air, and rectangular front side marker lights. Limited in production, while blending the best of the early series 308 with a more potent engine, the 308 QV has since become more and more sought after by enthusiasts who seek a Ferrari that can be enjoyably driven on a more regular basis.

This beautifully preserved Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole GTS was assembled at the Ferrari factory in February 1983 and delivered for US sale to the dealership Valley Porsche Audi Ferrari in Spokane, WA. The Ferrari service booklet shows service stamps for portions of the history, supporting more than 20 years of California ownership by the current owner. The current owner believes he is the third owner of the car, retaining several original ownership documents and more recent service records. Invoices include a 2015 timing belt, tune up, clutch adjustment, and fluids at 20,022 miles. In February 2020, showing 20,120 miles, the car was once again given a complete overview, timing belt service, and the replacement of all major fuel hoses, gaskets, spark plugs, air and fuel filters, fluids, and other details serviced as needed totaling almost $7,000.00 as performed by Italian car specialist L. Buskirk Co., Novato, CA.

Today, showing just 20,146 miles, this beautifully preserved Ferrari presents as a wonderful original example throughout. The original paint is in excellent condition with high luster and great gloss to the Rosso Corsa finish applied at the factory, confirmed by the 4-7 micron readings achieved when metering the body surfaces. Although some minor road chips are noted at the front of the car, the remainder of the body is in excellent condition throughout. The hood and trunk open and shut smoothly, displaying very nice fit with even panel gaps. Doors also open and shut without issue. The black trim remains in excellent condition with no major flaws or notable warpage due to excessive heat exposure. At some point prior to current ownership, a protective satin black coating was applied to the bottom sections of the car and the front air dam.

The removable roof panel and distinctive rear deck spoiler are in very good condition with no marks or flaws of note. The glass appears to be original and in excellent condition as are the various window gaskets, black trim for the side vents and engine cover. The Ferrari emblems and badges are in excellent condition throughout the car, and the lenses and lighting appear in excellent condition overall, further supporting the superb preservation and low mile accumulation this car has enjoyed since new. The car is currently wearing BBS gold web wheels and tires. While appropriate for the era, the non-original wheels and tires are in very good to excellent condition, showing no curb rash or damage to the polished and painted surfaces. The original wheels in impeccable condition, mounted with the factory Michelin tires, are included with the car.

Inside the car, the tan leather interior has a nice look and feel that only properly preserved original materials can offer. Once seated inside, the seats are comfortable and the leather still soft and supple, with a comfortable feel to it, accented against the black trim and dash. Minor bolster wear is evident on the driver’s left side but otherwise the interior finishes are very nicely preserved including the tan covered center console. Carpeting shows some minor areas of wear, in keeping with the miles shown, but the accompanying spare set of Ferrari floor mats remain exceptionally nice. Instruments and steering wheel are in very good to excellent condition with no fading or unusual wear. The door panels have been fitted with aftermarket speakers and a replacement gear shift knob has been added, but otherwise, the interior remains very much as the factory outfitted the 308 in 1983. The removable top removes and attaches easily, stowing in the factory case behind the seats, making for both open and closed cockpit driving without the hassle of a folding convertible top. The trunk compartment is also in excellent condition with original black carpeting, a taut black zipper liner, smoothly opening and closing access to the compartment.

The engine compartment has benefited from February 2020 timing belt service performed not only to tend to mechanical details, but also cleaned and all fluids serviced while the engine was out. The engine and surrounding compartment remains original without significant modifications and is quite nicely preserved. The matching red intake plenum sits atop the 32-valve V8, boasting the added horsepower offered in the QV configuration. The handsome cast aluminum heads and red ignition wires deliver all the visual engagement of a finely preserved Ferrari showing only modest amounts of patina since offered new. Factory finishes and original data plates, coded labels, and warning information items remain in place.

The original Michelin spare tire mounted to the factory rim sits snugly inside the front tub, which appears to be in excellent condition showing no cracks or excessive scratches as is often seen in cars with more accumulated miles. The underside of the car is tidy, clean, and without notable damage. Even the rear scuff plate, installed to protect the various components shows little signs of damage. Some evidence of road use is present and in keeping with the mileage shown on the odometer, but overall the car is very nice, shows no visual evidence of structural compromise, with a visual condition consistent with the preservation, and dutiful maintenance performed on the car.

The car starts easily, idling smoothly and evenly in part due to the recent service and careful considerations given to the fuel injection, ignition system, and all 32 valves. Recent service confirmed the major systems to be operational. The A/C system is complete and intact, blows with good force, but is not very cold.

Driving this 308 one is reminded of how much the Quattrovalvole improved power delivery especially when compared to nearly any other 308 in the series. This 308 GTS QV is not only impressive for the power and smooth delivery via fuel injection, it truly delivers a well-balanced chassis, via improved suspension, 16” wheels, and of course open coachwork without compromising structural rigidity. Power comes on strong especially in the higher rev range and shifting is very comfortable via the 5-speed gated shifter and compliant clutch pedal. Braking is quite good even when coming down from high speeds. Most impressively, the 32-valve engine delivers expressive power and great range without the fussiness often presented with carbureted cars.

The car is accompanied by the original wheels and tires, a factory tool roll, tools, jack and case, owner’s embroidered fabric and leather folio with manual and service booklet, and a spare set of Ferrari logo floor mats. Records for recent service work performed by the current owner and some previous ownership papers are also included with the car.

Ready to offer the next fortunate enthusiast an enjoyable ownership experience of power and performance, this desirable and very original Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole GTS has benefited from thoughtful preservation and consummate care throughout its coveted life. Celebrated for the combined Pininfarina design and Ferrari QV performance, the 308 Quattrovalvole driving experience is distinctively confirmed once behind the wheel enjoying open air motoring just as intended when offered new.

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