Registration - TUT 209R

Chassis No. - 19625

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 46,278

Resplendent in lustrous Argento Auteuil, this right-hand drive example of Ferrari’s 308 GTB is one of the very few ‘Vetroresina’ models, built early on using a lightweight fibre-glass body. Driven by Ferrari’s naturally aspirated 2,926cc V8, ‘TUT 209R’ features an interior fitted with red leather seats and door cards, with black detailing. It also includes the famous open gate for Ferrari’s manual sports cars, encasing the stick for the five-speed manual gearbox, with a dog-leg first. Other driver-focused details include the compact instrument binnacle and clean dashboard with classic three-spoke Ferrari steering wheel - most of the switchgear is placed on the transmission tunnel. Only the stereo - a period cassette deck/radio - is mounted under the dashboard.

‘TUT 209R’ has been owned by the current keeper since 1994, who bought it from a friend who had owned it from 1985, so the 308 GTB’s heritage is well known and documented. The silver paint, interior, and wheels are all original and said to be in 'good' condition, though plenty of work has been carried out elsewhere. The luggage and under-bonnet covers have been replaced, combatting a recognised weakness of this Ferrari model. This is cosmetic though, and more importantly, the entire suspension system has been rebuilt and power coated, as well as all four shock absorbers refurbished. The chassis, which can easily rot inside undetectably before it’s too late, has been thoroughly checked and declared to be clear, and is now Waxoyled throughout, with a new undertray installed. New cam-belts have been fitted at the same time, and ‘TUT 209R’ went through an MOT successfully in October 2022. This has now expired, though the 308 GTB has not been used since.

The above work cost more than £8,000, and paperwork has been kept in the history file, alongside service books from new. With the odometer reading an indicated 46,400 miles, ‘TUT 209R’ would appear to have a low mileage for a car that’s approaching 50 years old, and has only had eight previous owners. The electrics, bodywork, paint, and interior have been described by the vendor as ‘good’, while the engine and transmission are rated as ‘excellent’, providing potential buyers with a superb opportunity to own a rare and cherished supercar.

Ferrari’s 308 GTB was the Italian firm’s second V8-powered road car, introduced in 1975. It saw a return to Pininfarina styling for Maranello, with the 308 GTB styled by the famous Turin design house, and built by coachbuilders Scaglietti. Built originally with ‘vetroresina’ bodywork – the Italian for fibre-glass – this kept kerbweight down by around 80kg over the steel body used later on, with these models introduced in 1977. Just 154 vetroresinas left the factory in right-hand drive, making this version of the 308 GTB one of the rarest Ferrari’s around. Offered in GTB coupe and GTS targa body styles, the quad-cam 3.0-litre engine produced 255hp when new, enough to get the Ferrari to 150mph. The 308 was developed with Quattrovalvole and Turbo models across its production run, until it was replaced by the 328 when production finished in 1985.

In summary:

• Rare ‘Vetroresina’ example of Ferrari’s 308 GTB poster car
• Highly original condition, with extensive history
• Stunning silver bodywork over deep red leather interior