1976 Ferrari 308 Vetroresina
One of just 154 right-hand-drive examples, with the same ownership for over three decades

Registration – TUT 209R

Chassis No. – 19625

M.O.T. – Exempt

Odometer – 46,400

Ferrari introduced the 308 GTB in 1975 as a direct replacement for the hallowed 246 Dino. For the first couple of years of production the shapely Pininfarina body was produced in fibreglass with these models designated as “Vetroresina.” Only 712 fibreglass 308 GTBs were made and just 154 of those were right hand drive, UK models. ‘TUT209R’ is indeed one of those, now, vanishingly rare 154 with its 19625 serial number suggesting it was among the first handful to make it to our shores. To that stunning rarity ‘TUT209R’ adds an excellent provenance, arriving with us from an ownership period of a full 31 years. The vendor acquired this excellent 308 GTB in 1994 when he acquired it from a friend who had owned it since 1985. With just a very modest 46,400 miles covered to date, ‘TUT209R’ is additionally desirable for its stunning originality with its Argento Auteuil paintwork and five spoke, Campagnolo alloy wheels noted as original. During 2022, ‘TUT209R’ was recommissioned at a cost of around £8,000 and, subsequently, sailed though an MOT in October of that year at 46,274 miles. A little over 100 miles has been covered since. ‘TUT209R’ is offered here with a full and instructive paperwork archive including service books from new and the invoice for the 2022 schedule of works. The Vetroresina 308s were always rare, especially in UK specification, but only increasingly so today. As such ‘TUT209R’ offers a fleeting and thrilling ownership opportunity.

The 308GTB carried over the sonorous Tipo F106 V8 engine from the 308 GT4. Although this transversely mounted four-cam 3-litre V8 and five-speed transmission were taken pretty much wholesale from the earlier car, the Vetroresina 308 GTBs weighed in at only around 1,100kg. Also it was a more slippery shape and had benefitted from being the first car designed with the aid of Pininfarina’s new wind tunnel. Perhaps no surprise, then, that the 308 GTB provided performance and road dynamics that were significantly improved over the 308 GT4. In original trim this translated to a 0-60mph time in the six second bracket and a 155mph top speed. The original power output for the Tipo F106 in this guise was around 255bhp. During 2022 the current owner commissioned a full recommissioning of ‘TUT209R.’ During this process the entire suspension system was rebuilt and powder coated, and all four shock absorbers were refurbished. The chassis was checked for inner and outer corrosion and wax oiled throughout. A new undertray was also fitted. New cam belts were installed at the same time and ‘TUT209R’ then secured an advisory free MOT in October of 2022. Although this has now expired only a shade over 100 miles have been covered since. The engine and transmission are rated as “excellent,” and the electrics as “good.”

The wonderfully curvaceous Pininfarina body is finished in gleaming Argento Auteuil paintwork with very little externally differentiating it from the later, and heavier, steel bodied cars. The fibreglass panels were skilfully crafted by Carrozzeria Scaglietti, by 1976 a subsidiary of Ferrari. The sublimely sporty cabin of ‘TUT209R’ continues the theme of compete originality and is finished in scarlet hued leather exhibiting just the right level of patina. All the expected period Ferrari cues are present, including the signature Veglia Borletti gauges and the iconic chrome gated gear lever. A useful luggage compartment sits ahead of the V8 powerplant under the rear hatch. The vendor notes that the engine cover and luggage covers have been replaced as the originals were notorious for their poor quality zips. The bodywork, paintwork and interior of ‘TUT209R’ are all rated as “good.”

In summary:

• One of just 154 UK specification Vetroresina 308 GTBs ever built
• Coming from a period of enthusiast ownership of over 30 years
• Subject to an extensive recommissioning around 100 miles ago at a cost of £8,000

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