1983 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole
Just 20,000 miles from new

Registration No: GAR 328Y
Chassis No: 00043519
MOT: Exempt

• Supplied new to D. Goodman Esq by Lancaster Ferrari of Colchester
• 1 of only 233 UK-supplied, RHD examples
• Just 20,000 miles from new
• Treated to a cambelt change and new clutch by marque specialist Shiltech last year
• Comes with the original '165 TR 390' alloy wheels (wearing period Michelin TRX tyres), book pack and jack roll

By switching to Bosch fuel injection in March 1981, Ferrari robbed its successful 308 GTB / GTS pairing of some 40 horsepower. Concerned about the consequent loss of performance, Maranello executive Eugenio Alzati became determined to give the 90-degree 'quad-cam' 2926cc V8 its teeth back. Announced at the October 1982 Paris Salon, the new QV or 'quattrovalvole' model was a revelation. Sporting - as its name suggests - four-valve cylinder heads, it was credited with developing 237bhp at 7,000rpm and 192lbft of torque. Emissions friendly, it nevertheless boasted less noise, more power and better throttle response than its predecessor. Reputedly capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 158mph, the QV cars once again had the raw speed to match their sublime Pininfarina sculpted looks. A staple part of 1980s pop culture thanks to its starring role in the internationally popular TV series 'Magnum PI' not to mention countless other big and small screen roles, the 308 GTS has long been one of Maranello's greatest hits. That said, a mere 233 Quattrovalvole examples are understood to have been UK supplied.

Increasingly ‘hot property’ during the 1980s, Ferrari’s 308 models often changed hands almost as fast as they accelerated! Supplied new to D.J. Goodman Esq via Lancaster Ferrari of Colchester on January 1^st 1983, chassis 00043519 was bought by its fifth keeper, R.I. Bell Esq., just five years later. Unlike his predecessors, Mr Bell treasured the GTS for nigh on four decades. The proprietor of a building firm, he found that the stunning Rosso Corsa machine had an adverse effect on clients and so restricted its use to occasional high days and holidays. Initially main dealer serviced, the distinctively registered ‘GAR 328Y’ had a new rear main oil seal and clutch fitted at 10,478 miles and 16,681 miles by Lancaster Ferrari and Maranello Concessionaires respectively. Treated to a new water pump and cambelts at 17,478 miles shortly before Mr Bell’s acquisition, he entrusted it to Trentside Classic & Sports Cars of North Lincolnshire some 1,300 miles later for attention to its air-conditioning pump and differential plus a new set of cambelts and roller tensioners. Drawn to chassis 00043519 because of its low mileage, long-term ownership and high degree of originality (even down to the factory-fitted windows all-round), the vendor added the 308 to his burgeoning Ferrari collection last year. Dispatched to respected marque specialists Shiltech with instructions to go through it thoroughly, they conducted a full service and brake overhaul not to mention renewing the cambelts at 19,668 miles. The clutch was changed shortly thereafter too. Describing the Ferrari as feeling ‘notably tight and responsive to drive’, the seller further informs us that it is only returning to market due to his acquisition of an unusually hued Dino 246 GT and the resultant pressure on garage space. Worthy of close inspection, this decidedly low mileage and rare UK-supplied 308 GTS Quattrovalvole would grace another marque collection. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, book pack, assorted bills / old MOTs and the original alloy wheels (wearing period Michelin TRX tyres).

PLEASE NOTE: This lot comes with its original jack and jack bag and not the tool roll as catalogued. Also, the original wheels which accompany it are ‘165 TR 390’ metric ones (shod with Michelin TRX tyres) the diameter of which is circa 15.35 inches.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737