1976 Ferrari 308 GTB 'Vetroresina'

Lot details
Registration No: VGV 91R
Chassis No: F106AB*20265*
Mot Expiry: March 2015

The inexorable rise of Dino prices - the very best are now commanding close to £400,000 - has prompted a search for the next collectible / investible small Ferrari. With its limited production run (808 cars), lightweight fibreglass bodywork, carburettor-fed 3-litre V8, gorgeous Pininfarina styling and first of the line status, the 308 GTB `Vetroresina' has now joined many a collector's wish list. Britain received just 154 (RHD) GRP-bodied cars but all were to the more desirable / powerful Euro-specification (and thus featured dry- rather than wet-sump lubrication and taller gearing etc). One of just two UK examples to be factory finished in Azzuro Dino Blue, chassis 20265 was supplied new via HR Owen to Ascot-based polo player I.S. Forbes Cockell. Thereafter, it is known to have passed to T.G. Foxley and Michael Andover before entering the current titled (fourth) ownership in 1996 at an indicated 51,000 miles. Maintained by the likes of Graypaul (1982-1996), Talacrest (1996-2000) and QV London (2000-present), the two-seater retains its original engine and has never been allowed to deteriorate to the point of needing restoration. Keen to give chassis 20265 more modern reflexes and conscious that QV London had won the Ferrari Championship outright on five occasions, the vendor commissioned them to fit a stainless steel exhaust system, detachable half-race frame, Cobra bucket seats / Willans harnesses, HiSpec Motorsport front brakes and Image 17-inch alloy wheels shod with Yokohama Advan AO48 tyres. He also had the marque specialist balance all four corners of the suspension, while in March this year they carried out a full service, belt change and MOT test (the latter being passed with no advisories). Now showing just 62,000 miles, this ultra-rare 308 GTB `Vetroresina' is offered for sale with its original book pack / wallet, first MOT certificate, extensive service history and factory-fitted front brakes, seats and wheels.