Ferrari 308 GTB Vetroresina (1977)

Introduced in 1975 the 308 GTB was the direct descendent of the Dino. The 308's body was designed by Pininfarina's Leonardo Fioravanti, who had been responsible for some of Ferrari's most celebrated shapes to date, including the Daytona, the Dino and the Berlinetta Boxer. The first production GTB rolled off the assembly line with a body made of fibreglass. Ferrari were unsure if they would register enough interest with the model, and so tested the waters with fibreglass which could be made more cost-effectively in small numbers. The instant success of the "Vetroresina" meant that they would indeed tool up to build the car in steel.

The engine was a 3-litre, 90 degree V8, with belt-driven twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank. It was transversely mounted in unit with the transaxle transmission assembly, which was below and to the rear of the engine's sump. All models used a fully synchromeshed 5-speed manual and a clutch-type limited slip differential. Suspension was all-independent. The early cars, and Fibreglass cars, were equipped with carburettors and a dry sump (except Australian delivered cars). However, in late 1979 the cars started to feature a wet sump and then in 1980 Ferrari made the leap to Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection in order to meet ever more tricky U.S. emission standards. Clearly, Enzo Ferrari did not want to go this route as the race cars of the day retained carburettors. This change had several resulting effects to the 308. For one, it lost the intoxicating intake howl of the Webers.

This example is one of those early and highly sought after “Vetroresina” examples and was supplied new by H.R. Owen in South Kensington on 1st October 1977 in the rare and desirable Blu Dino hue, rarer still that it has remained in its supplied colour from new. During the late 1980s a great proportion of 308s were resprayed, mostly in Rosso Corsa as was popular at the time. The car was purchased by its second owner in 1979, Mr Foxley. Seeing regular use, Foxley serviced the car annual at his own garage Terence Foxley Cars Ltd. Unusually for a car of this circumstance, the file retains all invoices for these services, detailing the work carried out and the associated costs. Meticulously maintained, the car received no few than 5 services in his four year ownership period, despite covering less than 10,000 miles in the time.

Mr Comber owned the car next, retaining every receipt for parts and work carried out during his 5 year ownership. Using highly regarded marque specialists the car regularly visited Bob Houghton for work; invoices from GrayPaul Ferrari are in the file for this time. A Mr Lomas would then go on to own the car for 17 years. During this time, the car retained its meticulous service history with marque specialists. Talacrest saw the car for all work whilst Lomas lived in London, returning for service work and minor tweaks alike. After moving out of London to the Cotswolds, maintenance was briefly taken over by Maranello Ferrari in Egham and then later QV in Berkshire.

Most recently this car has been cared for by ourselves and stored in our secure facility on behalf of the current owner. A delightful 308 Vetroresina in a rare and sought after, original colour scheme presents superbly with a thorough service record and fully documented mileage.