Ferrari 308 GTB 'Vetroresina' (1977)

Introduced in 1975, the 308 GTB was the direct descendent of the Dino. The 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 3.0 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 fibreglass cars and early cars were equipped with carburettors and a dry sump, 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 RHD example was ordered new via Maltin Car Concessionaires on the 27th July 1976 and was delivered to its first private owner Mr Peter Pearce Esq located in Andover, UK in January the following year and was specified in a most tasteful Argento Auteil. Additionally it was ordered with a metallic paint, a spare alloy wheel and air conditioning. During its early life it was maintained with no expense spared via the supplying dealer and in circa 1982 was repainted in Rosso Corsa over. In October 1983 it was purchased by its longest standing owner, Mr Alan William Woodcock, who remarkably kept the car until 2007. During his ownership period it was maintained fastidiously via a number of well-respected specialists.

In 2007 it was again sold by Nick Cartwright Specialist Cars to Paul Kenneth Atwell. Dick Lovett cared for the car meticulously until it was sold once more by Nick Cartwright in July 2013. Shortly after its purchase it was immediately set upon by Nick Cartwright to prepare the car to a Concours level. During this comprehensive recommission, the engine and gearbox were carefully removed and a major overhaul carried out on the engine and bay. The suspension and braking systems were removed, stripped down and rebuilt. The underside was prepared and re-painted before being waxoyled. The interior hide was removed and carefully cleaned and fed before being reinstalled. The exterior paint was carefully repainted where necessary and all other paintwork polished to a Concours finish.

In 2019, the car recieved a full strip down and respray by specialists Webster & Lancaster which was fully overseen by DK Engineering. Since completion it has covered little mileage and today presents exceptionally having been cared for with equal attentiveness since. Accompanied by its original and complete book pack, tool roll and jack, this Vetroresina is a rare lightweight Ferrari and a genuine opportunity to add a spirited prancing horse to your stable.

An opportunity not to be missed, this fabulous 308 GTB ‘Vetroresina’ is available to view immediately at our showrooms just outside London.

• One of Just 154 RHD Examples
• UK Registered
• 45,650 miles from new
• One of Just 154 RHD Examples
• Fully stripped and repainted in its original colour by specialists Webster & Lancaster in 2019
• Handled by DK Engineering since 2019
• Compression test carried out In May 2023 - all cylinders in good order