Goodwin Business

Launched in 1975, the Pininfarina-designed 308 GTB was the natural successor to the Dino 246 GT. The new car boasted a more powerful 3 litre, 4-cam V8 engine which allowed near 150 mph performance. To speed the car into production the bodies of the first cars were constructed from fibreglass but steel bodies were introduced from late 1976. European GTBs had a dry-sump lubrication system whereas the GTS in all territories had wet-sump.

In response to more stringent emissions requirements, in 1980 Ferrari replaced the classis Weber carburettors with fuel injection which resulted in a significant decrease in power. At the same time GTB and GTS 308s received wet sump lubrication. Therefore, collectors prize earlier GTBs with the more powerful carburettor, dry-sump engines.

Chassis 33909 is a very late dry-sump, carburettor example supplied new in October 1980 to legendary Belgian Ferrari agents Garage Francorchamps. The history file contains the original invoice from Ferrari to Garage Francorchamps which confirms the new 308 GTB was ordered in Blu Sera 633-8-012 with Pelle Beige 3218 interior. Options included metallic paint and air conditioning. Also on file is the original invoice from Garage Francorchamps to Garage High Performance of Nieuwkerken, Belgium dated just before the car was registered on the 7th December 1981.

By 2007 the Ferrari was registered to Georges Embo of Langemark Poelkapel (West Flanders) with registration number PDL 051 and around 2015 came into the possession of well-known Dutch collector and classic car dealer Jan Veeling of Broek op Langedijk, The Netherlands.

In 2017 Mr. Veening commissioned a restoration of the car including full repaint, rebuilt air-con with new compressor and condenser, new clutch, overhauled water pump and the carburettors were ultrasonically cleaned. The cambelts and poly V belts were replaced along with brake fluid, spark plugs, engine and gearbox oils and fuel and air filters.

In October 2020 the Ferrari was imported into the UK and received further improvements including RHD headlamp conversion, new rear fog light, new steering rack, two new brake calipers and new handbrake cable. Over £35,000 has been spent from 2017 to date.

At a fraction of the price of its 246 Dino predecessor, the 308 is faster, more powerful and every bit as beautiful. As a dry-sump, carburettor GTB with correct single exhaust pipe and rare standard factory 6.5” wheels this example is very appealing as a pure expression of the model, particularly in the beautiful shade of Blu Sera.

UK registered and offered with a current MOT certificate this beautiful and useable example is now ready to provide enjoyment for its next custodian.