Introducing the 1980 Ferrari 308 GTBi
This isn’t just any car; it’s a 1980 Ferrari 308 GTBi, one of only 494 units produced throughout its brief three-year stint in the spotlight. Under the sleek and seductive exterior lies a 2.9L quad-cam V8, fed by fuel injection, connected to a five-speed manual transaxle with a limited-slip differential—a match made in automotive heaven. Dressed in a classic red, this beauty features pop-up headlights, 14-inch Cromodora alloy wheels, and a distinctive quad-exit exhaust system that commands attention with its throaty growl.
Inside the Icon
Step inside, and you’ll find plush beige leather-trimmed seats designed to cradle you while you navigate the curves. The Nardi steering wheel, paired with a gated shifter, hints at the performance pedigree, complemented by creature comforts like air conditioning and electric windows. The last timing belt service? Oh, that was done back in 2008 right after the seller got their hands on it. But fear not—between 2018 and 2021, seats were reupholstered, and both the suspension and brakes received some much-needed love. With 74,000 miles on the clock, this 308 GTBi comes with service records, spare parts, a tool kit, and a car cover, all resting under a clean Colorado title in the seller’s name.
A Nod to History
The Pininfarina-styled 308 GTB hardtop first flashed its headlights at the 1975 Paris Motor Show, boasting a carbureted 2.9L V8—what a sight! Fast forward to 1980, and we see the fuel-injected GTBi take the stage. The car you see today has been thoughtfully repainted in the striking Rosso Chiaro during the late 2000s. Additional features like pop-up headlights, dual Vitaloni side mirrors, and a vented decklid show that this Ferrari knows how to flaunt its style.
Wheels and Brakes
Silver 14-inch Cromodora five-spoke alloy wheels wrap around BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires that promise both grip and style. The 308 GTBi’s fully independent suspension system consists of double wishbones in both the front and rear. When it comes to braking, ventilated discs stationed at each corner ensure you can bring this beauty to a halt. Recent work from 2020 to 2021 has included reconditioning and replating the brake calipers, swapping out the front rotors, and installing braided stainless-steel hoses. Not to mention, Energy Suspension polyurethane sway bar bushings were added to make for an even smoother ride.
The Luxurious Cockpit
Now, let’s dive into the cockpit, where bolstered seats have been tastefully reupholstered in beige leather as of 2018. This eye-catching leather flows gracefully to the center console and door panels, giving that luxe feel every Ferrari should have. An air conditioner and electric windows add everyday usability, while retractable seatbelts keep safety front and center. Although the seller notes that the window mechanisms are a bit sluggish, the cables have been replaced, ensuring a smoother operation overall.
Dashboard Delights
At the helm, the leather-wrapped Nardi steering wheel faces Veglia instrumentation that includes a speedy 180-mph speedometer and a tachometer with a lofty 7,700-rpm redline. Additional gauges are strategically placed ahead of the dogleg-pattern gated shifter, keeping everything conveniently within reach. The five-digit odometer proudly shows 74k miles, and the seller mentions around 3,000 of those miles have been put on since they took the wheel.
The Heart of the Beast
Let’s talk power. Under the engine cover, the mid-mounted 2.9L quad-cam V8 benefits from Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and was factory-rated to unleash 205 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The last timing belt service? Yep, that was back in 2008 at around 73k miles. More recent care included swapping out the fuel pump relay and cold-start injector back in 2019 and replacing the battery in 2020. This power is delivered to the rear wheels through that sought-after five-speed manual transaxle paired with a limited-slip differential.
What’s Included
The sale isn’t just for the car itself; it comes loaded with perks! The seller includes a tool kit, spare parts, a stylish car cover, a handwritten maintenance log, and a collection of service records—perfect for those who appreciate a well-documented history.
In summary, the 1980 Ferrari 308 GTBi is more than just a classic car; it’s an embodiment of Italian design and engineering that promises exhilarating performance. Whether you’re a collector or simply someone who appreciates automotive artistry, this stunning Ferrari is ready to make its mark.