One of the attractions of the classic scene is the sheer diversity of tastes and opinions. Some enthusiasts prefer muscle cars, while others enjoy slipping behind the wheel of a car with luxury leanings. If you favor Italian exotics, this 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS could be worth a close look. It is a genuine survivor with 53,000 miles showing on its odometer. It is a turnkey proposition that is ready to head to a new home. The seller has listed the GTS here on eBay in Astoria, New York. They set their BIN at $59,500 with the option to make an offer.
Ferrari launched the 308 GTB in 1975, with the targa-topped GTS joining the range in 1977. Designed by Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina, the styling was crisp and clean, and it has become one of Ferrari’s iconic vehicles. Early GTBs featured fiberglass bodies, but the company had transitioned to steel panels by 1977. This GTS rolled from the Maranello factory in 1978, finished in Black. Its presentation looks very tidy, with no significant cosmetic imperfections. It is described as presentable, suggesting that close inspection will reveal minor flaws. The seller’s listing images and information are quite limited, although the fact that this Ferrari has spent its life in California should have protected it from rust. I always recommend in-person inspections, and checking the rear subframe is wise to ensure it holds no nasty surprises. The glass is clear, and there appear to be no major flaws with the elegant 14″ alloy wheels.
The seller only provides a single interior shot, but we can still make a reasonable assessment of the overall condition. The leather-trimmed seats and remaining upholstered surfaces appear to have no significant wear, while the dash and console are in good condition. The dash houses a CD player, which appears to be the only aftermarket addition. However, there are a few shortcomings that may require a reasonable financial investment to address. The wheel leather exhibits age deterioration, and I suspect that it may not be far from developing holes. Having the leather restitched would be expensive, so finding a similar Momo wheel might be a better strategy. The carpet is dirty and is quite worn on the outer edges. I believe that its condition is beyond a deep clean, and replacement may be the only viable option. The new owner may have to swallow hard because complete carpet sets retail for approximately $1,600. However, with those items replaced, this Ferrari’s interior would look pretty sweet.
The defining feature of virtually any Ferrari is its engine. Each unit is hand-built, and the attention to detail is incredible. Once cast, every component is x-rayed to ensure it is free of flaws. Any item not passing muster heads back to the furnace, and is melted to become part of future castings. That is why the relatively modest mid-mounted 3.0-liter V8 in the GTS produces 251hp and 217 ft/lbs of torque. Feeding to the road via a five-speed manual transaxle, the V8 can propel the 308 GTS to a factory-claimed 157mph. The seller claims that the Ferrari has 53,000 miles on the clock and that it runs and drives very well. That makes it a turnkey proposition with no apparent needs.
This 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS won’t appeal to everyone, but no classic can achieve that feat. It also isn’t the cheapest car on the planet, and buying a Ferrari can require deep commitment due to the cost of some parts and servicing. However, recent successful sales suggest that the seller’s BIN is very competitive, and their willingness to negotiate may significantly improve the situation. If you’ve longed to slip behind the wheel of an Italian thoroughbred, could this 308 GTS be a contender?
Gullwing Motor Cars, case closed.