We hear the word “driver” kicked around all the time, and I use it quite a bit myself to describe cars that aren’t pristine but are more or less kept in good, running order. But there are cars that go even further to establish themselves as not only a driver but as one that has continued to evolve to ensure its ongoing usefulness. These vehicles are far less common, because even a driver-quality collector car tends to get parked in pursuit of preservation. Not this 1980 Ferrari 308 GTSi listed here on eBay: it’s truly a driver with a few cosmetic flaws and plenty of miles, but it’s also been updated with a more powerful Quattrovalvole (QV) engine-spec engine.
The seller is asking $58,500 or best offer. The listing notes that this Ferrari was owned by a seasoned mechanic who was committed to keeping it on the road. The engine swap was likely done not only due to the better performance but as a means of keeping the car on the road. When you stop worrying about numbers matching because you’re so focused on keeping the car on the road, you have officially moved past driver status into something more unique. The prior owner clearly loved to bring this Ferrari to work everyday and it shows – in all the best ways possible. The seller notes there are numerous cosmetic flaws and a respray is likely needed if you want perfection.
But that’s not the point of this car. There are plenty of 308s sitting in temperature-controlled garages with delivery miles on the clock. We don’t need another one. The listing claims there’s 34,000 miles on the clock but I’m guessing the QV motor has less than that. Of course, the cosmetics suggest it’s seen far more miles than what’s on the odometer, but it’s hard to say – the paintwork may not be all that bad for a daily driver, but looks worse than it really is because most 308s are pristine. The seller notes exposed wiring in places and some wear and tear around the cabin, but again – you can get it and take this car to work tomorrow without feeling bad about it.
In the last 3 years, this engine has seen all the must-do work you want to find in a vintage Ferrari’s history file. The major engine-out timing belt service has been done (likely at the time of the QV engine swap) and included the cam belts, tensioner, bearings, and hardware. The cooling system has been serviced along with the clutch, spark plugs, and valve cover gaskets. The QV mill should be good for about 230 horsepower and with major servicing done, you can rest easy taking it up through the upper reaches of the tach. The period-correct wheels look sharp here, and compliment the car’s personality perfectly. We love it! Thanks to Barn Finds readers Tony Primo and Curvette who both spotted this 308.
Had a customer who used his Ferrari as his go to work car and he said as much fun as it is to drive there is no sense in leaving it in the garage. My kind of guy. Nice car here.
If I was a mustachioed gumshoe in Hawaii, I’d totally drive one of these.
Instead, you wore a sport coat and were second in command at HPD.
I like to think I was pretty good at what I did, but since retirement, I’ve had a chance to reflect, and really, all I did was others’ paperwork…
The backup tail lights are in the wrong position. Should be at the outer edge, not tucked up close to the license plate.
So are you implying that the car is a fake?
Or just that someone was careless about reinstalling the tail lights in their factory original positions.
Nice
The first year of fuel injection!
Number one rule of car photography: keep Dumpsters and portable toilets out of the image. That said, this car makes far more sense than that fake GTO also listed today.
What’s goin’ on here? Is this “freaky Friday”? First you have two basket cases that are probably too far gone to reasonably reserect and a poorly done fake for $330,000 and then this “real deal” (albeit not original) pretty darn attractive Ferrari for what seems to me to be a reasonable price. Strange days indeed.
Parked in a handicap spot too!😂
I park my Corvette in a handicap spot because I’m handicapped. Maybe the seller is too.
Sorry i guess I missed the handicap tag hanging off his mirror and the way he’s parked perfectly in between the lines.
If a person, handicapped or not, parked there it would be by mistake.
Looks like a construction site in progress, not an open business.
These don’t require engine-out belt service, thanks to their transverse engine allowing belt access by removing a shroud in the right rear wheel well. Engine-out belt service started with the 348 and Mondial T, due to their longitudinal engine with the belts right up against the rear bulkhead.
I do wonder however if this engine swap was prompted by a prior owner neglecting to change the original engine’s timing belt, perhaps not realizing age as well as mileage can degrade the belt, especially if it wasn’t driven frequently enough to keep the belt rubber supple. Yet another reason to drive them hard and often like their maker intended.
People with big feet like me, need not apply. Too hard to shift, just not enough room. Italians must be tiny people.