The Pininfarina designed Ferrari 308 GTB was introduced in 1975 at the Paris Auto Salon. The 308 took all that was great about the car it succeeded, the 246 Dino, and amplified power output with a 3.0L V-8 at the heart of its mid-engine, wedge-shaped body. The first production run of 808 cars utilized a Fiberglass body, which gave way to a steel body in June of 1977 after customer criticism that Ferrari was seemingly using a substandard material (Plastic) for their bodies. This was also the first time Ferrari used Fiberglass for a production road car. U.S. Specification examples utilized a wet-sump lubrication system and were fitted with a different bumper design than European spec examples. All early 308s featured 4 twin-choke Weber 40DCNF carburetors from 1975-1979 after which, Ferrari introduced the Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injected examples. The early-carbureted examples are widely regarded as the best sounding with the GTB variants having the cleanest look with superior handling over the GTS.

In the hierarchy of collectability, the extremely rare Vetroresina (Fiberglass) bodied cars reign king. While many publications state Fiberglass bodied 308 production quantity at 712, it has been found that approximately 808 cars were actually produced. U.S. Specification examples are even rarer with only 100 examples were ever produced. Though they had a wet-sump system, the U.S. Spec examples maintained the same carburetor set-up as dry-sump European cars, along with a more aggressive camshaft profile, and remained free from power-stifling catalytic converters. In total, approximately 2,993 carbureted 308 GTBs were produced in what may seemingly be a large figure comparative to early Ferrari production numbers. However, many of these examples lived difficult lives especially at a time when these cars were relatively inexpensive making them targets for owners that lacked the level of care required. The fiberglass cars were no different. Many have been mistreated and have higher mileage displacing them from the pool of cars deemed collectible. Some have been fully restored but rarely does one stand out from the ample amount of 308s to choose from. In the rapidly appreciating yearn for originality that has swept the classic car market as of late, the value of original cars has never been more appreciated than it is now. Buyers realize that anyone can restore a car but finding a time-capsule original example (especially when only 808 were built in the first place) is likened to discovering priceless Pirate’s booty at the ocean’s bottom. This is one such example; an outlier and one worthy of “holy-grail” recognition.

We are honored to present one of the most original Ferrari 308 GTB Vetroresina (Fiberglass) examples in existence. Chassis #19529 is one of 100 U.S. Specification examples produced. It is a Ferrari Classiche Certified, matching-numbers example showing just 7,485 miles from new and is finished in its original colors of Rosso Corsa over Beige. After close examination, we believe it to wear most, if not all, of its original paint and retains its entire original interior. #19529 was originally delivered in September of 1976 to U.S. Distributor, Chinetti-Garthwaite Imports of Paoli, Pennsylvania. The original import slip can be found in the “View Documents” tab of the listing. Chinetti-Garthwaite dispatched the car to Ferrari Dealer, International Motorcars Corporation of Jackson, Mississippi with a total “Importer’s Suggested Retail Price” of $28,580. Also included is the original sales slip from International Motorcars to the car’s original owner. The total purchase price was $39,850 after a “Price Increase” charge of $10,370 and a $900 dealer prep fee. The radio, however, was included at no extra charge! The original owner’s manual/service booklet was filled out on October 16^th, 1981 by Charlie Kemp, one of the owners of International Motorcars; presumably, after they secured a buyer for the car. Per an original registration, we have concluded that the first owner must have been a Mr. Gross from Elm Grove, Wisconsin. Mr. Gross owned the car for a few years and 7,312 miles when he sold the car to a Mr. Jaeger, also of Wisconsin in February of 1986. Paperwork shows that Ferrari of Los Gatos appeared to have brokered the car to Mr. Jaeger who, according to the original bill of sale on file, traded in his 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 valued at $100,000 against the 308. We believe that Mr. Jaeger kept the car in storage, unused for nearly 30 years until a car finder purchased #19529 in preserved, “Barn Find” condition in 2015 after the passing of Mr. Jaeger. At that time, a full service was completed along with the replacement of any rubber bushing and components too dry/old to be serviceable. The cost was over $10,000 to make the car road-worthy once again after which, the current owner and consignor purchased the car. Upon our commission to sell the car, it had been sitting for some time. We deemed it needed an all-important belt service. We entrusted a local marque specialist to complete the service, replacing the fuel, both timing belts, tensioner bearings, A/C belt, water pump belt, and front air pump belt.

Today, the car remains in exceptional original condition with low, preserved mileage due to decades of storage. This example “writes the book” on originality. We believe that the entirety of the paint is original as well as the interior, wheels, and engine compartment area save for some serviceable items. To give prospective buyers an idea of its originality, we included some specific, close-up photos of various originality features that can be viewed in the photo set. For example, under close examination, the car’s door panels have remnants of plastic wrapping around the edges of the door pockets. This was originally wrapped by the factory to protect the car in transit. Once the car arrived to its original selling dealer, they would remove the plastic protective door panel coverings in their “dealer prep” phase. Since this car has such little use, the plastic remains are still present today. Another originality indicator are the pedals which show just the right amount of wear to substantiate its extremely low mileage. The bright, unworn threads and the texture of the MoMo Steering wheel further display its time-capsule condition as well. In the engine bay, one will notice factory-build numbers written on the splash guards in grease pen. The keys are also original to the car and unworn just like they would have presented in 1976. We also believe that the wheel finish is original with the Campagnolo stickers, which were silkscreened on to the wheels from the factory. Overall, it is a truly magnificent example that would be a serious contender for any preservation and/or FCA Platinum award.

Included in the sale are its original manuals, tools, jack, spare, map light, original import slip, sales slip, and the cardboard box in which all of the accessories came in from the factory with its serial number inscribed on the side.

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