1984 FERRARI 308 GTS QV

This Ferrari 308 GTS QV is an exciting 1980s sports car, and it is presented in very smart condition, having been refinished in the classic Ferrari colour scheme of Rosso Corsa over Nero leather. It is powered by a mid-mounted 2.9-litre V8 – with four valves per cylinder, hence ‘Quattrovalvole’ – which produces 240bhp and is coupled to a five-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels.

Launched in 1982, the 308 GTS and GTB QV models featured numerous small design tweaks over the preceding 308 GTBi and GTSi, including a redesigned radiator grille and a slim louvred panel in the front lid to provide additional cooling.

This left-hand-drive European-specification example was first registered in August 1984 and was originally finished in Azzurro California Metallizzato paintwork with a Crema interior – but was later recoloured. By the mid-1990s, this 308 had made its way to the US, where it was owned by a gentleman in Florida between 1996 and 2000. There are invoices in the file exceeding $7,000 for maintenance carried out during his ownership.

It then passed to another American owner based in Pennsylvania, who had the 308 GTS for 14 years between 2001 and 2015. The history file contains bills in excess of $12,000 work servicing and maintenance during his ownership, including replacement of all fuel lines, ball joints and gaiters, a rebuild of the steering rack, new fuel pump, and refurbishment of the entire Bosch fuel injection system.

In 2015 it was imported into the UK, though was not re-registered with the DVLA until March 2018, when it received its age-related number plate. It is now being offered for sale by the owner who imported it, who has enjoyed this iconic ’80s Ferrari as part of a four-car collection, and has covered around 2,000 miles behind the wheel.

Designed by Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina, the body’s sharp lines and long nose are as striking today as they were in period, and it still features smooth shut lines, with no signs of accident damage. While this example was originally finished in the uncommon shade of Azzurro California, it has since been refinished in bright Rosso Corsa. The paintwork is in good condition overall, though the original blue hue is showing in a few areas such as under chips on the door sills. It received a full paint correction and detail at a cost of £1,500 in 2020. The car rides on its original five-spoke wheels, which are finished in silver and present very well.

As a GTS model, this 308 features a removable targa roof panel, which is in great condition and still has its grained satin black finish. All of the exterior trim and badges are in good condition, and the pop-up headlights operate as they should, with clear, undamaged lenses. However, the rear passenger-side indicator lens is showing some slight signs of deterioration.

In the cabin, the leather seats are showing modest signs of wear, in line with the age and mileage, with some general surface cracking present on the side bolsters and headrests. The leather around the dashboard and centre console also has some minor wear and tear as can be seen in the photo gallery, including a split in the right-hand side of the panel by the ashtray.

All of the gauges and controls are reported to be in good condition. The car was specified new with Borletti air-conditioning, though as with all Ferraris of this age, it is not especially effective compared to modern systems.

Mechanically, it has been well maintained over the last few years by independent Ferrari specialist Migliore Cars. In 2015, just over £4,000 was spent on a major service and cam belt replacement, as well as an overhaul of the steering rack, rear brake calipers, new window motors and booster boxes, new rear anti-roll bar bushes and brackets, replacement of the washer jets and hoses, and a new handbrake cable. Since then, it has also had the plenum and throttle body re-finished in the correct crackle red, and has had the ECUs replaced, as well as the aforementioned paint detail.

This 308 GTS QV’s last MOT test was carried out on 8 August 2019 at 52,506 miles, which it passed with only one advisory noting that the offside front tyre was down to 3mm of tread – though this tyre has since been replaced with an Avon Turbospeed item. The other wheels are shod in the original type Michelin TRX tyres, which are in good condition. The seller has committed to handing over the car with a fresh 12-month MOT certificate.

Accompanying the car are an original tool kit, jack and an owner’s manual. The rare space-saver wheel is also still present in the front storage compartment.

This 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS QV is a smart, well-cared for example of one of the marque’s most reliable sports cars. Refinished in a classic Ferrari colour combination, it looks every bit the 1980s exotic, and it is described by the seller as feeling sharper, tighter, and faster than the other 308 QV in their collection. Well maintained, and with impressive history going back to 1996 in the file, this Ferrari is ready to delight during the warm summer months.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing. There is also a clear CARFAX report available, covering its time in the US from 1994 through to 2015.