Unique: Only 712 Produced Worldwide
Introduced at the 1975 Paris Motor Show, the Ferrari 308 GTB came to replace the Dino 246 and accompany the Dino 308 GT4 in the Maranello company’s gamut. Not commonly known is the intriguing history of the sports car during its inaugural years when it was decaled with fiberglass construction for the purpose of reducing overall heft. It has been gauged that only approximately 712 specimens featuring this lightweight bodywork were produced; one of these examples will now be sold at an auction.
Crafted by Carrozzeria Scaglietti, the initial 308 GT8 variants had a shell that was entirely built out of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), resulting in an incredibly lightweight of around 2,315 pounds (1,050 kg). In June 1977- about three years following the introduction of the 308 GTB’s product line – Ferrari started making steel bodies, increasing the mass by about 331 lbs (150 kg). Consequently, these prior lighter models have been highly sought after by Ferrari lovers.
The meager heft of the early cars was linked with a transverse rear-mounted 2.9-liter V8 combined with a five-speed manual transmission. As seen in the image above, models contracted by US clients had a peak performance of 237 horsepower (177 kW) at 6,600 rpm which was slightly reduced contrasted to those sent to Europe because of atmospheric pollution provisions that applied in the United States.
This certain car was pieced together in June 1976, about twelve months preceding the formation of 308 GTBs with fiberglass bodies stopping. It shifted owners multiple times in the subsequent years, finally arriving at its present-day owner with only 9,587 miles on the clock and going up to bid at RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction slated from 17th to 19th of August.
The visuals reveal that the auto has sustained injuries to its front area and windshield in the past; however, thankfully it appears without any absent components, rendering it an ideal option for rehabilitating. This is particularly true seeing as it has held on to its original and same nu-bered engine and transmission.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
