1976 Ferrari 308 GTB Vetroresina

At the Paris Salon in October 1975, Ferrari revealed the 308 GTB, a fresh new model that would set the company’s design direction for the remainder of the century. The sleek and modern design was by Pininfarina, and the bodies were built by Carrozzeria Scaglietti in Modena. The initial run of 308 GTB bodies were made of vetroresina (the Italian word for fiberglass), the first use of this material in a Ferrari road car. As few as 712 Vetroresina 308s were built, and the European-market models, with their dry sump engines, are the most desirable of all. This dry sump configuration was better suited to the demands of racing, and the cars were FIA Group 4 certified. Their successors, the steel-bodied, wet sump cars – the vast majority of 308s produced – were not. As a result, these early Vetroresina dry sump European market berlinettas are highly prized. Besides their rarity, fiberglass 308s are about 250 lbs. lighter than their steel counterparts and, as a result, can be marginally faster.

This Vetroresina was the subject of a comprehensive restoration in 2013 and 2014 by Sport Auto Modena in Italy, and receipts totaling €58,000 accompany the car. The DOHC V-8 engine and its four carburetors were overhauled; the valve guides were updated for unleaded fuel and a new fuel pump was fitted; all the belts were replaced; and the electrical system was overhauled, as were the air-conditioning and cooling systems, with a new compressor and radiator. The power windows were rebuilt, a new and proper single outlet exhaust system was fitted, and the suspension and brakes were overhauled. This car was the subject of a bare-fiberglass, complete refinishing in its original Rosso Chiaro, the most iconic Ferrari color, and it was expertly re-upholstered in supple tan leather with black carpeting. Following the work, the Vetroresina was inspected by the Ferrari Classiche Department and has received its Certification and Red Book.

The 308 GTB launched Ferrari into the modern era, and the earliest examples have become coveted collectibles. They were a handsome, curvaceous departure from the angular, Bertone-bodied 308 GT4, and they marked the next generation of Ferraris that not only turned heads, but also could perform with the best sports models of their era. Relatively few dry sump, European GTBs have been imported to the US, and they remain in great demand by cognoscenti. Respected Ferrari expert Marc Tauber says, “Lightweight fiberglass 308s are analogous to alloy 275 GTBs. They’re the Holy Grail of 308s.” Freshly restored, ready for a show or a spirited drive, this stunning Vetroresina berlinetta is the 308 to have.