The anomaly of a classic shape falling out of favor over time is a bit confusing to me. Why lose the love? Oh, that’s right—it’s a horsepower thing. But is there a more iconic shape from the era? Our Pick of the Day was lusted by everyone who watched television on Wednesdays at 9/8 p.m. Maybe this 1983 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole will make you reconsider? It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Houston.
The Ferrari 308 was the successor to the Dino 246 GT/GTS, the V6-powered spin-off brand named after Enzo Ferrari’s deceased son. As usual, the 308 GTB/GTS (the latter with a targa top) was designed by Pininfarina. In looks, it came off as a V8-powered Berlinetta Boxer. Early cars (from 1976 to June 1977) were fiberglass and equipped with a 2.9-liter V8 supported by a five-speed and a quartet of Weber carburetors. To some, these are the romantic versions due to the carburetor wail.
You’d think the introduction of Bosch fuel injection for the 1980 308 GTBi/GTSi (note the name adjustment) would have improved performance, but it did not. The culprit was a drop in horsepower to levels unbecoming for a Ferrari, but the addition of four-valve heads for 1983 saved the day as the 308 GTB/GTS Quattrovalvole restored performance to the level not seen for several years.
For 1986, the 308 was replaced by the 328, which evolved the 308’s styling up front, plus an increase in engine size and other tweaks under the skin. It’s considered the last of the same Ferrari series yet, to these eyes, it is not as iconic as the 308.
This 10,634-mile 1983 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole catches the eye for several reasons: it’s not your classic Rosso Corsa red, the interior is not black, and it features unusual Boxer trim that was available for several years in the 1980s. Altogether, this car looks fabulous and unlike most 308s you see. “An Amazing find! Long-term single-owner 308 GTS Quattrovalvole in rare Bianco/Nero Boxer with Rosso interior,” says the seller. “Highly original example with low miles and clean CARFAX history report.” Originally delivered in Miami in July 1983, this vehicle remained with the original owner until 2015. The last major “belt service” was reportedly performed in 2015 at 10,500 miles. Options include air conditioning, heated rear window, Blaupunkt radio, targa top cover, tool roll, and more.
No, you won’t be able to get on your inner Magnum P.I. with a white car, but we think this example is more distinctive. For $64,900, how could you not agree?
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
