Lot 233

Monterey 2013

1979 Ferrari 308 GTS

From the Estate of William H. Tilley

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$63,250 USD | Sold

United States | Monterey, California

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Chassis No.
26891
  • Offered from the Estate of William H. Tilley
  • Matching-numbers example
  • Successor to the 246 GTS

240 bhp, 2,926 cc 90-degree V-8 engine with four Weber carburetors, five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension with coil springs and anti-roll bars, and front and rear disc brakes. Wheelbase: 94.1 in.

Introduced as the replacement for the Dino 246 in 1975, the 308 has a solid place in Ferrari history. Designed by Leonardo Fioravanti, of Pininfarina, it quickly won over many enthusiasts for both its looks and performance. Often associated with the TV show Magnum, P.I., as the 308 GTS played a starring role in the series, capturing the hearts of many as it chased down criminals on the islands of Hawaii with actor Tom Selleck behind the wheel.

The 308 shared both its tube-frame platform and double-wishbone independent suspension with the Ferrari 308 GT/4. The powerplant is a 2,926-cubic centimeter transverse V-8, producing 240 horsepower with a top speed of 156 mph. The 308 GTS proved to be the more popular variant of the 308 model, with a total of 3,219 examples manufactured.

The 308 GTS entered production in 1977, and while similar to the 308 GTB, the main difference between the two was its convertible top, which provided the pleasure of open-air driving. Ferrari made sure to reinforce the chassis to account for the missing roof, leaving the handling dynamics of the GTB largely intact. Removing the 308 GTS’s targa top is simple, and it easily stows directly behind the rear seats. Luggage space is provided directly behind the engine bay in a separate compartment.

This car is painted in a stunning shade of metallic grey, which appears to almost take on a very classy dark brown hue in certain light. This 308 GTS appears much more subtle than the typical red and beige color combination seen on most 308s. The installation of aftermarket side-view mirrors give this 308 GTS a much sleeker appearance than the stock mirrors provide, and an aftermarket Kenwood stereo has also been fitted.

While the paint shows some signs of wear, it appears to be mostly original, with only minor touch-ups apparent. Minor pitting has been neatly touched up as well, and there does not appear to be any significant damage repair. The interior is nicely patinated, which is consistent with car’s age and mileage. The aftermarket gold-painted BBS wheels nicely bring the interior color to the car’s exterior, and they are fitted with modern Pirelli tires. The car’s original spare wheel and tire are still intact and are as they came from the factory. When driven by an RM specialist, the car started with the turn of a key, and the clutch, shifting, and braking performed with ease.

For many first-time Ferrari buyers, a 308 GTS is an enticing proposition. Combining one of Pininfarina’s timeless designs with top-down motoring and a V-8 for a fraction of the cost of modern eight-cylinder Ferraris, a well-maintained 308 is often hard to pass up. This 308 GTS is no exception, and in fact, it was one of the cars in the collection that Mr. Tilley enjoyed driving the most. Included are also the original yellow jack, the owner’s manual, and the service and warranty books, with their respective pouches. With just over 33,000 miles on its odometer, it is ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.