History of the Ferrari 308 GTS Ferrari, always an innovator in engineering and design, elected to change sports car paradigms in 1975, when they ushered in the Pininfarina designed Ferrari 308. The all-new Ferrari debuted at the 1975 Paris Auto Show to enthusiastic acclaim. Ferrari delivered a refreshing approach via designer Leonardo Fioravanti, who had penned many of Ferrari's most celebrated cars including the Daytona, the Dino, and the Berlinetta Boxer. Within a short period of time, the 308 quickly became a feature of television shows, movies, and advertising posters, while shaping public opinion about what a sports car should look and feel like. Although initially limited to a fixed roof configuration, the GTS arrived in 1977, featuring a removable satin black roof panel, which could be stowed in a vinyl cover behind the seats when not in use. In 1980, the 308 was updated with fuel-injection which allowed for better emissions yet compromised performance with a loss of power, delivering only 202 hp on US models. Ferrari set about developing a solution to the output challenge in 1982 launching the Quattrovalvole. This four-valve per cylinder engine resulted in a 232 hp output without compromising emission requirements for the all-important US market. Exterior body changes were minor but important, including a new grille with rectangular driving lights, a longitudinal hood vent to aid in evacuating warm air, and rectangular front side marker lights. Limited in production, while blending the best of the early series 308 with a more potent engine, the 308 QV has since become more and more sought after by enthusiasts who seek a Ferrari that can be enjoyably driven on a more regular basis. History of this Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole GTS This beautifully preserved Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole GTS was assembled at the Ferrari factory in February 1983 and delivered for US sale to the dealership Valley Porsche Audi Ferrari in Spokane, WA. The Ferrari service booklet shows service stamps for portions of the history, supporting more than 20 years of California ownership by the former owner. The prior owner is believed to have been the third owner of the car, retaining several original ownership documents and service records. Invoices include a 2015 timing belt, tune up, clutch adjustment, and fluids at 20,022 miles. In February 2020, showing 20,120 miles, the car was serviced with a comprehensive overview, timing belt service, and the replacement of all major fuel hoses, gaskets, spark plugs, air and fuel filters, fluids, and other details serviced as needed totaling almost $7,000.00 as performed by Italian car specialist L. Buskirk Co., Novato, CA. The current owner purchased this car from Fantasy Junction in 2021 and has continued to maintain and service the car while accumulating an additional 3,000 miles during their four-year ownership. Under current ownership a new set of Bridgestone Potenza RW 71 RS 205/55 R16 front and 225/55 R16 rear tires were installed in July 2021, a Momo suede steering wheel was installed (original retained and included with the car), and a new Optima battery was installed in August 2024. Condition and Current Presentation Today, with just 23,178 miles indicated, this beautifully preserved Ferrari presents as a wonderful original example throughout. The original paint is in excellent condition with high luster and great gloss to the Rosso Corsa finish applied at the factory, confirmed by the 4-7 micron readings achieved when metering the body surfaces. Although some minor road chips are noted at the front of the car, the remainder of the body is in excellent condition throughout. The hood and trunk open and shut smoothly, displaying very nice fit with even panel gaps. Doors also open and shut without issue. The black trim remains in excellent condition with no major flaws or notable warpage due to excessive heat exposure. At some point prior to current ownership, a protective satin black coating was applied to the bottom sections of the car and the front air dam. The removable roof panel and distinctive rear deck spoiler are in very good condition with no marks or flaws of note. The glass appears to be original and in excellent condition as are the various window gaskets, black trim for the side vents and engine cover. The Ferrari emblems and badges are in excellent condition as are the lenses and lighting, further supporting the superb preservation and low miles. The car is currently wearing BBS gold web wheels and tires which are in very good to excellent condition, showing no curb rash or damage to the polished and painted surfaces. The original millimeter spec wheels and factory Michelin tires remain in impeccable condition and are included with the car. Inside the car, the tan leather interior has been preserved and maintained to a high standard. The seats are comfortable, and the leather remains soft and supple with only minor wear on the driver’s left side seat bolster. Carpeting is also well preserved with evidence of use in keeping with the miles shown. Instruments, center console, and steering wheel are in very good to excellent condition with no fading or unusual wear. The door panels have been fitted with aftermarket speakers and a replacement gear shift knob has been added, but otherwise, the interior remains very much as the factory outfitted the 308 in 1983. The removable top removes and attaches easily, stowing in the factory case behind the seats, making for both open and closed cockpit driving without the hassle of a folding convertible top. The trunk compartment is also in excellent condition with original black carpeting and a taut black zipper liner which smoothly opens and closes for access to this storage compartment. The engine compartment is clean and well maintained with the most recent timing belt change service recorded in February 202o. The engine and surrounding compartment remain original without significant modifications. The matching red intake plenum sits atop the 32-valve V8, boasting the added horsepower offered in the QV configuration. The handsome cast aluminum heads and red ignition wires deliver all the visual engagement of a finely preserved Ferrari showing only modest amounts of patina since offered new. Factory finishes and original data plates, coded labels, and warning information items remain in place including the Ferrari engine number pictured in the image gallery. Inside the front storage area, the unused original Michelin spare tire (still retaining the molded-in Mr. Bibendum figure on the high sidewall) mounted to the factory rim sits snugly inside the front tub, which appears to be in excellent condition showing no cracks or excessive scratches as is often seen in cars with more accumulated miles. The underside of the car is tidy and clean, and the rear scuff plate, installed to protect the various components, remains in good condition. Some evidence of road use is present, in keeping with the mileage shown on the odometer with no visual evidence of structural compromise. The car starts easily, idling smoothly, ready for driving. The improved power delivery in the Quattrovalvole is notable especially when compared to earlier iterations of the 308. The well-balanced chassis, improved suspension, 16” wheels, and open coachwork offers very rewarding driving particularly via the gated manual gearbox. Braking is quite good even when coming down from high speeds. Most impressively, the 32-valve engine delivers expressive power and great range without the fussiness often presented with carbureted cars. Included with this Ferrari The car is accompanied by the original wheels and tires, the original steering wheel, a factory tool roll, tools, jack and case, owner’s embroidered fabric and leather folio with manual and service booklet, and selected service records.