Introduced at the Paris Salon in 1975, the stunningly beautiful 308GTB – Ferrari’s second V8-engined road car - marked a welcome return to Pininfarina styling following the Bertone-designed Dino 308GT4. Badged as a ‘proper’ Ferrari rather than a Dino, the newcomer had changed little mechanically apart from a reduction in wheelbase, retaining its predecessor’s underpinnings and engine. A four-cam, 3.0-litre 90° V8 that now featured dry sump lubrication, the latter was mounted transversely ahead of the rear axle centreline, the cams being driven by toothed belts. Breathing via a quartet of Weber carburettors, this superbly engineered power unit produced 255bhp, an output good enough to propel the 308 to a top speed of 150mph. Power reached the ground via a five-speed all-synchromesh transaxle, and much of the 308’s success was attributable to the strength and reliability of its engine/transmission package.

Visually this model was an interesting mix of the new and familiar, featuring a wide ‘egg crate’ grille below the front bumper, concealed headlamps, aggressively flared wheelarches, fastback roofline with Kamm-style rear, and functional scalloped air scoops just ahead of the rear wheels. Produced initially with glassfibre (vetroresina) bodywork - the first time this material had been used for a production Ferrari - the Scaglietti-built 308GTB used steel after April 1977. The first steel bodied cars were manufactured in 1976, the change bringing with it a considerable weight penalty (of around 150kg) and consequent reduction in performance. Naturally, anyone wanting to race a 308GTB started out with the glassfibre version if they could. Further developments included the introduction of an open-top GTS version with Targa-style removable roof, the adoption of Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection (1980) and, finally, revised cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder (1982).

Possessing excellent handling and power - plus brakes to match - the 308GTB is an exhilarating driver’s car and a Ferrari purist’s delight. Not surprisingly, this model and its many derivatives proved a huge commercial success for Maranello, selling more than 12,000 units over the course of ten years in production, to which the successor 328GTB added a further 7,000-plus.

One of only 712 vetroresina 308GTB coupés produced, chassis number ‘21025’ was fully restored in Switzerland during 2006-2007. The car is finished in grey with black leather interior, the latter completely renewed by Luppi in Italy, and was last serviced in 2007 when the cam belts were replaced (invoice available). Presented in absolutely superb condition, it comes complete with its original tool kit, Ferrari wallet and owner’s manuals, and is offered with Ferrari certificate of authenticity, Swiss Carte Grise and Contrôle Technique. It is very unusual to find a vetroresina in such well restored condition as this one; thus ‘21025’ represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a fine example of this most desirable version of the iconic 308GTB.