Bonhams Auction: 1978 Ferrari 308 GTB

Tony’s Take: A white Ferrari? Once upon a time you couldn’t give it away. Today, a Ferrari in anything other than red rings the bell. Also back in the day, European-spec cars were auto non grata. While they still bring less money than a proper U.S. import, the Euro bumpers and chin spoilers are so much sexier than their Yankee counterparts. And then there’s the Ferrari 308 GTB itself . . .

The 308 is one of my favorite cars to drive. The sound, the smell, the handling, analogue gauges, the click-clack of the gated six-speed – the 308 offers the classic Ferrari experience. Except, perhaps, the cost of ownership.

While no Ferrari is cheap to service or restore, the 308 doesn’t require a regular engine-out service (e.g., the 355). If you buy the right car, find a competent mechanic and drive the damn thing, the running costs will warm but not melt your credit card (click here for EVO’s take).

As for visual appeal, the GTB “Coupe” is way more sexier than the GTS “Targa.”

Unlike Bonhams listing for Bonhams’ 1981 Lamborghini Countach LP400 S, the auction house offers some basic info on the Ferrari’s condition:

Recently serviced and freshly repainted in its original colour, the car has the optional air conditioning, wider wheels, and larger front spoiler. It comes with its original pouch, instruction manuals, jack and bag, and is presented in overall good condition, retaining its original interior.

Overall good condition? Anyone who buys a Ferrari without a thorough professional inspection is playing Russian roulette with their bank balance. Anyway, where are we with this thing? Here are the last three sales for a 1978 GTB, all with more miles than this 32k mile example.

I say this car will make $81k plus fees. Downside: What’s with the bad photos and previews? Difficult to know what you’re getting.