Fantasy Junction

Description

1985 Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole GTSi

VIN – ZFFLA13B000052513
Exterior Color – Rosso Corsa
Interior Color – Tan Leather
Engine – 2.9 L Quad-Cam V8
Transmission – 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 29,931 miles
Owner Purchase – 2016 with 42,000 miles

General History

Given Ferrari's ongoing success in racing and the increasing demand for North American offerings, by the mid 1970s, it was clear that Ferrari needed a volume-based offering to move their brand forward. Amidst the otherwise dull automotive cars of this era, the Pininfarina designed Ferrari 308 debuted at the 1975 Paris Auto Show to enthusiastic acclaim. Within a short period of time, the 308 quickly became a magnum feature of television shows, movies, and advertising posters. Initially limited to a fixed roof configuration, the GTS arrived in 1977, featuring a rigid removable black roof panel, which could be stowed in a vinyl cover behind the seats.

In 1980, the 308 was updated with fuel-injection which allowed for better emissions yet compromised performance with a loss of power. Ferrari set about developing a solution to the output challenge in 1982 launching the Quattrovalvole. The new four-valve per cylinder engine delivered 232 hp without compromising emission requirements for the all-important US market. 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 enjoy driving their cars.

History of this 308 QV

This Ferrari was originally sold new in Pasadena, California through Pasadena Datsun on March 14, 1985. Service records accompanying this car indicate it was located in Ohio in 2000 where it was regularly serviced at North Coast Exotics, Cleveland, OH including passing emissions inspections, replacing a water pump, new distributor caps, and a new clutch and pressure plate. By 2008, this Ferrari was sold to the current owner who maintained regular service beginning in 2009 with Grand Prix Motors, Campbell, CA including a first belt service with 21,961 miles, new fuel injectors, new coolant tank, new ignition wires, and other details. Later that same year with 22,742 miles the rear brake calipers rebuilt, followed by the installation of a new leather interior (seats and center console), new inner door panels, and new carpet. At this time, a new sound system was also installed including sound deadening for the doors, a Code alarm system, and a subwoofer installation. Additional mechanical work continued on the car including purchase of new trunk compartment material, a new targa top vinyl cover, switch and switch plate replacements for the interior. Suspension work in 2010 with 24,899 miles included replacing the coil over shocks, upper and lower ball joints, silent blocks, tie rod ends, alignment, and other items. Services continued with Gran Prix Motors through the decade with regular CA smog testing, another belt service at 28,124 miles in 2014, and the most recent major service in 2021 with 29,435 miles including belts, hoses, cam belts and tensioners, rebuilding the water pump, new hoses, AC recharge, and fluids.

Current Condition and Presentation

Today, showing just 29,931 miles, this beautiful Ferrari presents as a wonderful original example with excellent finishes representative of combined preservation and sensitive restoration. The paint is in excellent condition with high luster and a smooth finish to the stunning Rosso Corsa finish. The hood and trunk open and shut smoothly displaying factory fit and excellent panel gaps. Doors also open and shut smoothly with a positive latch. Though minimal on this series, the various black trim remains in excellent condition with no major flaws or notable warpage or fading due to excessive heat exposure. The deep Euro style front air dam has minor scratches on the lower section, but the smaller profile front and rear body color bumpers are in excellent condition and greatly improve the visual presence of this design particularly when compared to the larger black bumpers found on North American cars.

The removable roof panel and distinctive upper rear spoiler are in excellent condition with no notable flaws. The original Saint Gobain and Sigla brands are etched on the side and rear glass, all of which are in excellent condition as are the various window gaskets and black trim for the side vents and engine cover. The Ferrari emblems and badges are in excellent condition throughout the car, and the lenses and lighting appear remarkably fresh, further supporting the superb preservation and low mile accumulation this car has enjoyed since new. A set of correct 7.00J and 8.00J x 16 wheels with contemporary Bridgestone 205/55 R16 front and 225/50 R16 rear tires and a pair of front Brembo disc brakes complete the exterior presence with confidence.

Inside the car, the tan leather interior is in excellent condition benefiting from thoughtful care since the leather seats, center console, and door panels were replaced in 2010. The tan leather covered center console, preserved black dashboard, and beautiful door panels create a very satisfying appearance especially when viewed with the top removed. The center console, shift gate, switches, and stitching are exceptionally fine. Even the Borletti AC control panel is in excellent condition, although when activated the system blows but not cold. Recognized as one of the best in the early 2ks, a state of the art Fujitsu Ten Eclipse stereo unit is currently installed paired to an aftermarket accessory amp mounted in the rear storage area. Instruments and steering wheel are beautifully preserved with no fading or unusual wear. Even the beautifully finished floor and matching door panel carpeting are in excellent condition. The textured black roof 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 rear storage compartment is in excellent condition with original black carpeting, the audio amp is installed on the rear bulkhead wall offering small storage behind the engine. The front storage compartment is also in condition reflecting factory specifications and features.


Under the hood, the mid mounted V8 engine and surrounding engine compartment presents without significant modifications and excellent finishes to the components. The traditional red intake plenum sits atop the 32-valve V8 engine, boasting the added horsepower offered in the QV configuration. The handsome cast aluminum heads deliver all the visual engagement of a finely preserved Ferrari showing only modest evidence of use since new including the past 17 years of ownership. Factory finishes and original data plates, coded labels, and warning information items remain in place. The underside of the car is tidy and the chassis and components are reflective of the indicated miles showing some signs of road use, clean and undamaged alloy engine castings, and no visual evidence of structural compromise to the floor or suspension mounting points.

The car starts easily and settles into a smooth idle as it warms to operating temperatures. Driving this 308, one is quickly reminded of how much the Quattrovalvole improved the driving experience especially when compared to earlier 308 models. This 308 GTSi QV is not only impressive for the power and smooth delivery via fuel injection, but it also delivers a well-balanced chassis, via improved suspension, 16” wheels, and desirable open coachwork paired with 5-speed manual shifting. Braking is quite good even when coming down from high speeds, vastly enhanced by the larger Brembo front disc brakes. Most impressively, the 32-valve engine delivers expressive power and great range without the fussiness often presented with carbureted cars.

Items included with this Ferrari 



The car is accompanied by a factory tool roll and tools, jack and case, a spare bulb case, owner’s leather folio with manual and service booklets for both US and EU models, supporting service and warranty booklets, a Ferrari branded car cover, a full sized spare tire, and a framed display with information on the 308 model.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608