1979 1983 Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole

Highlights

• Matching numbers confirmed by Ferrari
• Showing 25,744 miles (41,430 km)
• Bare metal respray with photographic documentation of the work
• Interior retrimmed to original specification
• Tasteful scheme of black paint over tan upholstery
• Extensive mechanical work carried out, with supporting invoices
• Original book pack and service book dating back to 1988

The Appeal

You can't mention a 308 GTS without acknowledging its most famous appearance, starring alongside a moustachioed, Hawaiian shirt-sporting Tom Selleck in the hit American TV Series 'Magnum P.I.' Magnum smiling down the camera lens before slamming the Ferrari into gear and lighting up the rear tyres has become among the most iconic scenes in television history.
Now you too can channel your inner Tom Selleck and wear outrageously short shorts in this 1983 Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole. Unlike Magnum's red car, our 308 is a more tasteful (sorry Tom) shade of black over a sumptuous tan leather interior. The intrepid private investigator had to make do with a carburetted GTS in the early episodes, although he did get a Quattrovalvole like our car a little later on.
With four-valve cylinder heads liberating additional power from the glorious mid-mounted V8, sharper styling cues, and that unmistakable Pininfarina silhouette, the QV is widely regarded as the most desirable of the 308 family.

Our car was supplied new in Pennsylvania in 1984 before being imported to the UK in 2016. Since its arrival, it has been the subject of considerable investment: a bare metal respray (documented with photographs), an interior retrim back to original specification, and extensive mechanical work, all supported by invoices. Crucially, Ferrari has confirmed via email that this is a matching numbers car, adding a further layer of desirability.

The vendor reports that the exterior presents in very good order for its age, with only a minor paint imperfection around the windscreen seal to note. Inside, the retrimmed cabin is said to be in very good condition, with all instruments and switchgear functioning correctly. On the road, we're told the engine and gearbox feel and sound as they should, with no untoward suspension noises; a very good car to drive, by all accounts.

The car does come with a caveat: it has been off the road for a few years, and the vendor advises a full recommission before regular use, though it was deemed roadworthy in Gibraltar in February 2025. Accompanying the car is a substantial folder of paperwork dating back to 2016, along with the original book pack and service book from 1988.
For those seeking a well-sorted, matching-numbers 308 QV with documented restoration work, this is the perfect opportunity.

History and Paperwork

• Originally supplied new in Pennsylvania, USA, in 1984
• Imported to the UK in 2016; wears Gibraltar registration
• MOT/road tax exempt
• Matching numbers confirmed by Ferrari via email correspondence
• Large folder of paperwork dating back to 2016, documenting mechanical and cosmetic work
• Original book pack and service book dating back to 1988
• The car has been off the road for a few years; the vendor advises a full recommission before regular use
• Deemed roadworthy in Gibraltar in February 2025

The Condition

• Bare metal respray carried out, with photographic documentation of the process
• Minor paint imperfection around the windscreen seal where masking was not precise during the respray
• Interior retrim carried out to original specification
• High-quality Michelin tyres fitted
• Modern Pioneer DIN stereo

Ferraris of this vintage are enjoying a renaissance which is in large part thanks to their crisp Pininfarina styling. Typical of its era, the 308's design blends curves with sharp angles to great effect. Dare we say, it's iconic. Black really suits this car's lines, a more understated choice than the typical 'Rosso Corsa', and those five-spoke sixteen-inch alloys are some of the most recognisable wheels in the history of the automobile. As the GTS model, this car's roof panel is removable, adding further versatility for those warm summer months and the opportunity to feel the wind blowing through your moustache...
The vendor reports this car's interior to be in very good condition, also stating that all instruments and switchgear are in working order.

The vendor reports the exterior to be in very good condition for the age of the vehicle, noting a few paintwork imperfections as one would expect for a car of this vintage. As the photographs attest, it presents very well throughout, clearly benefitting from the extensive works listed above.

The Mechanics

• 3.0-litre quad-cam V8 engine with Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection
• Five-speed manual transmission
• Extensive mechanical work carried out, with supporting invoices
• The vendor reports that the engine and gearbox feel and sound as they should

Of all 308s, the QV is arguably the one you want, with a 3.0-litre quad-cam V8 engine with Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection providing 230 horsepower in US market specification. We're informed that our example is driving well, without untoward noises, although the vendor advises recommissioning simply due to the fact that the car has been unused for some time. The engine compartment looks to be very original and is nicely presented, as can be seen in the photographs.

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