1984 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole (QV)

A beautifully preserved, low-mileage Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole with rich family history.

Paint

The Argento Auteuil Metallic silver paint has a consistent finish and an excellent lustre. We only spotted an underpaint rash on the nose of the car around the emblem and a few minor spots and marks on both front wings.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Bodywork

The body presents positively, with no discernible damage to the bodywork. The panels are flush with good shut lines, and the doors open and close without issue.

A very light coat of surface corrosion is noted on the offside A-pillar, where the paint has simply worn through, along with some signs of age on the rear wheel arch lips and the base of the offside sill. Overall, we feel it would take very little effort to resolve these cosmetic issues.

The underside is clean with no significant signs of age, showing a tidy floor pan and wheel wells, while the engine bay and both luggage compartments are solid.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Dashboard

The dashboard is in excellent shape, free of fractures or any significant marks. The fascia and centre console are clean. Anything that shows is simply part of the ageing process, but it exceeds expectations for a car of this age.

The dials, controls, and switches are in good condition, and all are said to operate as they should, including the air conditioning. The headlining, door cards, and interior trim are in good condition. Both luggage areas suggests careful use.

The drive

The QV update introduced four-valve cylinder heads (quattrovalvole) to the 2.9-litre transverse V8 to replace the heavily emissions-controlled previous engine. By optimising airflow, raising compression, and pairing it with Marelli electronic ignition, Ferrari successfully clawed power back up, allowing the car to rev higher and perform as intended.

The power delivery is buttery smooth and builds progressively. Although we did not take it above 2,000 rpm during our drive, it truly wakes up and surges forward once you cross 3,500 to 4,000 rpm, and James has assured us that the engine is just as smooth at higher speeds. Even at low speed, as James accelerated, the crisp, mechanical, flat-plane V8 wail was notable, pulling smoothly and without hesitation.

The car offers a balanced, confidence-inspiring driving experience; even at low speeds, it feels incredibly well-planted. It handles corners flatly, tracking exactly where James points it. Sitting so low to the ground amplifies the sensation of speed, with perfectly weighted steering showing no reported play.

James has not reported any issues with oil pressure or engine temperature.

Glass and trim

The glass and seals are in good shape, although there is a minor surface mark on the driver's side of the windscreen.

The headlamps are in good condition and have been tested and shown to operate correctly.

Both rear indicator lenses show minor fractures.

The trim is well mounted to the car, showing a little wear around the passenger side window frame.

The bumpers are in good shape and free of marks.

Wheels and tyres

The 390 mm Speedline TRX 5-spoke wheels are in excellent condition, showing nothing more than light marks.

The front and rear of the car is fitted with Metric Michelin TRX tyres and show a spec of 220/55R390 - these are date coded from 2025. They all have even tread and in good shape.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Seats and carpets

The red leather seats are in smart condition, with minor creasing simply adding to the allure of the presentation.

The carpets are all in good shape, and there are three layers of protective footwell mats.

Engine and gearbox

The engine catches quickly and immediately revs up to roughly 2,000 to 2,500 rpm. Typically loud and aggressive, the Ferrari is all about drama, with a distinct, mechanical, rhythmic whirring and a slightly high-pitched idle, before soon settling down to a steady 1,000 rpm. There was no unwanted smoke from the exhaust, and all of the ignition lights remained off.

The engine is clean and has seen regular maintenance, and James often takes the car out for drives to ensure everything runs as it should. The engine was leak-free during our visit. It underwent a full service in 2025 and has done only 150 miles since.

The gearbox operates smoothly, with no reported issues with the clutch.

Electrics and other

We did not remove the roof panels, but James has assured us they are easy to remove and replace.

The car is fitted with an operational immobiliser.

History and paperwork

First registered in June 1984, the first owner kept the car until 1992, when it was sold to James's uncle via a dealer, who bought it with a mileage of 8,930 miles. The car comes with invoices and receipts for servicing and maintenance since 1992, including the original sales advert and invoice from its purchase that year. Its original service book documents 21 services and regular cambelt changes up to 2009, with a further three service invoices since then.

In 2000, James was given responsibility for the car, although until recently it remained registered under his uncle's name. He has spent almost £15,000 on maintenance and upkeep, including £6,100 in 2025 alone, which covered new wishbones, anti-roll bars, and shock absorber bushes, timing belts, a service, and brake work. Its most recent MOT was issued in 2012, and the advisories from that test were addressed in 2025. The car is eligible for MOT and road tax exemption.

The car will be sold with its full owner's pack and booklets, alongside a folder containing invoices, receipts, and MOT certificates dating back to 1989. Please note that the registration plate will not be included in the final auction sale, though it is negotiable separately afterwards.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Suspension and brakes

The suspension feels firm but free of any loud crashing or banging during our low-speed drive. While we did not experience the car's prowess on the open road, James has assured us it handles the road surface without any issues. There were no squeaks, rattles, or creaks at low speeds. The car underwent a complete replacement of its bushes in 2025.

The brakes are effective, slowing the car down evenly without any reported negative feedback.

James demonstrated that there was no pulling from the wheel when we tried an abrupt stop.

All discs and pads were replaced in 2025.

Steering wheel gear stick

The steering wheel and gear lever are in good shape.