Pick of the Day: 1978 Ferrari GTB, a teen favorite that’s still coveted

Having grown up in the late ‘70s and early’ 80s, the Ferraris that have been my favorites are the 308 series. Yes, of course, I watched Magnum P.I. as a kid, and as you can guess, I desperately wanted a Ferrari 308 GTS. But even in my early teens I knew that the better car, both as a driver and a styling exercise, was its coupe sibling, the 308 GTB.

Over the years, have owned a few 308 and 328 GTS Ferraris, and have driven a few coupes. But I never purchased a GTB as I should have done. In the past year, the prices for any 308 have increased quite a bit, with some costing in excess of $100,000 on a pretty regular basis.

Although, there are still some deals out there, such as the Pick of the Day, this stunning 1978 Ferrari 308 GTB.

This V8-powered Ferrari, advertised on ClassicCars.com by a dealer located in Houston, is possibly the best 308 in our marketplace listings. It covers just about everything that a prospective buyer would want to know, and the ad text is backed up by an extensive gallery of pictures. Other sellers should take note of how well this ad was posted.

The seller describes this 308 GTB as number 26247, completed in Maranello in October 1978 and leaving the factory in Rosso Corsa over black-leather upholstery with dark blue carpets.  The Ferrari now has just 33,750 miles, which are believed to be original. The ad says the 308 retains much of its factory equipment and is presented as a solid and sorted driver.

There is so much more to like about this example. A 30,000-mile major service was performed in April 2017, which included sway bar bushings, front steering rack, tie rods and 4-wheel alignment. In February 2019, an assessment and belt service were done, with a later fuel-system service and some general repairs.  In February 2020, a major service including belt replacement was done, and in August 2020, the air conditioner and fuel delivery systems received rebuilds.  The Ferrari’s emissions smog pump was removed by a previous owner, the seller adds.

The pictures with the ad show all the service documentation backing up these claims.  Other pictures comprehensively show every element of the car, including a few slight paint flaws. Based on these, this 308 looks as if it is still in its original paint, which would have to be verified.

The Ferrari also includes all books, tools, jack kit and service records, which also are documented in the pictures with the ad.

The asking price for this Ferrari is a quite reasonable at $79,500 which the seller says is a firm price. If I were in the market for a 308 GTB, this is one I would consider buying  and I would not haggle over the price, which is market correct or even slightly discounted.

This 308 would be an inexpensive way to scratch that Ferrari itch with a car that is fun to drive and a ‘70s or ‘80s poster child for the Italian brand.

To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.