Among Ferrari’s mid-engined V8s, the 308 GTBi is something of a quiet achiever. Built for just a few short years between 1980 and 1983, the model marked a technical shift for the 308 series, swapping carburettors for Bosch fuel injection. Only 494 GTBis were made in total — and just 128 came to the UK in right-hand drive, making it one of the rarer versions of the model.
This particular example, chassis ZFFHA01C000038109, has lived a notably steady life. It was with one owner for over three decades — someone who understood these cars and wasn’t afraid to make thoughtful changes where it counted.
Long-Term Ownership
First registered in October 1981, this car ended up at Graypaul Ferrari in 1989, where it was bought by its most recent owner — an Italian enthusiast with a passion for Ferraris. Over the next 35 years, it stayed with him as part of a growing collection.
Early on in his ownership, he chose to convert the car from fuel injection to carburettors. It wasn’t a decision driven by nostalgia, but by a preference for how the car felt to drive. While the factory injection system offered better emissions and cold-start reliability, it didn’t deliver the throttle response he was looking for.
A Carb Conversion Done Properly
Rather than cut corners, the conversion was done using genuine Ferrari parts. The inlet manifold, camshaft, ignition components, and fuel system were all changed out with care, including the addition of twin Bendix Red Top pumps and an upgraded oil pump pick-up.
Importantly, the original injection system wasn’t discarded. It was kept in full and remains with the car — a sensible move that keeps future options open.
Preserved, Not Forgotten
As the owner focused on other cars in his collection, the 308 spent time in dry storage. But it was never neglected. Over the years, the car saw a full engine rebuild and various areas of the running gear were refreshed to keep it in good shape.
Before being returned to use, it also received a bare-metal respray in its original Rosso Corsa. The work was carefully done, and while some early signs of corrosion are now visible at the base of the doors, the rest of the car has held up well. Inside, the Crema leather and trim remain in clean, working condition. The electrics function correctly, and the car still wears its original feel.
Where the GTBi fits into the Ferrari Story
The 308 GTBi is often seen as the middle child in the series — not as raw as the carburetted GTB, and not as technically advanced as the Quattrovalvole. But it holds its own place in the evolution of Ferrari’s road-going V8s.
It kept the sharp styling and proportions first penned by Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti, while introducing a new level of refinement under the skin. For many, it now offers a nice balance: the looks and layout of the early cars, with a more usable driving experience.
With so few right-hand drive GTBis built, and even fewer with a story like this one, it’s a car that stands out — not because it shouts, but because it’s been quietly well looked after for decades.
At the time of writing, this 1981 Ferrari 308 GTBi is currently available for sale. See our main website for details here