October 1975, saw the debut at the Paris Motor Show of the most successful shape ever to wear the Cavallino Rampante emblem, the Ferrari 308 and during its comparatively long production run from 1975 - 1989, over 20,000 examples of all engine types and sizes were produced. This new car was constructed on a traditional steel tube chassis, but its beautiful body was initially manufactured in GRP and then after two years, Scaglietti started making GTBs in steel. The 3-litre, four-cam V8 was more or less unchanged until March 1981 when Bosch fuel injection was added in place of the 4 double-choke Webers, reducing the engine's power output significantly, although the final drive was altered on these cars to give similar acceleration to a carburettor car. Two years later, the 4-valve per cylinder Quattrovalvole or 'QV' model pushed output back up to 240 hp restoring the status quo. European spec cars boasted higher horsepower than cars built for the American market and were lighter. Only 748 308 GTB/S QV models were produced and they are considered by many to be the most desirable of all the 308 variations as they are the fastest and most subtly styled with a deep front valance, racing mirrors and short lightweight bumpers.
A late production car, this lovely Spider is one of just 233 right-hand drive QVs produced and was supplied in July 1985 to HR Owen in London. It's an original factory right-hand drive, matching numbers car in Nero Daytona metallic with Crema hide piped in Nero and was optioned from new with air conditioning, a deep front spoiler and a rear aerofoil. It has now covered just over 60,000mls supported by a comprehensive and detailed service history due in part to the last owner who had the car serviced annually by the Ferrari Centre in Kent for the last 20 years (invoices in the file). The early history is recorded in the original service book which accompanies the other handbooks in its original wallet and there are also copies of the original supply documents from the Maranello Archive. The car had a major service and replacement cam belts plus other maintenance work carried out in December 2018 @ 60,118 miles (currently showing 60,253 miles) and, more recently, has benefitted from new tyres (with all wheels refurbished), some minor cosmetic paintwork and the leather Connolised. It's currently fitted with a high-grade alarm system and uprated Hi-Fi.
In superb condition for its age and mileage, this rare RHD, QV Spider has patently been well looked after by all its owners and is a fantastic example of the ultimate evolution of the 308. Beautiful and easy to drive, with excellent reliability, a wonderful sound, handling and overall driving experience (especially with the roof off!), these cars are exceptional value compared to other Ferraris in the market today.
