1977 Ferrari 308 GTB

Badged Ferrari, rather than Dino the muscular yet perfectly nimble newcomer retained many of the prized underpinnings of its predecessor including the transversely mounted, free breathing 3.0 litre quad-cam V8 that now featured dry-sump lubrication.

Introduced at the Paris Salon in 1975, the stunningly beautiful 308 GTB - Ferrari's second V8-engined road car - marked a return to the artful styling pen of Pininfarina following the Bertone designed 308 GT4 Dino.

The biggest changes were a reduction in wheelbase length and weight as well as totally new and mesmerizing architecture that encompasses Ferrari in three dimensions for so many generations.

In road tune this superbly engineered power unit produces 255hp, an improvement of 19 hp over that of its 'wet-sump' older brother and despatches 0-100kmh in an eyes wide open, sensory assaulting 6.1 seconds.

An exhilarating driver's car and a Ferrari purist's delight, the 308 GTB is so rarely available to own and drive. Ordered in iconic Rosso Chiaro over Black trim and presenting beautifully makes it a credit to its previous owner and an absolute asset to the next.

Something completely wiped from modern interior design that makes this car so characterful is the chrome/Bakelite switch gear; toggles, levers, switches and buttons that control the electric windows and the quint-essential 80’s pop-up headlights, all in mint condition.

So too are the correct carpets, the Veglia Borletti instruments and leather wrapped steering wheel complimented by the driver/passenger fastening hand stitched leather bucket seats.

The panel fit is gun barrel straight, the doors close perfectly with that signature 80’s Ferrari click and the paintwork has a depth of finish that’s hard to find. With an as per factory road presence this 308 GTB is one of the best we’ve ever seen and looks and sounds stunning going down the road.

The drive is also sensational. Tight, responsive and totally engaging sum–up time spent behind the wheel well. It’s not just the lock and key feeling manual gear change or the direct steering or the sound of the brutish exhaust note, it’s the entire experience that makes this a purists/drivers Ferrari.