1978 Ferrari 308 GTS in Blu Chiaro Bidding on Bring a Trailer

A 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS in Blu Chiaro is currently bidding on Bring a Trailer, featuring a carbureted V8, manual gearbox, and recent timing belt service.

Bidding is underway on Bring a Trailer for a 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS, a mid-engine sports car that embodies the wedge-shaped design era of the late 1970s. Finished in metallic Blu Chiaro over beige leather, the car has reached a current bid of $55,000 with several days remaining.

This example represents the open-top GTS configuration introduced at the 1977 Frankfurt Motor Show, two years after the 308 GTB debuted in Paris. Under the rear decklid sits a 2.9-liter quad-cam V8 fed by four twin-choke Weber 40DCNF carburetors. Factory output for U.S. specification cars was rated at 237 horsepower, delivered to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transaxle with Ferrari’s signature gated shifter and a limited-slip differential.

The car belongs to the early carbureted production period of the 308 GTS, built before the transition to mechanical fuel injection. Available production data indicates that 3,219 carbureted GTS examples were produced between 1977 and 1980, underscoring the relative scarcity of this specific configuration.

The metallic Blu Chiaro finish adds another layer of distinction. Period references describe this shade as available outside the standard catalog, and Ferrari has not published official breakdowns by color. While exact production numbers in this hue remain undocumented, non-red examples have long attracted particular attention among enthusiasts.

The five-digit odometer currently shows 26,000 miles. A February 2022 record displayed in the gallery notes a reading of 29,579 miles, a discrepancy openly acknowledged in the listing description and relevant for prospective buyers evaluating mileage history.

Mechanically, the listing highlights significant recent service performed in October 2024, including a timing belt replacement, carburetor rebuilds, fresh fluids for the engine, transmission, and differential, as well as new spark plugs and battery. For a Ferrari 308, documented timing belt service is among the most critical maintenance considerations.

Independent double-wishbone suspension, ventilated disc brakes at all four corners, and 16-inch wheels fitted with Goodyear Eagle Sport tires complete the chassis setup. Inside, the cabin features a MOMO steering wheel, Veglia instrumentation with a 7,700-rpm redline tachometer, electric windows, and a Blaupunkt cassette stereo. Modifications include a Tubi Style exhaust system, H4 headlamps, and tucked U.S.-spec bumpers for a more European appearance.

Designed by Pininfarina under Leonardo Fioravanti, the 308 GTS remains one of the most recognizable Ferraris of its era. Early carbureted cars with manual transmissions and removable roof panels continue to define the model’s identity, and examples presented in uncommon factory shades with documented recent service often draw sustained interest as bidding progresses.