To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 6 - 7 March 2020.
Estimate:
$150,000 - $180,000

• An exceptional early fiberglass-bodied 308
• Believed to be the first example delivered to North America
• Formerly of the renowned Ming Collection
• Well-documented ownership history; showing 12,396 miles
• Offered with manuals and tool kit

Chassis number 19397 was completed in May 1976 and is approximately the 156th example of the 712 fiberglass-bodied 308 GTBs sold worldwide, of which just 100 were specified for North America. As explained in the Ferrari Market Letter, this car is one of the first four examples of the fiberglass 308 berlinettas that were exported to the United States. Because of this car’s early chassis number, the lowest of the four, it is often considered the first to be imported.

Distributed with three other examples to Algar Motors, the 308 was sold in December to John Tutterrow of Los Gatos, California. He retained possession for many years before selling the car in 1988 to Chris Springer of San Jose. Mr. Springer eventually conducted a full cosmetic restoration that included repainting the bare fiberglass with a new coat of Rosso Chiaro and re-trimming the interior in correct beige leather with black carpets. During this work the owner opted for a full mechanical restoration, and the engine and transmission received a complete rebuild by the famed Bob Wallace of Phoenix, Arizona.

Mr. Springer showed the restored Ferrari occasionally, including a class win at the Palo Alto Concours d’Elegance, before selling it in 2015, when it was acquired by the ever-discerning Ming Collection. Under the meticulous care of the collection, the 308 would sit alongside other immaculate Ferraris such as an F40 and FXX K. During this time the 308 would undergo major engine service by Continental AutoSports in Illinois. The service included a new water pump, thermostat, and cam pulley guides, retuned carburetors, and new belts, rings, and gaskets. Later in 2017 the car would exchange hands, where it now resides with its current owner.

Currently displaying less than 12,400 miles, this rare fiberglass 308 GTB is accompanied by original tools and manuals, a copy of the FML articles detailing the Vetroresina chassis sequence, and invoices.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am20.