Ferrari 208 GTB

It doesn’t get more Italian than this: a beautiful pure and authentic Ferrari 208 GTB, newly delivered in its home country. Including full documentation and zero restored parts! Even the original instruction booklet and various invoices are there. Our fiery classic gem has been excellently cared for, from the inside and outside, but also technically. Thanks to the specialists of Italauto, the service history of this wonderful 2.0 liter V8 is correct. The Gran Turismo Berlinetta features many gorgeous details, such as a leather Nardi Ferrari steering wheel, Veglia Borletti gauges and toggle switches, plus an original Blaupunkt Atlanta SQR22 radio/cassette player. So this isn’t just a proper classic sports car. It’s a genuine collector’s item, begging to stay completely intact. What can you offer us?

History
Never thought we would say this about a historical Ferrari, but the 208 GTB started its career in 1980 for tax reasons. By reducing the original capacity of the 308 to 2.0 liters, the Italian buyer would save himself a lot of tax money. This version was mainly aimed at Ferrari’s home market, not knowing that one day it would become a global icon… With the 208 GTB, Maranello produced one of the smallest V8 machines ever. On paper, it replaced the 208 GT4 2+2, but in real life it was also the successor of the 6-cylinder Dino 246. Nevertheless, the production number was extremely limited to only 140 GTBs between 1980 and 1981. Our specific car is never been restored since its delivery in 1981, making it extra unique. In addition, the Italian is well cared for, always and in all ways. The documentation with original booklet + invoices tells us that the Dutch specialists from Italauto are responsible for the technical care during the last years. And as far as we can judge, they still care.

Exterior
The Ferrari 208 GTB is barely distinguishable from its 308 brother, which is a pretty desirable piece of machinery. It means that the 208 has the same clean Pininfarina design, including a sharp profile, pop-up headlights with air vents behind them, large air ducts next to the doors, star design wheels and twin round rear light units at the back. Legendary designer Leonardo Fioravanti was in charge of creating this stunning piece of art on wheels. And although no color looks out of place on the Gran Turismo Berlinetta, in Rosso Corsa the supercar really comes into its own. In addition to the paint, the bodywork has also been kept completely original. After 42 years, the Italian beauty is still not begging for a restoration. It says enough about how it has been pampered all this time. And we still do…

Interior
Sitting in the 208 GTB is an amazing experience. Everything looks, feels and smells how a classic should be. The fact that every tiny detail is fully original definitely has its charm. You’ll notice immediately the original buyer had some great taste: the Nero leather interior is finished with light contrast stitches along the top of the instruments and on the inside of the Nardi Ferrari steering wheel. The roof trim is colored in cream, but the Veglia Borletti gauges and toggle switches know how to steal the show even better. Looking for more authenticity? You should check out the original Blaupunkt Atlanta SQR22 radio/cassette player. We wonder how many times Dolce Vita has been played in this vintage cockpit.

Technique & performance
The compact 2.0 liter Ferrari V8 has 4 double Weber carbs and is linked to a manual transmission. The 5-speed gearbox is a real work of art. Just look at it, with its beautifully milled aluminum H-pattern. The naturally aspirated 8-cylinder performs at its best at 6,800 rpm, when the maximum of 155 horses reach the rear axle. Even by classic Ferrari standards it’s quite modest, but the magical sound experience says something else. The red horse sharpens all senses. Goosebumps all over the place! See you in Holland sometime soon.

Kind regards,
Prins Classics.