1979 Ferrari 308 GTS Serial Number 27543

1979 Ferrari 308 Description

We are pleased to offer 1979 USA model 308 GTS s/n 27543, a fully serviced, well documented, carbureted 308 GTS with all the eyeball appeal of a Euro 308 GTS. Only two known owners and one owner for the last nineteen years. In 2000 the owner had the original engine fully rebuilt, over-bored and stroked with a 348 crank, taking the engine from the stock 2925cc to 3,325cc, by Don Rudd, Rudd Restoration Consultants, Menlo Park, CA. The block was bored out 3mm by California jig grinding, fitted with new sleeves from LA Sleeve and new lightweight pistons with 10.3 compression were supplied by J&E pistons. A 348 crank was modified to clear and fitted. All new main and con rod bearings; new piston pin bushings and re-bushed connecting rods were fitted. The crank was magnafluxed and polished. A new gasket set was installed. A complete valve job was done including all new valve guides and seals. The cams were reground to Euro specs. The Weber 40DCN carbs were rebuilt and tuned with 34 mm venturis; new carburetor kits, 8 new idle jets and 8 new emulsion tubes. The ignition system was rebuilt with Euro spec distributors with all new points and bearings backed up by MSD spark boxes and new style plug wires. The heads were ported and polished. An ANSA European Sport Exhaust system was fitted. Bi-turbo carburetor floats were fitted which eliminates fuel starvation issues. The bigger 3325 cc engine was dyno tested at 300 hp on a rolling dyno. The transaxle was rebuilt with new 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th gear syncros and the differential was reinforced with a support bar.

Additionally 308 GTS s/n 27543 is fitted with a Euro model 308 big front spoiler. The suspension is improved thanks to rebuilt and tuned Koni coil-over shocks and a set of the optional Factory Speedline 16” x 7” front and 16″ x 8″ rear aluminum wheels with excellent Goodyear Eagle F1 205 x 50 x ZR16 front and 225 x 50 x ZR16 rear tires. The engine idles like a pussycat at 800 rpm, cruises down the road happily at 2,500 rpm and pulls like a freight train from 4,500 to the 7,600 rpm redline thanks to the 10.3 pistons, Euro spec grind cams and tuned Weber 40DCN carbs. All put their power to the ground through a lightweight flywheel with a new AP clutch assembly. All four calipers were rebuilt. This 308 GTB sounds great, runs away from, out-handles and out-brakes 4-valve 308s, 328s and 348s. Comes with the original books and tools, complete to the original warranty card; the jack kit and bag; the plug-in trouble light in its plastic case; the window emergency crank; an original sales brochure; the smog pump and other smog parts; the original USA exhaust and pipes; a red Factory car cover with its carrying bag and the full set of original 14″ wheels with excellent Yokohama A-321-VR 205 X 70X14 VR speed rated tires.

In June of 2013 a major cam belt 30k service was done by Don Rudd, Rudd Restoration Consultants, Menlo Park, CA. The Brake rotors were re-trued; the calipers were rebuilt; the front wheel bearings were repacked; the carbs were rebuilt with new accelerator pump diaphragms and needle valves. The valves were adjusted, the cam timing was reset, new valve adjustment pads, new cam seals, new belt tensioner bearings and new cam belts were fitted. Both distributors were rebuilt. New water hoses were fitted, the water pump was rebuilt. The total parts and labor invoice was $7,493.42.

The body is exceptionally straight and dent free. The paint is very nice and appears to be all original with no signs of spot repairs over the years. There is no evidence of accident or rust repairs to the body, underside or chassis. The trim, gaskets, window glass and lenses are also in excellent condition. The car has excellent drivability and functioning of all systems and has been extremely well sorted. It goes straight hands-off with no shimmy and brakes in a straight line. The engine bay is nicely detailed and the under panels, belly pan and suspension are in good condition. The A/C blows cold. Comes with a letter from Ferrari North America dated 09 Feb., 1998 confirming the selling dealer and the delivery colors. We are arranging a detailed pre-sale inspection.

From new in Fly yellow with black leather, a black dash and black carpets. 308 GTS s/n 27543 now has 60,667 total original miles and only three years since the last major service and cam belt replacement. All smog is removed (but comes with the car) and so 308 GTS s/n 27543 is NOT California legal. A great looking, great sounding, totally sorted, amazingly user-friendly and ready to go carbureted 308 GTS that will not disappoint. Fly in for an impressive test drive.

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