1977 FERRARI

Full Description:

We are delighted to offer this truly exceptional 1977 Ferrari 308 GT4, finished in Chiaro Rosso, the correct period colour for a Ferrari of this year, with a beautifully presented two-tone Crema and Nero leather interior and Nero carpets.

Having dealt with Ferraris for some 30 years, we don’t use the word exceptional lightly. This is quite simply one of the finest 308 GT4s we have seen.

Built specifically for the UK market and one of just 547 UK right-hand-drive examples, this represents a particularly special opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored example of Ferrari’s wonderfully analogue, carburettor-fed V8 2+2.

A Remarkable 24-Year Restoration

What sets this particular GT4 apart is the extraordinary story behind its restoration.

The previous long-term owner purchased the Ferrari in August 1992 and, being the owner of a professional vehicle repair garage, embarked upon what would ultimately become an exceptionally comprehensive, no-shortcuts restoration.

Rather than simply making the car presentable, it was stripped virtually to its last nut, bolt and rivet.

The restoration was finally completed in October 2016, some 24 years after the project began, and the car has covered only limited mileage since completion.

The extent of the work is remarkable.

Corrosion was comprehensively addressed throughout the structure and bodywork. Steel sections were repaired or replaced as required, with body repairs lead-filled in accordance with the original construction methods.

Work included a complete new roof panel, together with replacement front and rear subframes, rear engine bay panels, boot panels and firewall panels. Both inner and outer sill structures were attended to, along with effectively every metal panel requiring attention.

Once completed, the vehicle received extensive Waxoyl rust protection throughout the box sections, internal cavities and panel areas to help preserve the restoration for the future.

Mechanical Rebuild

The same extraordinary attention to detail continued underneath the car and mechanically.

The engine and gearbox were stripped and comprehensively rebuilt, retaining original components wherever appropriate. Both cylinder heads were overhauled and fitted with new valve guides as required, together with new gaskets, cylinder-head studs and associated components.

The carburettors were completely overhauled and restored, including replating of their steel components and screws.

The ignition system was similarly rebuilt and discreetly upgraded to electronic ignition, replacing the original points system while deliberately retaining an original appearance. Even redundant items such as the ballast resistors were retained to preserve the authentic presentation. New HT leads were also fitted.

The suspension received equally comprehensive attention, including:

* New shock absorbers

* Overhauled suspension arms and associated components

* New hub bearings

* Complete braking-system overhaul

* Silicone brake fluid

* Nuts, bolts and washers either replated or replaced throughout

Beautifully Restored Interior

Inside, the GT4 is every bit as impressive.

The cabin was completely restored in its wonderful Crema and Nero colour combination, with the seats and trim panels retrimmed in leather to replicate the original scheme.

The dashboard and fascia were renovated or replaced where necessary, while a complete new carpet set was installed throughout the passenger compartment and luggage area.

The result is a cabin which presents beautifully and perfectly complements the Chiaro Rosso coachwork.

Ferrari Owners’ Club Valuation

Following completion of the restoration in 2016, details and photographs of the completed car and restoration work were supplied to a Ferrari Owners’ Club vehicle assessor for a remote assessment, resulting in a documented valuation at that time of £75,000+.

The assessment was based upon the photographs and detailed description of the restoration supplied rather than a physical inspection of the vehicle.

Importantly, the philosophy throughout the restoration was not to modify or reinvent the GT4, but to return it as closely as possible to its original factory specification and appearance.

The accompanying documentation supports the history and enormous amount of work invested in the car.

The Ferrari is now due its scheduled cambelt replacement. This work is included within the sale price and will be carried out as part of the sale, giving its next custodian the reassurance of taking delivery with this important maintenance item completed.

A Very Special 308 GT4

The Bertone-designed 308 GT4 occupies an increasingly important position in Ferrari history.

Its mid-mounted V8, five-speed manual gearbox, wonderfully compact proportions and genuine 2+2 configuration make it a remarkably usable classic Ferrari, while the carburettor-fed V8 delivers exactly the mechanical character and soundtrack enthusiasts seek from a Ferrari of this period.

With just 547 UK right-hand-drive examples produced, good cars are becoming increasingly difficult to find — and cars restored to this extent considerably more so.

This particular example presents in absolutely outstanding condition.

After three decades of dealing with Ferrari, we can confidently say that this is one of the very best 308 GT4s we have encountered.

There are simply too many individual elements of the restoration to adequately describe in an advertisement. The quality and extent of the work really need to be seen first-hand to be fully appreciated.

Full Specification includes:

1977 Ferrari 308 GT4 – DOR 01.03.1977

* UK-supplied right-hand drive

* One of only 547 UK RHD examples

* Chiaro Rosso

* Crema & Nero leather

* Nero carpets

* 2+2 seating

* Carburettor-fed Ferrari V8

* 5-speed manual gearbox

* Engine and gearbox rebuilt

* Extensive body and structural restoration

* Suspension and braking system comprehensively overhauled

* Fully restored interior

* Restoration completed October 2016

* Ferrari Owners’ Club remote assessment and documented £75,000+ valuation following restoration

* Cambelt replacement included within the sale price

An exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored, UK right-hand-drive Ferrari 308 GT4 with a fascinating long-term ownership and restoration history.

Viewing is highly recommended and welcomed. Extensive photographs, restoration documentation and further details are available upon request.

Please Note:

The above Specification is as accurate as we can establish,

but it is ultimately the responsibility of the Purchaser to

check the details of the vehicle to their satisfaction before

buying. Hamilton Gray’s are Not Responsible ‘Post Sale’

Additional Information:

We have the V5 logbook and will look after your cherished transfer with the DVLA if you own a cherished plate.

Any inspection is welcome and viewings are highly recommended at our indoor showroom. We are based in Loughborough, Leicestershire which is just 5 minutes drive from Junction 23 of the M1.

We accept all major debit or credit cards and finance is available, subject to status.

Legal Disclaimer: Hamilton Gray’s Ltd make every effort to ensure that information contained in their adverts is accurate and complete, however, errors and omissions may occur from time to time and we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of said information, and therefore cannot be held liable for any reliance which you may place upon it.