1985 FERRARI 308

FERRARI 308

£60,000

Mileage: 46,109 mi
Prev owners: 0
Engine: 2.9L
Fuel: Petrol
Gearbox: Manual

Description

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2026 on Saturday the 14th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. Estimated price: GBP 60,000 - GBP 70,000. The Fosse Way Collection comprises nine rare and eclectic motor cars, thoughtfully chosen and carefully maintained by a respected private collector, and each now offered with considerable recent investment.

Launched in 1975, the Ferrari 308 needs little introduction, its beautifully proportioned mid-engined shape undoubtedly one of the defining Ferrari designs of the era. The Quattrovalvole versions that followed in 1982, with four valves per cylinder and more power, are regarded by many as the most desirable of all and rare with just 233 right-hand drive GTS QVs finding homes.

This example, however, is something altogether different. It was supplied new by Maranello Sales in Egham in March 1985 to a London-based property developer, finished in Blue Chiaro with cream leather. By the end of the decade its owner wanted more power, so he turned to Nigel Mansell's Ferrari dealership, Emblem Sports Cars in Dorset where Nigel Hudson engineered the installation of a 4.8-litre, four-cam V12 from the Ferrari 400 into the 308's engine bay. Ferrari rarely released engines for outside projects, however, it's believed that Mansell's close relationship with the factory, having driven for its Formula 1 team, helped secure the unit.

The result became known affectionately as 'Nigel's Flyer' and, it's thought to be one of only four 308s in the world with V12 power. From the outside it looks every inch the classic QV, so only the most knowledgeable would guess what lies behind the seats. Start it up, though, and the soundtrack soon gives the game away.

After ten years in storage, the car was rediscovered in 2013 and returned to Nigel Hudson for a two-year recommissioning programme, in which the engine, gearbox, brakes and suspension were all stripped and inspected. When the car joined our vendor's Collection around eight years ago, the engine had therefore recently been rebuilt at the time by the very man who installed it in the first place.

Since then, significant sums have been invested. During 2019 and 2020, the Project Shop in Bicester was entrusted with bringing the car up to standard both cosmetically and mechanically. The car was repainted in its original Blue Chiaro, the interior refreshed, four new tyres fitted and the underside stripped and detailed. In 2021, GTC Engineering took on the mechanical side, with the aim of getting the car to optimum performance and In our vendor's words, the car now handles exceptionally well. Among other work, the clutch was replaced and upgraded, the flywheel resurfaced and, most recently, the radiator has been refurbished.

Please note that because the V12 conversion was carried out outside the factory, the car is not eligible for Ferrari Classiche Certification in its current form.

Showing just 46,109 miles, this is a rare chance to own a 308 like no other - a classic 1980s Ferrari style with the heart of a V12 grand tourer. Iconic Auctioneers welcome and encourage any inspection of this rare Ferrari.