Peruse RM's catalogue for its 'Driving into Summer' online auction, taking place next Thursday, and the usual assortment of Ferrari dream machines is present and correct: 288 GTO, F50, Enzo, SuperAmerica and so on.
All very nice. But all a tad predictable - and jolly expensive. Step forward, then, the 308 GT4 'Safari', the only Ferrari in the auction without a reserve, and with the lowest estimate, too: $70-90,000.
Those scratching their heads in ignorance will be pleased to discover that 'Safari' was not an officially sanctioned Maranello product. Instead this 308 was treated to $26,000 of work over the past couple of years to turn it into the rally-raid, Baja-style car you see here. A Tubi exhaust and the BB-style paint were already done before the current owner got their hands on it, so the later work involved the driving lights, new bumpers, reinforced mudflaps, steel wheels with Michelin XWX tyres and CB radio - the latter complete with whip antenna.
Those who like their Prancing Horse sports cars purer than the Virgin Mary will recoil in the horror at the sight of this 308, but it takes real determination and no little confidence to modify a classic V8 Ferrari. While the result may not be the prettiest car to ever call Maranello its home, the 'Safari' does look just right ready to blast into the sunset dust. Should look pretty good on your desktop, too. Or, for those feeling especially brave, on your driveway...
Image: Juan Martinez, for RM Auctions
