Ferrari’s 308 series was updated in 1982 with a 32-valve cylinder head design which greatly improved the power, responsiveness, and efficiency of the model’s transverse 2.9-liter V-8 engine. Aptly named the 308 “Quattrovalvole,” this new model was offered in targa (GTS) and berlinetta (GTB) varieties through the end of the 1985 model year. Additional revisions over the 1981 model included a deeper front fascia, power mirrors, optional rear airfoil, and Speedline wheels. In total, the Quattrovalvole’s four-year availability saw just 748 GTB examples produced. Indeed, the 308 GTB Quattrovalvole is among the rarest sub-models within the storied 308 range, and examples from the final year of production are often considered those most desired by collectors.

This 1985 US-market 308 GTB Quattrovalvole offered here is finished in its original Rosso Corsa paintwork over a beige leather interior with red piping. Factory specifications include a rarely seen color-matched rear airfoil and European front spoiler. Unofficial figures vary, but it is one of very few US-spec GTB Quattrovalvole examples produced during the model’s final year of availability—and it is perhaps among the most-awarded specimens of its kind in the world.

The car was originally delivered new to Shelton Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale and resided in Florida until 1989, when the car’s second recorded owner purchased it from Algar Ferrari in Byrn Mawr, Pennsylvania. During 26 years of care, this previous owner regularly exhibited this 308 GTB Quattrovalvole at local concours, as well as regional and national FCA events. Notable honors include back-to-back 1st Place results at the 1990 and 1991 FCA National Concours and five Platinum awards at the FCA Regional Concours in Reading, Pennsylvania. It has never entered an official, judged FCA event and scored below 98 points. Furthermore, this esteemed example secured several years of accolades from the Philadelphia Ferrari Festival.

Amazingly, the car is said to have been driven to concours events wearing a spare steering wheel, wiper blades, and wheels— which were then replaced with the original units immediately prior to judging. Maintenance under prior ownership was exclusively handled by Algar Ferrari and Scuderia Performante in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

In 2015, it was acquired by a new caretaker and continued a life mirroring its extremely careful use and regular exercise under previous ownership. While under this ownership, with the car having been driven fewer than 27,000 miles, the Ferrari received a major engine service and clutch replacement carried out in 2020–2021, as documented by invoices and photographs on file.

After joining the consignor’s collection in 2022, the Ferrari benefitted from over $32,000 in work carried out by Prancing Horse of Nashville, Tennessee, with invoices on file detailing service to the air conditioning, a reupholstered driver’s seat and door cards in factory-correct colors, touch-up paint as necessary on the exterior, fitment of European-spec rear bumper brackets, as well as tune-ups of the electrical and fuel systems (including replacement of the fuel injectors and ancillary components) and fitment of new brake pads and tires.

Displaying only 29,121 miles at time of cataloguing, this award-winning 308 GTB Quattrovalvole is undoubtedly a very tempting acquisition for any discerning collector.