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Curated Auction

1984 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole (QV)

At a Glance

Family Owned Since 1992 | Low Miles | Excellent and Original Presentation | 24 Servicing Records | £6k Spend in 2025

  • Mileage~12,492 on the clock
  • Transmission5-Speed Manual
  • Engine2.9-L
  • LocationLancing, West Sussex

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more


Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£35,000
See Bidding

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£35,000

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Editor and Photographer

A beautifully preserved, low-mileage Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole with rich family history.

The Ferrari 308 debuted in 1975 as the GTB, marking a pivotal moment as the marque's first mid-engined V8 road car, initially featuring striking fibreglass bodywork before transitioning to steel. As global emissions regulations tightened in the late 1970s, Ferrari replaced the original carburettor setup with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection in 1980, creating the 308 GTBi and GTSi. While cleaner, this shift resulted in a noticeable drop in power that disappointed enthusiasts. To restore the car's performance pedigree without compromising emissions compliance, Ferrari introduced the Quattrovalvole (QV) in 1982. The QV stands as the ultimate technical evolution of the 308 line, serving as the crucial bridge between the early raw sports cars and the incoming 328 era.

The Quattrovalvole proved an overwhelming commercial success, accounting for over 3,000 units across GTB and GTS variants during its production run from 1982 to 1985. Buyers flocking to showrooms were drawn to its refined usable nature, timeless Pininfarina styling, and the reassuring return of true sports car acceleration. The open-top GTS QV in particular became a cultural icon of the 1980s, cementing the 308's reputation as one of the most desirable, recognisable, and commercially successful mid-engined supercars of its decade.

Under the rear deck lies the famous 2.9-litre transverse V8, equipped with four valves per cylinder that dramatically improved engine breathing and allowed for a higher compression ratio. This advanced cylinder head design clawed back the lost power, delivering a buttery-smooth, eager delivery that revs freely and produces a crisp, spine-tingling flat-plane V8 wail. On the road, the QV is celebrated for its communicative chassis, offering a superbly analogue and balanced driving experience. The steering is delightfully direct and precise, while the planted suspension inspires immense confidence through corners, creating a deeply rewarding mechanical connection between driver and car.

This 1984 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole is finished in Argento Auteuil Metallic, an understated shade of silver, with a red leather interior. Family-owned for 34 years, it has just 12,492 miles on the clock and 24 instances of servicing and cambelt changes, supported by a £6,100 mechanical renovation in 2025. Very original and exceptionally well kept, it comes with its full owner's wallet and booklets, and is MOT and road tax exempt.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting James the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

A cherished family heirloom, meticulously maintained and thrilling to drive.

James has extensive experience with Italian sports cars, so he understands the effort and dedication needed to maintain a Ferrari properly. Influenced by his uncle's passion for Italian icons, the car was passed to him in 2000, and following his uncle's passing, he assumed full ownership.

The car has been kept in storage but driven at least twice a month since its recommissioning in 2025 to ensure it runs well. However, the general lack of use and the need to free up funds are the primary reasons for the sale.

James will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

James
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

The timelessly styled Pininfarina bodywork is in exceptionally well-preserved condition throughout.

Wheels and Tyres

The 390 mm Speedline TRX 5-spoke wheels are in excellent condition, showing nothing more than light marks.

The front and rear of the car is fitted with Metric Michelin TRX tyres and show a spec of 220/55R390 - these are date coded from 2025. They all have even tread and in good shape.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

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Bodywork

The body presents positively, with no discernible damage to the bodywork. The panels are flush with good shut lines, and the doors open and close without issue.

A very light coat of surface corrosion is noted on the offside A-pillar, where the paint has simply worn through, along with some signs of age on the rear wheel arch lips and the base of the offside sill. Overall, we feel it would take very little effort to resolve these cosmetic issues.

The underside is clean with no significant signs of age, showing a tidy floor pan and wheel wells, while the engine bay and both luggage compartments are solid.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

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Paint

The Argento Auteuil Metallic silver paint has a consistent finish and an excellent lustre. We only spotted an underpaint rash on the nose of the car around the emblem and a few minor spots and marks on both front wings.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

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Glass and Trim

The glass and seals are in good shape, although there is a minor surface mark on the driver's side of the windscreen.

The headlamps are in good condition and have been tested and shown to operate correctly.

Both rear indicator lenses show minor fractures.

The trim is well mounted to the car, showing a little wear around the passenger side window frame.

The bumpers are in good shape and free of marks.

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Interior

Tastefully finished in striking red leather, the cabin has been well preserved and remains in remarkably good condition throughout.

Seats and Carpets

The red leather seats are in smart condition, with minor creasing simply adding to the allure of the presentation.

The carpets are all in good shape, and there are three layers of protective footwell mats.

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Dashboard

The dashboard is in excellent shape, free of fractures or any significant marks. The fascia and centre console are clean. Anything that shows is simply part of the ageing process, but it exceeds expectations for a car of this age.

The dials, controls, and switches are in good condition, and all are said to operate as they should, including the air conditioning. The headlining, door cards, and interior trim are in good condition. Both luggage areas suggests careful use.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever are in good shape.

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Mechanics

The Ferrari is a superbly analogue, mechanically communicative car.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine catches quickly and immediately revs up to roughly 2,000 to 2,500 rpm. Typically loud and aggressive, the Ferrari is all about drama, with a distinct, mechanical, rhythmic whirring and a slightly high-pitched idle, before soon settling down to a steady 1,000 rpm. There was no unwanted smoke from the exhaust, and all of the ignition lights remained off.

The engine is clean and has seen regular maintenance, and James often takes the car out for drives to ensure everything runs as it should. The engine was leak-free during our visit. It underwent a full service in 2025 and has done only 150 miles since.

The gearbox operates smoothly, with no reported issues with the clutch.

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Suspension and Brakes

The suspension feels firm but free of any loud crashing or banging during our low-speed drive. While we did not experience the car's prowess on the open road, James has assured us it handles the road surface without any issues. There were no squeaks, rattles, or creaks at low speeds. The car underwent a complete replacement of its bushes in 2025.

The brakes are effective, slowing the car down evenly without any reported negative feedback.

James demonstrated that there was no pulling from the wheel when we tried an abrupt stop.

All discs and pads were replaced in 2025.

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The Drive

The QV update introduced four-valve cylinder heads (quattrovalvole) to the 2.9-litre transverse V8 to replace the heavily emissions-controlled previous engine. By optimising airflow, raising compression, and pairing it with Marelli electronic ignition, Ferrari successfully clawed power back up, allowing the car to rev higher and perform as intended.

The power delivery is buttery smooth and builds progressively. Although we did not take it above 2,000 rpm during our drive, it truly wakes up and surges forward once you cross 3,500 to 4,000 rpm, and James has assured us that the engine is just as smooth at higher speeds. Even at low speed, as James accelerated, the crisp, mechanical, flat-plane V8 wail was notable, pulling smoothly and without hesitation.

The car offers a balanced, confidence-inspiring driving experience; even at low speeds, it feels incredibly well-planted. It handles corners flatly, tracking exactly where James points it. Sitting so low to the ground amplifies the sensation of speed, with perfectly weighted steering showing no reported play.

James has not reported any issues with oil pressure or engine temperature.

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Electrics and Other

We did not remove the roof panels, but James has assured us they are easy to remove and replace.

The car is fitted with an operational immobiliser.

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History and Paperwork

It comes with a detailed service history and evidence of regular servicing, including a recent mechanical overhaul.

First registered in June 1984, the first owner kept the car until 1992, when it was sold to James's uncle via a dealer, who bought it with a mileage of 8,930 miles. The car comes with invoices and receipts for servicing and maintenance since 1992, including the original sales advert and invoice from its purchase that year. Its original service book documents 21 services and regular cambelt changes up to 2009, with a further three service invoices since then.

In 2000, James was given responsibility for the car, although until recently it remained registered under his uncle's name. He has spent almost £15,000 on maintenance and upkeep, including £6,100 in 2025 alone, which covered new wishbones, anti-roll bars, and shock absorber bushes, timing belts, a service, and brake work. Its most recent MOT was issued in 2012, and the advisories from that test were addressed in 2025. The car is eligible for MOT and road tax exemption.

The car will be sold with its full owner's pack and booklets, alongside a folder containing invoices, receipts, and MOT certificates dating back to 1989. Please note that the registration plate will not be included in the final auction sale, though it is negotiable separately afterwards.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
17-09-2025 Specialist Service + Cambelts 12,329
20-04-2012 Specialist Service 12,278
19-04-2012 MOT 12,269
18-04-2011 MOT 11,995
18-04-2011 Specialist Service + Cambelts 11,979
20-10-2009 Specialist Service 11,920
02-06-2009 MOT 11,889
20-10-2008 Specialist Service + Cambelts 11,850
22-10-2007 Specialist Service 11,732
15-05-2007 MOT 11,693
25-09-2006 Specialist Service + Cambelts 11,641
15-05-2006 MOT 11,587
18-04-2005 MOT 11,433
21-03-2005 Specialist Service 11,431
05-10-2004 Specialist Service + Cambelts 11,320
14-05-2004 MOT 11,290
11-09-2003 Specialist Service 11,184
06-05-2003 MOT 11,133
29-08-2002 Specialist Service + Cambelts 11,095
09-04-2002 MOT 11,061
05-09-2001 Specialist Service 11,010
09-04-2001 MOT 10,980
22-08-2000 Specialist Service + Cambelts 10,934
21-03-2000 MOT 10,861
07-09-1999 Specialist Service 10,800
11-02-1999 MOT 10,699
26-08-1998 Specialist Service + Cambelts 10,649
13-02-1998 MOT 10,592
18-08-1997 Specialist Service 10,458
07-02-1997 MOT 10,306
15-08-1996 Specialist Service + Cambelts 10,279
01-02-1996 MOT 10,208
02-08-1995 Specialist Service 10,122
20-01-1995 MOT 10,081
22-04-1994 Specialist Service + Cambelts 9,992
06-01-1994 MOT 9,931
02-07-1993 Specialist Service 9,800
30-12-1992 MOT 9,517
02-07-1992 Specialist Service 9,213
20-01-1992 MOT 8,917
27-04-1991 MOT 8,691
24-08-1989 MOT 7,978
27-03-1989 Maranello Service 7,981
16-07-1985 Maranello Service 2,446
15-08-1984 Maranello Service 761
Key Details
  • Model 308 GTS Quattrovalvole
  • Transmission 5-speed Manual
  • Reg. Date 07-06-1984
  • CC 2926
  • Mileage ~12,492 on the clock
  • History Since 1992
  • Colour Argento Auteuil Metallic silver
  • Interior Colour Red
  • Interior Trim Leather
  • Chassis # 51495
  • Engine # 2017
  • Last Service 17-09-2025
  • MOT Expired 19-04-2012
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes - all clear
  • Former Keepers 2
  • Tyre Brand Michelin TRX
  • Tyre Age 2025
  • Security Sys Immobiliser
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~26 Yrs Family
  • Key Feature Original Car
  • Vehicle Registration AVS 17 (Not Included)
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type 2-door Targa
  • Auction ID 4060


    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £35,000
    £
    1984 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole (QV)
    AUCTION STATUS RESERVE NOT MET
    RESERVE NOT MET RESERVE MET
    Countdown Timer
    0 Days
    0 HRS
    0 MIN
    0 SEC
    Auction Ends Thu 29th Oct at 7.00pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  14
    £35,000 bid by Tonka23.10.26 @ 08:01:00
    £32,000 bid by JNisbet22.10.26 @ 23:32:50
    £31,000 bid by glarg22.10.26 @ 19:41:07
    £30,000 bid by Tonka17.10.26 @ 21:37:47
    £25,000 bid by Tonka17.10.26 @ 21:19:57
    £20,000 bid by GCVT6816.10.26 @ 16:06:18
    £10,000 bid by brettfcars16.10.26 @ 14:41:20
    £9,000 bid by Topkit16.10.26 @ 00:40:14
    £8,000 bid by brettfcars15.10.26 @ 21:40:15
    £7,000 bid by brettfcars15.10.26 @ 21:39:55
    £6,500 bid by Fredtech15.10.26 @ 17:41:13
    £6,000 bid by Chopperman15.10.26 @ 16:26:10
    £5,000 bid by GCVT6815.10.26 @ 11:56:40
    £2,000 bid by lbayfield15.10.26 @ 09:29:53
    SEE MORE BIDS SEE MORE BIDS
    3403
    Ask Owner
    Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
    8 Comments
    Zef512
    Zef512
    3 days ago

    Hi, I’d like to arrange a viewing on the car. Coming from London, so will need to plan ahead.

    Cheers,
    Zef

    Zef512
    Zef512
      James308QV
    3 days ago

    Sunday works. How do I go about contacting you so we can arrange a time ?

    ColinB
    ColinB
    Admin
      Zef512
    3 days ago

    Hi Zef,

    If you could send an email to [email protected], we’ll help arrange a viewing for you, we just need to do some checks before we give out any of James’ information.

    Thanks,
    Colin.

    ColinB
    ColinB
    Admin
      Zef512
    3 days ago

    Hi Zef,

    We can help arrange a viewing for you, if you could send an email to [email protected], we just need to do some checks first.

    Thanks,
    Colin.

    Tonka
    Tonka
    6 days ago

    Hi, I would appreciate some clarification on a few points please:

    Can you confirm the 12,492 miles are genuine and supported by the service and MOT history?

    Has the car had any accident damage, restoration, or repainting, or is the paintwork largely original?

    The auction report mentions some corrosion around the A-pillar, wheelarches and sill. How extensive is this, and is it purely superficial as pictures can be deceptive?

    Given its limited use over recent years, are there any mechanical issues, oil leaks or other faults I should be aware of?

    Has the car been properly road-tested since its recommissioning i.e high revs road test, and does everything work as it should, including the gearbox and air conditioning?

    Are the engine and gearbox original to the car, and is the original toolkit included?

    Many thanks for your help. I look forward to hearing from you.

    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a Ferrari like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Autumn 2026.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Lancing, West Sussex

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