This is a terrific California car owned for about 25 years by a friend in the American Bugatti Club and Ferrari Club, Gerry Willburn.

This motorcar was bought new at Newport Imports on October 12, 1976 by Mr. Caravia the owner of Komfort Industries, Inc.  According to the extensive documentation, the car was sold for $23,000 and Mr. Caravia traded his 1975 Maserati Merak toward the Ferrari.  Apparently he changed the color from Burgundy to its present silver.  Except for documentation there is no visual way to verify the repaint- it was performed to factory standards.  The Ferrari was faithfully serviced at Newport Imports for most repairs and maintenance.  By 1986, the Ferrari had covered a total of 48,000 miles.

On February 2, 1988 Mr. Caravia sold the car to one of his colleagues who sold it to Mr. Willburn, its present owner, on June 21, 1988 for $25,000.  The 308 had approximately 55,000 miles accumulated by then.

Mr. Willburn is a long-time Ferrari aficionado and Ferrari Club member, having acquired a Ferrari Type 195 Sport in about 1962.  His former 195 is considered one of the most important Ferrari’s with incredible provenance and race history.  The 308 GT4 is Mr. Willburn’s third Ferrari.

For the past 23 years Mr. Willburn has enjoyed the 308 regularly.  He and his wife Barbara have enjoyed the 308 while attending the monthly Ferrari Club brunches and driven it to the Historic Races at Laguna Seca and the Pebble Beach Concours, where they have regularly participated as racers, concours exhibitors and judges.  The motorcar now has approximately 74,000 miles since new.

All maintenance and repairs for the 308 since owned by Mr. Willburn have been performed by John Willburn, his son.  John is well known in the Southern California Ferrari community because of his long tenure as the Shop Manager for Ferrari expert Steve Tillack.  John ensured that his fathers 308 was faithfully serviced and maintained.  As a responsible collector and Ferrari aficionado, John saw that the belts were replaced most recently in 2004 and then again in 2008 and the oil has been changed annually regardless of the accumulated mileage.

Included with the car is extensive documentation of the service history of the car since new and full books and records, including the original sales invoice.

The 308 GT4 is considered by most as being one of the best handling Ferrari’s of this vintage.  Being truly mid-engined and designed to accommodate two children or one adult in the back seat, this Bertone design is fabulous.  The roar of the three liter V-8 with the tight slotted five speed manual transmission are juxtaposed with the air conditioning, comfortable ride, stereo and power accessories.

The 308 has the patina as one would expect for a well loved and respected 74,000 mile Ferrari.  The paint is in very nice condition overall, but has many small chips that come with age and use.

The Ferrari’s of this vintage all have specific rust issues.  Behind the passenger side rear wheel arch is a small area of rust that I show in detail in the photos and video.  It is relatively small and would prove to be an easy repair.  The drivers side and the rest of the car have no rust issues and there is no history of repair work, accidents, etc.

The leather is all original and is in very nice condition.  It could benefit from leather dye, but it looks terrific as is showing normal patina.  The carpets and headliner are all original and in excellent condition.

The air conditioning is not charged and has not been used for some time given the climate in Southern California.  All other systems and components work as they should and this 308 has always been faithful and reliable.

It is rare to find a fully documented, consistantly used, cared for and well maintained 308 GT4.  Even rarer to find one in Southern California since new with two long term owners.  This is a safe and enjoyable entry into the Ferrari world.  Please contact Harry with questions at 602.245.7200 or via email at harry@classicpromenade.com.