Since the color of this car makes me weak in the knees, I have enjoyed testing my new camera in different light situations. These are some very different locations to photograph the car, the photo of the right front is in a dark shadow right next to the building. The car is in the same location in the photo of the left front but with much different lighting and lots of color from the late afternoon sun. Even the photo of the car under florescent lights in the building came out well with some random knobs twisted and adjusted.

Right Front Ferrari 308 GTSi

Left front photo of the 308

In the shop

It’s hard to tell how deep the crease is in the photos but the door skin actually split at the rear edge and crushed the framework at the closure area. The crease went on the panel behind the door as well so Nate took the door apart and pulled the fuel tank to access the inside of the rear panel. I had to make a few custom tools to get inside the door to shrink the sharp crease and other dents without having to remove the entire skin. It would have been a bear to remove and replace the skin because the door fits so well from the factory and to duplicate that is tons of work. A complete replacement door would have been equally intensive so my gut reaction is to fix what you’ve got

The paint match is excellent, the car is the newer tint of blue sera metallic, a slightly lighter shade than I have seen on older cars like Dino’s and 330′s. I like the older shade more because the paint contains more gray where the shade on this car has more         violet in the tint. Either way, I am happy with the results, the car is fully polished and looks killer

GTSI Door repair

Quattrovalvole 308 GTS

A group of three approaches the top of the pass.

We have a very close relationship with Rich and Jean Taylor at Vintage Rallies, and I wanted to create a video to promote and build their events. So, earlier this summer we gathered some favorite customers and friends together for a spectacular day of enthusiastic driving on wonderful back roads. We closed down the shop, and Nate, Casey, Peter and I were actually able to enjoy the cars we work so hard on.

We made sure that every car had a camera and a co-driver to run it. The result, a brief, but fun piece that shows just beginning of some of the capabilities that these cars possess. Video after the jump (click here). » Continue reading “Vintage Rallies Close to Cannonball”

1979 Ferrari 308 GTS Fly Yellow at RPM

This ’79 308 GTS is a really sweet example of the iconic “Magnum PI” Ferrari, i’m sure you’re all wishing  yourselves as Tom Sellick in the drivers seat even if isn’t the ubiquitous Rosso Corse! Of course, a 308 is undoubtedly the easiest way to enjoy a Ferrari, but the overall condition of this one ensures that it’s also one of the smartest ways to enjoy a Ferrari. Production of the 308 followed the 246 Dino and shares much of the excitement of it’s predecessor-  The exaggerated long “buttress” behind the cabin, truncated nose and air inlet ducts that cover nearly 1/3 of the length of the car, all seem to be updated and angular versions of the 246. However, these air inlet ducts feed a 240 horsepower, 3 liter V8 which coupled with suspension and gearbox changes add  a significant dose of refinement.

The interior of this car has  supple, tan leather, that looks as new as that of a 2009 model as opposed to 1979. The chrome shift gate and mechanical switch gear showcase the motoring purpose of the car as well as the full set of gauges in the instrument cluster. Like the 308 GTB, the GTS model is a Pininfarina designed – Scaglietti built “targa” featuring a removable roof panel and louvers in the rear 1/4 windows instead of glass.

Mechanically, this 308 is in outstanding condition with a few key updates. The first being a set of larger 16″ wheels and tires that really improve handling over the 14″ set up  that came from the factory in the late seventies. We overhauled and modified the factory KONI shocks with adjustable ride height equipment in combination with Eibach Performance springs. The other main update is the conversion to a single distributor from the dual-distributor set up. This simplifies the ignition system, makes the advance curve more progressive as well as making it more reliable (and cheaper) using a Ford style cap and MSD electronics.

We cleaned out the attic over the holiday and discovered a number of items that we’ll be putting on eBay in the coming weeks. Currently listed are a Bosch Voltage Regulator (black box BOSCH) 6v 12v volt for returning your classic back to the original configuration – or just the look.

A Ferrari Bonaldi Brake Booster for rebuild will only stop you in your tracks in it’s current condition – not working – but in very nice cosmetic shape.

A rare Ferrari 275 GTB and GTB/4 Egg-Crate Grille Brandoli reproduction isn’t easy to come by and is in good condition.

Marchall 660 Fog Lights for Ferrari 250, 225, 212, 166 will actually look at home on a variety of other cars including Porsche 356, Mercedes 300, etc.

Our little eBay store just listed these nearly new 205/70-14 Michelin XWX tires that came off a 330 GTC. Technically, 330′s and 275′s should have 205-VR14 tires which are more like a tall 80 series, not the 70 series that fit 308′s and Dino’s. See the listing on eBay here.

Michelin XWX Tires for a Dino or Ferrari 308

The Ferrari Mondial was produced from 1980 to 1993 and superseded the 308. The 2+2 was introduced as a car suitable for daily driving, built on a steel frame, and adorned with a Pininfarina designed and Scaglietti produced body. Nearly 7,000 of these cars were produced in a number of variations.  The Mondial 3.2 is the last variation to share the transverse engine and transmission of the 308 before it. After the Mondial 3.2, Ferrari changed the “Mondial t” engine mounting to longitudinal though the transmission remained transverse.

The car is positioned here on the slab in front of the shop for a quick wash on a warm spring day. Snow banks remain in the background. The deep maroon body of the Mondial hints slightly at purple – and though unique, the color is factory original Rosso Prugna. Inside the car is an incredibly clean interior, with full books, tools, and records. The sunroof and air conditioning work as well. This 1986 Mondial is a very drivable Ferrari, with 43,000 miles on the clock, with the stunning looks of a car with only ten or thirteen thousand.

Another nice group 4 competition car, a Michelotto 308 GTB. This car was dicing with a competition 365 GTB/4 Daytona on Friday and even with the advantage of cubic inches, the Daytona could not shake the 308. I was so impressed with the driving skill and enjoyed one of the best shows I have seen in vintage racing in a long time.

308 Michelotto

Not sure who owns these cars but they are the ones that were transported in the FIAT truck in the Ferrari team livery. The cars are in excellent condition mechanically but they are appropriately rough on the outside, a refreshing change to the glossy perfection that you typically see at the Cavallino. The Daytona that you see here was racing against a Michelotto 308 GTB on Friday for one of the best Vintage Ferrari races I have ever seen.

Ferrari Race cars

We recently overhauled a Ferrari 308 engine and knew of the likelihood that the original “hollow” sodium filled exhaust valves have a tendency to break. We replaced them all with solid stainless steel valves.

Apparently whoever rebuilt this Daytona engine did not get the memo, an engine that had a few minutes of running after a complete overhaul had to come apart because of a broken exhaust valve.

The shop that overhauled this engine also used the factory Elring head gaskets which allowed lots of water to leak into the crank case and making a milk-shake looking mess inside all of the castings.

We just got the new valves and will have the car in the road again in no time.