1976 Ferrari 308 GTB (fiberglass/Vetroresina)
- Colour
- 'Rosso Chiaro' (light red)
Chassis 19397 is among the earliest Ferrari 308 GTB berlinettas built with a fibreglass body, completed in May 1976 and believed to be the first of four such cars exported to the United States via Algar Motors. Approximately the 156th of 712 fibreglass-bodied examples produced worldwide, it was later subjected to a full cosmetic and mechanical restoration, the latter performed by noted Ferrari specialist Bob Wallace, and has since taken a class win at the Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$192,500
- —Auction saleSold US$165,200
- → 1976-12-01Factory deliveryAlgar Motorspartial documentation
One of four early fiberglass examples distributed together to this dealership; the car was subsequently retailed from their stock.
- 1976-12-01 → 1988Private saleJohn Tutterrowpartial documentation
First retail buyer, based in Los Gatos, California; held the car for roughly twelve years before selling.
- 1988 → 2015Private saleChris Springerpartial documentation
San Jose-based owner who commissioned a full cosmetic and mechanical restoration, including an engine and gearbox rebuild by Bob Wallace, plus an exterior respray and interior retrim.
- 2015 →Acquisition unknownCurrent vendorpartial documentation
Had a major engine service performed by Continental AutoSports in Illinois covering cooling components, carburetor tuning, and internal seals.
Competition
- —Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance1st in class
Shown by Chris Springer following the completed restoration; exact year not specified but occurred before the 2015 sale.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
Full cosmetic restoration comprising a bare-surface repaint in Rosso Chiaro and a complete re-trim of the interior in period-correct beige leather with black carpets.
Carried out during Chris Springer's ownership, prior to the drivetrain work.
- —Engine rebuildBob Wallace
Complete rebuild of the engine and gearbox performed as part of the broader restoration programme.
Wallace, based in Phoenix, Arizona, was a well-regarded Ferrari specialist; work was undertaken concurrently with the cosmetic restoration.
- —ServiceContinental AutoSports
Major engine service encompassing a new water pump, thermostat, and cam pulley guides, recalibrated carburettors, and renewal of belts, rings, and gaskets.
Carried out more recently under current ownership; invoices reportedly accompany the car.
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