1981 Ferrari 308gtsi Blue Chiaro

This 1 but has been the sole “owner” since the Ferrari was new. The car was repainted in the original color, Blue Chiaro, in 1993, and two fender-bender collisions were repaired (a minor sideswipe and a truck with a trailer hitch backing into the bumper), according to the seller. He notes that a 3.5-inch by 1-inch bubble delamination in the right corner of windshield has been present for 40 years, with no further progression. The paint and interior show signs of wear. This car came equipped with the TRX metric-diameter alloy wheels, which had been developed for Michelin’s TRX radial tires. These tires are still reproduced. The car’s R-12 air conditioning system is not working. An included CARFAX vehicle history report covers only a 10-year period from 1991-2001, when 10,, and the targa-top GTS followed in 1977. h used the Dino 2.9-liter DOHC V8 that would power mid-engine Ferraris for many years afterward. For 1981, sch K-Jetronic fuel injection replaced the four two-barrel Weber carburetors to meet emissions standards, and the car’s model badges added the “i” to reflect the change. This would be a one-year engine, replaced in 1982 by the four-valve-per-cylinder version (Quattrovalvole). 

• This 1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi has its original engine, per the seller.
• The fuel-injected 2.9-liter DOHC V8 was rated at 205 horsepower in the 1981 U.S. model.
• The seller states that the car was repainted in 1993.
• The Ferrari was in storage from May 2021 until gust 2024.
• In gust, the coolant was flushed and filled, and all oils were drained and replaced.
• A new oil filter was installed at this time.
• The seller notes, “the car starts immediately and runs smoothly.”
• The GTSi was the open model, with a one-piece lift-off targa roof.
• The Ferrari has a limited-slip differential.
• The original 390-mm diameter (15.3-inch) Cromodora TRX wheels are still on the car.
• Photos show a generally clean engine compartment and undercarriage.
• The steering wheel rim has an aftermarket wrap.

• An included CARFAX vehicle history report that covers 1991-2001.

• The R-12 A/C is not working due to system not holding vacuum.
• The A/C system would need to be upgraded to a modern refrigerant to be used.
• The paint has some scratches and cracking.
• The intake plenum’s finish shown minor peeling.
• The alloy wheels show peeling finish in the provided photos.
• The Michelin TRX tires show significant dry rot and need replacement.
• The dashboard condition could not be seen due to an aftermarket cover.

• This 1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi was a one-year variant of the long-running model.
• It was the only year for the two-valve cylinder heads and fuel injection.
• “Magnum P.I.” drove one, but in red.
• The 31-year-old repaint shows some blemishes.

The seller states that this vehicle will be sold on a clean fornia title in his name. This 1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi was the targa-roof version of the model that set the foundation for mid-engine Ferraris to follow for decades. The car has some needs but could be a fun classic to drive. The seller’s age, 82, makes egress difficult, which is why he’s offering it for sale.