Ferrari 308 with V12 engine conversion heads to auction

A 1985 Ferrari 308 GTS QV with a 4.8-litre, four-cam, Ferrari V12 under the bonnet is heading to auction. The car will be offered for sale at Silverstone Auctions’ May Sale, taking place at the Wing, Silverstone Circuit on 13 May.

This right-hand drive 308 GTS QV was delivered new to Maranello Concessionaires, Surrey, on 8 March, 1985. Finished in Metallic Blue Chiaro with a white leather interior piped in blue. Factory options included a deep front spoiler and air-conditioning.

But the car’s owner, Nigel Hudson, was rather disappointed with the power output. Hudson, then at Nigel Mansell's Ferrari main dealer Emblem Sports Cars, decided an engine swap was in order. So he set about squeezing a Ferrari 400 series V12 engine into the bay. As a result, the car is thought to be one of just four known 308s worldwide that boast a V12 Ferrari engine.

The current owner found the car in 2013. It had spent the past years in dry-storage so he decided to return it to Nigel Hudson to undertake a two-year, no-expense-spared re-commissioning. The engine, gearbox, brakes and suspension were all taken apart and inspected with new parts fitted where necessary.

It’s now estimated to fetch between £50,000 and £60,000 at auction. Included in the sale are the original books, manuals, unused jack, tool kit and a comprehensive history file. There are eight previous MoT certificates, six stamps in the service book and bills and receipts from Nigel Hudson for all recent works.

For more information on the car visit: www.silverstoneauctions.com.