Beyond TV Fame: The Hidden Wonders of Ferrari 308 GTS

ONE-OFF - Draped in the glitz and glamour of automotive allure, the Ferrari 308 GTS emerges as a timeless symbol of excellence, far beyond the fleeting moments of television fame. The proud possession of the renowned car maestro, George Barris, whose artistic touch graced iconic vehicles like the 1966 Batmobile, Monkeemobile, and the and Knight Rider K.I.T.T., this Italian prancing horse transcends the boundaries of conventional time.

The renowned car maestro, George Barris sculpted his 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS's identity by artfully modifying its front and rear fenders, creating an enchanting bulge. (Picture from: HotCars)

In the year 1978, Barris, driven by personal indulgence, embarked on a transformative journey with the Ferrari 308 GTS. The maestro, celebrated for shaping the cars of Starsky & Hutch, and also Dukes of Hazzard, sculpted the car's identity by artfully modifying its front and rear fenders, creating an enchanting bulge. Super-wide wheels and tires were seamlessly integrated, elevating its visual appeal to a captivating spectacle.

The 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS of George Barris replaced pop-up headlights by ones inspired by the elegant Ferrari 512 BB, strategically positioned under the bumper. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

Gone were the mundane pop-up headlights, replaced by ones inspired by the elegant Ferrari 512 BB, strategically positioned under the bumper. A symphony of changes ensued, with a new front spoiler, grill, and rear spoiler transforming the car's exterior dynamics. The audacious choice of a two-tone gold paint scheme reflected Barris' fearless design philosophy.

The 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS of George Barris finished with striking gold-on-brown, and also adorned with Italian tri-colore stripes, which tied in nicely with the gold BBS RS alloys. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

Internally, this striking gold-on-brown Ferrari underwent a transformative journey, embracing a Knight Rider-style aesthetic that included replaced seats and a custom digital instrument panel. The car's cabin was adorned with a wild tricolore interior, enriched with ample burled walnut accents and a crazy proto-digital dashboard. The conventional tachometer and speedometer made way for a myriad of tiny lightbulbs, while colorful square buttons provided vital signs for everything from the choke to the headlights to the parking brake.

The 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS of George Barris's cabin was adorned with a wild tricolore interior, and featuring cutting-edge technology such an NEC phone, a Sony TV, a Kenwood stereo, a back-up camera, and a security lock. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

Moreover, the car's interior became a haven of technological marvels, featuring an NEC phone, a Sony TV, a Kenwood stereo, a back-up camera, and a security lock. This fusion of Knight Rider-inspired elements and innovative cabin features elevated the Ferrari 308 GTS into a realm where cutting-edge technology met artistic expression, creating an interior that not only captivated the senses but also reflected George Barris' fearless approach to automotive design.

In George Barris' 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS, the traditional tachometer and speedometer were replaced by an array of small lightbulbs, complemented by vibrant square buttons that indicated crucial functions ranging from the choke to the headlights and the parking brake. (Picture from: CarBuzz)

The Ferrari's television debut marked a significant chapter, gracing an episode of Knight Rider as the preferred ride of Dagger D-X, an underground street-racing kingpin. This on-screen feat not only heightened the car's allure but solidified its position as a cultural icon.

The 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS of George Barris powered by the 250 bhp, mid-mounted V8 drivetrain. (Picture from: Autoweek)

With a mere 12,874 km journeyed, the Ferrari underwent meticulous maintenance in 2017, including a replacement of the timing belt, tensioner, and clutch, securing its continued operational excellence.

In addition to featuring a new front spoiler and grille, it turns out that George Barris' 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS also boasts a newly added rear spoiler. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

Fast forward to the auction in St. Louis, Missouri, circa 2017, where the car commanded a staggering price tag of approximately $200,000. Yet, the exact selling price of that era remains a mystery, veiled in the mystique of automotive history. Does anyone know how much it sold for at that time? The answer eludes enthusiasts, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the enduring legacy of this iconic vehicle.

In essence, the Ferrari 308 GTS, with its unique metamorphosis and television stint, stands as a testament to George Barris' visionary automotive design. As the wheels of time continue to spin, this iconic vehicle captivates enthusiasts, embodying the harmonious union of artistry and automotive excellence. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | TOPGEAR | HOTCARS | DRIVING.CA | CARBUZZ | AUTOWEEK | BARRET-JACKSON | HYMANLTD ]

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