When I bought this car in 2010, it was the realization of a dream. I grew up watching Magnum P.I. and thought the car – with its Pininfarina-styled mid-engine, low and wide design – was the star of the show.

Yet I soon realized the car was an absolute nightmare to own and drive. I couldn’t take it out without something going wrong. Oil leaks were everywhere, the fuel pump went out in the middle of nowhere, the car repeatedly overheated, and so forth. Even if the car was working okay, I’d face the normal headaches of 308 ownership – in particular, the costly timing-belt changes, haphazard electrical wiring, and lackluster acceleration, all of which took away from the experience.

I felt there had to be a solution to these reliability problems. And I found these solutions when I found ο»ΏNick’s Forza Ferrari (NFF)ο»Ώ of Custer, Washington.

Akin to what Singer is to classic Porsches and what Eagle is to the classic Jaguar E-Type, NFF is the premiere shop for the restoration, modernization, and perfection of the 308. Work is performed to the highest standards, beginning with computer simulated performance and design parameters, through exacting quality of build, attention to detail, testing, and delivery.

Accordingly, over a period of four years, all of the faulty and unreliable parts of this car – from its engine and components, to its suspension, interior, exterior, braking, cooling system, electrical system, cam belts and design, head gaskets, and others – have been eliminated and replaced with the highest quality, modern components.

The result is a completely reliable, supremely drivable car that feels like a brand new, fresh off the lot 308 (even down to the interior’s leather smell). It presents a unique opportunity to experience a modernized classic. It was serviced by NFF the week of 1/22/18, and Hagerty has valued the car at $135,000. An expected forthcoming move to a place without adequate parking is prompting the sale.

With its superb engineering, unsurpassed aesthetics, beautiful engine, interior, and exterior, and 38,039 miles on the odometer – with only about 500 miles on the new engine – this is how the 308 is meant to be enjoyed: sexy, powerful, and reliable driving.

Price: Auction

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Location: Los Angeles, California, United States