GEORGE BARRIS' 1978 FERRARI 308 GTS CUSTOM TARGA

George Barris bought himself this Ferrari 308 GTS in 1978 as a personal indulgence after years of building some of the most memorable “Kustom” cars in history for Hollywood. Not surprisingly, he soon set to work modifying his new 308 GTS with the signature Barris Kustom’s style. On the body, front and rear fenders were dramatically flared to accommodate extra-wide wheels and tires. The pop-up headlights were shaved and replaced by driving lights behind amber covers, inspired by the contemporary 512 BB, while the headlamps were relocated to the grille below the bumper. A deep chin spoiler was made, and a custom grille and spoiler were fabricated for the rear. The 308 was then refinished a striking two-tone gold and brown color scheme, with Italian tricolore stripes and gold leaf pinstripe detailing on the upper bodywork, which ties in nicely with the gold-finished, BBS RS alloy wheels. George worked his magic on the interior, too, with reupholstered seats and a dramatic, fully customized digital instrument pod and center console, featuring futuristic digital displays and LED lights set in custom-made burl-wood panels. Period high-tech bits include an integrated NEC telephone, Sony television, Kenwood audio system, backup camera and a security key pad. Any bright interior trim – such as the steering wheel, switches and hardware – have been gold-plated. Like the bodywork and paint, the execution of the interior was done to a very high-quality standard. When it was completed, George’s 308 made a guest appearance on an episode of “Knight Rider,” alongside one of George’s other creations, K.I.T.T. The 308 starred as “Dagger D-X,” the chosen steed of the leader of an illegal underground street racing gang. Today, the car presents in amazingly well-preserved condition, a solid and strong-running 308 that has covered just 8,000 miles from new, benefiting from a fresh timing belt, tensioner and clutch service. Photos of the car with George and a Barris Kustom’s Certificate of Authenticity are included. George Barris built many cars over his long career, but only a handful were worthy enough to be kept by the “King of Kustoms” himself, and this Ferrari 308 is surely one of the most uniquely eye-catching of them all.

A truly unique, genuine Barris Kustom's Ferrari 308 personally owned by George Barris himself. Very low miles, with a recent major service and new clutch. V8 engine with a 5-speed manual transmission.