George Barris' 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS
George Barris bought himself this Ferrari 308 GTS in 1978 as a personal indulgence after years of building some of the most memorable custom cars 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 arches were dramatically flared to accommodate extra-wide wheels and tyres. The pop-up headlights were replaced by driving lights behind amber covers, inspired by the 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 in two-tone gold and brown, with Italian tricolore stripes and gold leaf pinstripe detailing, which tied in nicely with the gold BBS RS alloys.
George worked his magic on the interior, too, with reupholstered seats and a dramatic, fully customised digital instrument pod and centre 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, reversing camera and a security key pad.
When it was completed, George’s 308 made a guest appearance on an episode of ‘Knight Rider,’ alongside one of George’s other creations, KITT. The 308 starred as ‘Dagger D-X,’ the chosen steed of the leader of an illegal underground street racing gang.
Barrett-Jackson will be offering this unique Ferrari, at their upcoming Scottsdale Auction in Arizona between the 13th-21st January. For more information on this and other vehicles at the sale, click on the link below. Photos courtesy of Barrett-Jackson.