Man buys a cheap Ferrari 308 thinking he'd be able to fix it quickly and gets one hell of a wake up call
Published on Sep 30, 2025 at 8:42 AM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on Sep 30, 2025 at 11:04 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
A cheap Ferrari 308 bought for a low price ended up needing a complete engine rebuild.
The car was a non-runner when purchased in the US but looked like a manageable project.
Common faults were dealt with early on, yet the V8 continued to produce smoke.
What followed was an investigation that revealed seized parts, costly delays, and the start of a long rebuild.
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Cheap Ferrari restoration hits major setback
In a video documented by Ratarossa on YouTube, the turning point came when a leak-down test showed damage in the lower end of the engine.
At RE Performance, the Ferrari 308 was stripped down to identify the cause.
The biggest obstacle was the cylinder heads, which had seized to the block after decades of corrosion.
Standard methods failed to remove them, forcing the purchase of a specialist jig tool from Europe.
The tool finally released the heads but exposed serious wear inside.
Valve seats, bearings, and other components all required replacement or serious work.
The scope of work only grew as more parts were examined.
Transfer gears showed heavy use, and the fuel system had to be sent away for testing.
Even injectors and the metering unit were pulled for inspection to ensure correct operation once the engine was back together.
What began as a quick job had become a detailed engine rebuild.
Ferrari restored to near-original condition
The project no longer resembled a low-cost repair.
With the engine rebuild underway and the body prepared for refinishing, the Ferrari 308 was being restored to near-original condition.
What started as a cheap Ferrari project had developed into a full classic Ferrari restoration requiring expert labor and significant expense.
Enthusiasts who take on similar cars often face the same situation.
Parts are costly, technical work is time-consuming, and progress can be unpredictable.
Yet the end result is a Ferrari 308 that has been rebuilt to last, with a renewed engine and restored bodywork.
The car that began as a cheap Ferrari purchase will eventually return to the road as a classic Ferrari rebuilt from the ground up.
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Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. Callum has a background in automotive journalism and has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.
