The Ayrburn Classic Live Auction
Welcome to the Ayrburn Classic Live Auction 2026.
This vehicle will be auctioned live at the iconic Ayrburn Estate, Arrowtown, on Saturday 21 February 2026 at 5:00pm.
For questions, bidding registration (in person, online, or phone), pre-purchase inspections or additional history, please contact us here or visit the Sunday Drive website auction pages
The reserve price is significantly lower that the listed price.
$170,000 - $190,000
This Ferrari 308 GTSi has undergone an extensive back-to-bare-metal restoration and presents in exceptional and widely regarded as one of the tidiest examples in NZ.
Finished in its original Rosso Chiaro, the paintwork features multiple clear coats for depth and durability. The interior has been retrimmed from the original vinyl to leather with red contrast stitching, enhancing both comfort and period-correct aesthetics.
Mechanically, the vehicle runs smoothly with no known issues. Engine work was carried out at Continental Ferrari Auckland, under the guidance of Neil Penfold, prior to his departure, with a strong focus on reliability and originality. The original headers have been ceramic coated to preserve the authentic Ferrari V8 exhaust note.
The car has benefited from significant attention to detail, including:
Chrome-plated door fasteners and anti-roll bar brackets
All hoses replaced (cooling, fuel, etc.) including new braided brake hoses
Engine bay refinished during rebuild
During restoration, the engine was removed for:
Bead blasting
New oil seals, and belts
New metal belt pulleys
New clutch
New alternator
Re-gassed air-conditioning compressor
The vehicle was discovered as a barn find in New Zealand, originally painted silver. Its history traces back to a dealer vehicle in Italy, followed by Japan, and then New Zealand. Japanese import documentation is supplied, detailing the restoration process undertaken locally. The car retains matching engine and chassis numbers.
The vehicle is confirmed by Ferrari to be a 1981 model year. It is currently registered in New Zealand as a 1987, believed to be due to either first NZ registration timing or a clerical error during import documentation (the 1 appearing similar to a 7).
This Ferrari has been regularly driven and meticulously serviced at Continental Ferrari Auckland and represents a rare opportunity to acquire a properly restored, investment-grade 308 GTSi, with no expense spared and no shortcuts taken.
