The impressive GTS Turbo was the first turbocharged road-going Ferrari. With its robust 1,991-cc V-8, it was Ferrari’s appealing solution to avoid Italy’s 38-percent VAT on cars with engines over 2.0 liters. The 208’s naturally aspirated engine was smaller than its other models, so Ferrari added turbo-charging to ensure uncompromised performance. The 208 GTS, able to climb to 155 mph, was taxed less while addressing the penchant Ferrari aficionados had for power and speed. It sold well in Italy.

The 208 GTS was the turbo version of its contemporary big brother, the Ferrari 328. The body styling and passenger cabin were essentially the same for both models; engine size was the main difference: the 328 had a 3.2-liter V-8, while the 208 had a 2.0-liter, turbocharged powerplant. Yet the engines delivered comparable performance.

Designed by Pininfarina, the 208, with its smooth nose and tail, exhibited a softening of Ferrari’s angular wedge profile giving it a sleeker appearance while retaining the quietly confident Ferrari stance. The model was produced from 1986 to 1989. In that time, 828 were built. Few made it across the Atlantic. This GTS Turbo arrived in the U.S. in 2003 and spent the next 15 years on the East Coast with one owner. In 2018, the current owner acquired the car and transported it to Scottsdale, Arizona, where it has been completely serviced by the Ferrari experts at EMG Motorsport in preparation for sale.

The car sports its original Ferrari red finish over a well-kept crème leather interior with red carpets. It is accompanied by service records, jack, spare tire and belts, and factory tool kit. All instruments, gauges, and lights work. Records indicate the car has fewer than 46,000 miles. This 208 GTS Turbo presents a chance to obtain a rare Ferrari that does its Prancing Horse emblem proud.