This Is One Of Just Four V12-Swapped Ferrari 308s In The World

Back in the 1980s, the owner of this fetching Ferrari 308 GTS QV was apparently disappointed with the paltry power output from the V8 in his prancing horse because it 'only' produced 240-horsepower. Craving more power, the owner took their 308 to Nigel Mansell's Ferrari dealership, Emblem Sports Cars, where mechanic Nigel Hudson offered a unique solution to his problem – he swapped the V8 with a V12 engine from a Ferrari 400 series, as you do.

Henceforth, the unique V12-powered Ferrari 308 was affectionately nicknamed 'Nigel's Flyer.' It's a testament to the skill of the mechanic, because shoehorning a V12 into a mid-engined 308 would not have been an easy task, to say the least. The work was completed in the late 1980s, and following the successful surgery the 4.8-liter, 4-cam Ferrari V12 produced around 340 horsepower. Presumably, the owner was finally satisfied with this power boost. Only four 308s in the world are known to have been fitted with a Ferrari V12 – one of which is going up for auction via Silverstone Auctions at the Silverstone Wing on May 13.

Finished in a rare Metallic Blue Chiaro and white leather interior color combination, the right-hand drive 308 (only 233 were made in this configuration) was left in dry storage for 10 years before it found a new owner in 2013, who handed it back to Hudson for an comprehensive rebuild. Everything from the engine, gearbox, brakes and suspension were taken apart and thoroughly inspected, and new parts were fitted where necessary, but the leather interior and carpets were left unrestored. Nigel's Flyer is expected to sell for 50,000 GBP (around $64,000) - 60,000 GBP (around $76,000) when it goes to auction. If you're looking to buy a very rare and unique classic Ferrari look no further.