This Is The World's First Fully Electric Ferrari

Jan. 08, 2018 9:11 AM ET by Martin Bigg Auctions / 12 Comments

It's based on a 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS and is sure to anger purists.

Unlike other automakers succumbing to the EV revolution, Ferrari flat-out refuses to hop on the electric car bandwagon. Company boss Sergio Marchionne once described the idea of a fully electric Ferrari as "an obscene concept." After all, putting your foot down in a Ferrari and not have your ears treated to a sublime engine note seems sacrilegious. If, however, an electrically-powered Ferrari sounds like your dream car, the world's first fully electric Ferrari is heading to Barrett-Jackson's upcoming auction.

It's based on a 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS, and was professionally converted into an electric supercar by Electric GT, a California-based company that specializes in converting classic cars into EVs. Purists will no doubt be angered by Electric GT's creation, but the car had suffered extensive fire damage from a fuel leak which destroyed its original 2.9-liter V8 before it was restored and turned into an EV. Electric GT had never worked on a Ferrari either, which makes the result even more impressive. Dubbed the Ferrari 308 GTE to signify its electric power, Electric GT installed three electric motors in a V8 configuration which sends power into a Porsche-sourced five-speed transmission.

Sadly, being an EV means that the GTE is nearly completely silent when the sound is a large part of a supercar's appeal. The upshot, though, is that its performance is significantly better than the original V8-powered car. Originally, the US-spec Ferrari 308 GTS would have produced around 220-hp. The GTE has 330-hp. Thanks to the instant torque provided by electric power, 0-62 mph now takes five seconds and top speed is said to be over 180 mph. On a full charge, range is estimated to be around 130 miles. If it looks familiar, the 308 GTE made an appearance on Top Gear America last year where it was compared to a stock 308 GTS.

It lapped the 1.5-mile Speed Vegas circuit in just one minute and 16.43 seconds – nearly 10 seconds faster than its combustion engine powered counterpart. As well as fitting three electric motors, Electric GT gave the damaged Ferrari 308 GTS a comprehensive restoration, rebuilding the body and suspension with QA1 coilovers and a custom Giro-disc racing brake package. It's also been repainted and fitted with ED lighting and 18-inch BBS factory Ferrari wheels. There's no reserve or estimate, so it remains to be seen how much this one-off Ferrari 308 GTE sells for at Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale auction this month particularly as its being sold as a salvage title due to the fire damage.

This Is The World's First Fully Electric Ferrari

Join The Discussion

Gallery

This Is The World's First Fully Electric Ferrari

Join The Discussion

Gallery

Related Cars