The Ferrari 308 GTB berlinetta and targa-topped 308 GTS are V8 mid-engined, two-seater sports cars manufactured by the Italian company Ferrari from 1975 until 1985. The 308 replaced the Dino 246 GT and GTS in 1975 and was updated as the 328 GTB/GTS in 1985. The similar 208 GTB and GTS were equipped with a smaller, initially naturally aspirated and later turbocharged, two-litre engine, and were sold mainly in Italy.
Design
The 308 had a tube frame with a separate body. The 308 GTB/GTS and GT4 were mechanically similar, and also shared much with the original Dino. Both 308s sit on the same tube platform, however the GT4—being a 2+2—has a longer wheelbase. The engine was a flat-plane crankshaft V8 of a 90 degree configuration, with two belt-driven overhead camshafts per cylinder bank. It was transversely mounted in unit with the transaxle transmission assembly, which was below and to the rear of the engine's sump. All models used a fully synchromesh 5-speed "dog-leg" manual gearbox and a clutch-type limited-slip differential. Suspension was all-independent, comprising double wishbones, coaxial coil springs and hydraulic dampers, and anti-roll bars on both axles; four wheel vented disc brakes were also fitted. Steering was unassisted rack and pinion.
The 308's body was designed by Pininfarina's Leonardo Fioravanti, who had been responsible for some of Ferrari's most celebrated shapes to date such as the Daytona, the Dino and the Berlinetta Boxer. The 308 used elements of these shapes to create something very much in contrast with the angular Bertone-designed GT4. GTS models featured a removable roof panel with grained satin black finish, which could be stowed in a vinyl cover behind the seats when not in use.
Model history
308 GTB/GTS
The Pininfarina-styled Ferrari 308 GTB was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1975[3] as a supplement to the Bertone-shaped 2+2 Dino 308 GT4 and a direct replacement for the two-seater Dino 246.
Its F106 AB V8 engine was equipped with four twin-choke Weber 40DCNF carburettors and single coil ignition. European versions produced 255 PS at 6600 rpm (7700 rpm redline), but American versions were down to 240 PS at 6,600 rpm due to emissions control devices. European specification cars used dry sump lubrication. Cars destined to the Australian, Japanese and US market were fitted with a conventional wet sump engine from the GT4.[3]
A notable aspect of the early 308 GTB was that, although still built by
In popular culture
The 308 was made famous by the television series Magnum, P.I. in which the series' lead, Thomas Magnum (Tom Selleck) drove the car around Oahu for eight seasons while on his investigations, from 1980 to 1988. Several 308 GTS cars were used, a new one for each season, most being auctioned off after filming and all with the license plate "ROBIN 1".
- Season 1 – 1979 308GTS
- Seasons 2–6 – 1981 308GTSi
- Seasons 7–8 – 1984 308GTSi quattrovalvole[19]
Awards
In 2004, Sports Car International named this car number five on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1970s.
US Model
The 308 for the US market has several differences and changes as to comply with the FMVSS safety regulations and EPA exhaust regulations.
Externally, the 308 has larger and beefier front and rear bumpers that jut out by a few inches and rectangular side running lamps and retroreflective markers on the side (amber in front and red in rear). The tiny round side turn signal repeaters are not fitted to the US model while the front parking lamp/side lamps are in amber colour, matching the front turn signal indicators. Internally, the bumpers have shock absorbers as to comply with 5-mph collision without damage, and the doors have the side impact bars welded to the frames. Different external rear view mirror with more rectangular "flagpole" housing are used on the US model for better rear view. The headlamps have been replaced with sealed beam headlamps. The "flash-to-pass" feature is visible through the cooling grille on European model but not US model.
The engine has a reduced compression ratio from 9.2:1 to 8.6:1, resulting in lower performance (233 bhp versus 240 bhp for QV model) along with different gear ratios for the gearbox. The US model requires the lead-free petrol and catalyst converter while most of European and international models don't. The use of catalyst converter led to cosmetic changes to the engine bay cover for additional cooling (U-shaped vent instead of two separate stripes of vents) and silencer cover in black colour instead of silver.
The instrument cluster has "Fasten Seat Belt" warning light that isn't found on European or some international markets. From 1979 to 1981, the speedometer has a long reddish-orange arc extending below 80 marker instead of showing 100 to 180 markers. A smaller "55" inside a circle is inserted between 50 and 60 .[20]
308 GTB Millechiodi
The 308 GTB Millechiodi was an aerodynamic study based on the 308 GTB and designed by Pininfarina. It was first shown at the 1977 Geneva Motor Show. Differences from the standard 308 GTB include a custom, unpainted aerodynamic body kit and the instrument panel from the Berlinetta Boxer.[21] Some of its styling elements would later show up in the Ferrari 288 GTO.
Rally versions
From 1978 through 1986, rally racing versions of the Ferrari 308 GTB were developed and produced in small numbers by Michelotto, a Padua-based Ferrari dealer and race-preparation workshop. Michelotto was owned and operated by Giuliano Michelotto, not to be confused with Italian automotive designer Giovanni Michelotti. Although Michelotto was organizationally independent from Ferrari, the cars were developed in close collaboration with Ferrari factory engineers. The Michelotto workshop built rally versions of the 308 GTB to compete in Group 4 and Group B classes of the World Rally Championship. This production included cars based on modified production chassis and engines as well as the more radical, purpose-built 308 GT/M. These cars were raced with some success from the late 1970s through the mid-1980s, but development and officially sanctioned competition use of the type ceased in 1986 with the cancellation of the Group B class.
Group 4
Michelotto began constructing Group 4-specification 308 GTB rally cars in 1978. In 1980, Michelotto provided a Gr.4 308 to Padova-based rally driver "Nico" Grosoli. Grosoli provided funding for Michelotto's efforts and was able to bring in more assistance from the Ferrari factory.[22] At the time, Lancia was the Fiat Group's official entrant into the World Rally Championship.