Description
Ferrari’s line of highly successful V8-engined road cars began with the 308 GT4 of 1973. Badged as a ‘Di-no’, the all-new 308 GT4 2+2 superseded the preceding Dino V6. The newcomer’s wedge-shaped styling – by Bertone rather than the customary Pininfarina – was not universally well received but there were no complaints about the performance of the 3.0-litre quad-cam V8 engine, which was carried over to its successor.
Introduced at the Paris Auto Salon in 1975, the contemporary styled 308 GTB – Ferrari’s second V8 road car – marked a return to Pininfarina styling following the Bertone-designed 308 GT4. Badged as a ‘proper’ Ferrari rather than a Dino, the 308 GTB had changed little mechanically apart from a reduction in both wheelbase and weight, retaining its predecessor’s underpinnings and transversely mounted engine that now featured dry-sump lubrication.
In road tune this superbly engineered power unit produced 255bhp, an out-put good enough to propel the 308 GTB to a top speed of over 150mph.
Produced initially with fibreglass bodywork – the first time this material had been used for a production Ferrari, the Scaglietti-built 308 GTB used steel after April 1977. Further developments included the introduction of an open-top GTS version with Targa-style removable roof, the adoption of Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and, finally, revised cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder on the Quattrovalvole model in 1982. An exhilarating driver’s car and a Ferrari purist’s delight, the 308 GTSi and its many derivatives proved a huge commercial success for Maranello, with over 12,000 sold.
Presented in the classic combination of Rosso Corsa with a contrasting Beige leather interior, this is a great example of an increasingly desirable car which remains very affordable when compared with other Italian exotica. The 308 is generally accepted as one of Ferrari’s all-time greatest road cars, and with prices on the rise, this is a great way into Ferrari ownership. Offered with good service history and original books.
