Ferrari 308

Ferrari 308

The 308 is a mid engine sports car produced by Italian car company Ferrari. The 308 was built and designed to replace the Dino 246 in 1975 and was eventually updated to the 328 in 85. The Pininfarina 308 GTB was introduced to the motoring world at the Paris Motor Show in 1975, designed by Leonardo Fioravanti, responsible for some of Ferrari’s most memorable shapes, such as the Daytona and Berlinetta Boxer. The targa topped 308 GTS was introduced in 77 and was made famous by the popular TV show Magnum P.I.

The 288 GTO was unveiled in 1984 and was considered by many as Ferrari’s first super car, it borrowed a lot of its styling from the European 308 GBTi QV, which was first introduced in 83. The car was powered by a 2.8 litre engine with turbo charges. In 1982 at the Paris Salon Ferrari introduced to the world the 308 GTB/GTS with removable targa roof. Visually similar to previous versions, but was recognised by a slim Louvre panel lid to aid radiator exhaust air exit, with a small enamel badge added to the body shell.

The European models are considered highly collectable due to the subtle styling differences and its speed, as these variations are the fastest of all 308’s ever produced. In 1982 at the Paris Salon Ferrari introduced to the world the 308 GTB/GTS. As with all other 308 models the US market were identified by having heavier bumper assemblies. Also in Japan an optional feature, stain finished aerofoil, was fitted as standard. The engine for the 308 GTO was a V8 which was essentially the same as the GTI but came with 4 valves per cylinder head.

Ferrari 208 GTB/GTS

From the mid 70’s right through to 1986 Ferrari built a small amount of 208’s generally built for tax concessions in the Italian market place, though some were listed and sold to New Zealand due to the taxes on engines above 2 litres. The car had a much smaller V8 engine, and is regarded by many as the smallest ever produced. The problem with the car was its under whelming performance that only produced an output of 155 BHP. In 1982 they rectified this by adding turbo chargers and fuel injection system to push the output to around 200 BHP. By 1986 the 308 GTB/GTO was finally replaced by the 328 GTB/GTO Turbo.