Vehicle Description
Ferrari's first attempt at replacing the sublime, V6 powered Dino
246 came with the Bertone-bodied 308 GT4 2+2; a fine car which
failed to enthuse buyers in the same way as the original. The
V8-powered Dino GT4 was certainly a competent road car, but the
angular Bertone styling drew criticism as it was considered too
radical a departure from the svelte and curvaceous 246 GT. Ferrari
went back to the drawing board, and Leonardo Fiavoranti designed
the 308 GTB which, despite having grown in size and capacity, was
more in line with the original Dino, thanks in part to the two-seat
configuration and beautiful Pininfarina coachwork. Now officially a
full-fledged Ferrari model, the new 308 GTB/GTS featured the GT4's
3.0 liter four-cam V8 with four downdraught Weber carburetors and a
5-speed transaxle, though it was seen as all-around better sorted
and more stylish. The 308 GTB and its targa-topped sibling the GTS
would become a runaway success for Ferrari, as well as a
pop-culture icon, selling more than 12,000 examples over a 10 year
production span - Ferrari's most successful model to date by a
massive margin. This 1978 308 GTB is a rare and desirable
carbureted Berlinetta that has been very well maintained via
well-known West Coast specialists coming most recently from large
collection of European sports cars. This example features a host of
subtle upgrades that improve the driving experience without
sacrificing the purity and balance of the original design. The most
obvious modification is the set of 17-inch split-rim 5-spoke
Speedline alloy wheels, reminiscent of those used on the iconic F40
and 288 GTO. Those wheels, which are necessary to clear the
four-wheel "Big Red" Brembo brake calipers and cross drilled discs
borrowed from a 360 Modena, are fitted with low-profile tires which
tuck nicely under the stock arches. In addition to the extra grip
provided by the larger rubber, fatter sway bars and adjustable
coil-over dampers have been fitted front and rear to improve
stability and allow this 308 to corner flat and with confidence.
The 308 is set up to sit just slightly lower than stock, and thanks
to the high-quality suspension components, handling and road
manners are now razor sharp. Receipts show the 3.0 liter quad-cam
V8 engine has been serviced by marque experts, with the timing
belts last changed in 2013 and the air conditioning system fully
rebuilt in 2012, among other service-related items. It has covered
just a handful of miles since the work was performed, and it
remains a truly outstanding driver. The Tipo F106A V8 is smooth and
punchy through the rev range, giving off a truly addictive exhaust
note. The 5-speed gearbox feels notably slick and positive,
selecting 2nd gear with ease, even when cold. Powerful F360 brakes
are more than up to the task of arresting the lightweight 308, and
remarkably, the suspension upgrades hone the handling without being
rough or jarring to the occupants. Finished in classic Rosso Corsa
over tan hides, this 308 GTB is a fine looking car with strong
cosmetics inside and out. Paint work is in very good order, and the
body straight and tidy. The tan leather seats are excellent, as are
the black carpets, console and leather-trimmed dash. A late model
radio and F40-style shift knob are the only noticeable changes to
the otherwise standard Ferrari cockpit. Well maintained, and with
well-judged modifications, this 308 GTB has been transformed into a
truly outstanding driver's car, ideally suited for FCA rallies and
tours, or similar road events where the improvements can be fully
appreciated.
