Vehicle Description
The Ferrari 308 GTB berlinetta and targa topped 308 GTS are V8
mid-engined, 2-seater sports cars manufactured by the Italian
company Ferrari from 1975 to 1985. The 308 replaced the Dino 246 GT
and GTS in 1975 and was updated as the 328 in 1985. The similar 208
GTB and GTS were equipped with a smaller initially naturally
aspirated, later turbocharged 2-litre engine, and sold mostly in
Italy.
Specifications
The 308 had a tube frame with separate body. The 308 GTB/GTS and
GT4 were mechanically similar, and also shared much with the
original Dino. Both 308's sit on the same tube platform, however
the GT4-being a 2+2-has a longer wheelbase. The engine was a V8 of
a 90 degree configuration, with belt-driven twin 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
manual 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 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 as a supplement to the Bertone-shaped 2+2 Dino
308 GT4 and a direct replacement for the 2-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 (188 kW; 252 bhp) at 6600 rpm (7700 rpm redline),
but American versions were down to 240 PS (177 kW; 237 bhp) 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.
A notable aspect of the early 308 GTB was that, although still
built by Carrozzeria Scaglietti, its bodywork was entirely made of
glass-reinforced plastic (or GRP), allowing a very light weight of
1,050 kg (2,315 lb). This lasted until June 1977, when the 308 was
switched to steel bodies, resulting in an overall weight increase
of approximately 150 kg (331 lb). Standard wheels were 5-spoke
14-inch alloy. 16-inch wheels were made available later as an
option, together with sports exhaust system, high compression
pistons and high lift camshaft.
At the 1977 Frankfurt Motor Show the targa topped 308 GTS was
introduced. Independently from the market, all GTS used a wet sump
engine and were steel-bodied. European GTB models retained the dry
sump lubrication until 1981.
There were 3,219 GTS and 2,897 GTB examples were made during the
1975-1980 production periods. Only 808 of the first fibreglass
(vetroresina in Italian) version were made.
Test performance, 308 GTB (GRP): Weight (curb with 74 l fuel) 2,778
lb (1,260 kg), acceleration 0-100 mph 15.0s, 0-100 km/h 6.5 s,
100-200 km/h 17.8s, top speed 159 mph (256 km/h).
European Collectibles is pleased to offer this all original 1978
Ferrari 308 GTS. It is completely original including paint and
interior with very low miles. Complete with books and tools. Simply
a stunning example!
