Ferrari 208 GTB
Part of the 208/308/328 range of mid-engined Ferraris, the Ferrari 208 GTB was basically built to take advantage of Italy’s vehicle tax system (engines above 2-liters were subjected to a much higher value added tax). The Ferrari 208 GTB and 208 GTS were both 2 liters engined cars. They were mainly aimed at the domestic Italian market.
It all started in 1975 when Ferrari created 2 liter version of the Dino 308GT4 – the 208GT4 – again to take advantage of the tax system. It did the same with the 308 GTB and 308 GTS models in 1980, effectively launching the 208 GTB/GTS to replace the 208 GT4. The 208 GTB and 208 GTS used the same V8 engine. The difference was a smaller bore size of 66.8mm (down from 81mm) for a capacity of 1,991cc and produced 155 bhp at 7,700rpm. By the time they were superseded by 208 GTB Turbo and 208 GTS Turbo versions in 1982, a total of only 160 GTB and 140 GTS models had been completed. This is one rare (and very slow) car.
The Design
The car was the same Pininfarina 308 design with its wedge profile and egg-crate aluminum radiator grille. The doors featured the now famous scalloped intakes to the engine bay. The interior was identical to the 308 GTB.
Chassis and Engine
The 208 GTB models had a tubular chassis with factory type reference F 106 CB 100. Disc brakes, with independent suspension via wishbones, coil springs, and hydraulic shock absorbers, were provided all round, with front and rear anti roll bars.
All models were numbered in the Ferrari odd number road car chassis sequence, with only left hand drive available. Production ran from 1980 through to 1982, during which time 160 examples were produced in the chassis number range 31219 to 41329.
The transversely mid-mounted aluminum V8 engine was essentially of the same design as that used in the 308 GTB model. It was of a 90 degree configuration, with belt driven twin overhead camshafts per bank, having a total capacity of 1991cc, with a bore and stroke of 66.8mm x 71mm, bearing factory type reference F 106 CB 000. The engine was coupled in unit with the all synchromesh five speed transmission assembly, which was below, and to the rear of the engine’s sump. It was fitted with a bank of four twin choke Weber 34 DCNF carburetors, mounted in the centre of the vee, and had a claimed power output of 155bhp at 6800rpm.
Images & Photo Gallery
Specs & Performance
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | Maranello, Italy |
| engine | V8 |
| valvetrain | DOHC 2 Valves / Cyl |
| displacement | 1990 cc / 121.4 in³ |
| bore | 68.8 mm / 2.71 in |
| stroke | 71 mm / 2.8 in |
| compression | 9.0:1 |
| power | 115.6 kw / 155.0 bhp @ 6800 rpm |
| specific output | 77.89 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 125.81 bhp per tonne |
| driven wheels | Mid Engine / RWD |
| front tires | 205/55 VR 16 |
| rear tires | 255/50 VR 16 |
| front brakes | Vented Discs |
| rear brakes | Vented Discs |
| steering | Rack & Pinion |
| curb weight | 1232 kg / 2716 lbs |
| length | 4425 mm / 174.2 in |
| width | 1720 mm / 67.7 in |
| height | 1120 mm / 44.1 in |
| transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| top speed | ~242 kph / 150.4 mph |
