Ferrari 308 GTB
There is often some confusion with the Ferrari 308/208/328 model range so we will take a minute to explain the differences here. Firstly, the 308 replaced the Dino 246 GT and GTS in 1975.
The two-seater Ferrari 308 came in both a 308 GTB berlinetta and 308 GTS targa topped body style. Both were mid-engined, powered by naturally aspirated V8s. The 308 models were produced by Ferrari from 1975 to 1985. The similar 208 GTB and 208 GTS were equipped with a smaller initially naturally aspirated, later turbocharged two-liter engine as the 208 GTB Turbo and 208 GTS Turbo. The 308 range was updated in 1985 and became the 328.
The Ferrari 308 GTB was a mid-engined two seat sports car built by Scaglietti and designed by Pininfarina. It was shown at the 1975 Paris Motor Show and again in London that year as an additional model to the Dino 308 GT4 and as the replacement for the aging 2-seater Dino 246.
Engine
The 308 retained the 308 GT4′s V8 but added dry sump lubrication (in Europe) and was transversely mid-mounted. It was also mounted lower in the chassis. The V8 engine was equipped with four twin-choke Weber 40DCNF carburetors and single coil ignition. European versions produced 252 bhp at 6600 rpm. In the United Stated, power was a lower 237 bhp at 6,600 rpm largely due to emissions control devices. European specification cars also got the dry sump lubrication while cars that went to Australia, Japan and the United States were fitted with a conventional wet sump engine from the GT4. A sports exhaust system, and high compression pistons plus high lift camshaft became available as an option.
Fiberglass Body
Initially made with fiberglass bodies (allowing the 308 to weigh a only 2,300 lb), after two years of production Ferrari had to reconsider their use of fiberglass and instead switched to producing the 308 with a traditional steel body in 1977 onward (increasing weight to 2,631 pounds). The 308 was the first Ferrari production car to feature fiberglass as a body material. The simplest way to identify a fiberglass bodied car, is to see if there is an indent line between the front screen pillar and roof panel. If there is one, then the body is fiberglass.
Pininfarina Design
The Pininfarina designed body had a pronounced wedge profile, with a rectangular egg-crate aluminum radiator grille below a slim full width satin black front bumper. However, there were numerous key design elements of the Dino 246 GT carried through into the body details. These included the scalloped door intakes, twin circular rear light assemblies, and the vertical concave rear screen bounded by buttressed sail panels. In essence the shape was a modernization of that of the Dino, with enough traces of its predecessor to provide a thread of continuity, earning praise from the press and clients alike. USA market cars can be identified by heavier bumper assemblies, and rectangular side marker lights on the wings.
Videos & Reviews
Photos & Image Gallery
See full 1977 Ferrari 308 GTB Gallery here.
Specs & Performance
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1977 – 1979 |
| body stylist | Leonardo Fioravanti |
| coachbuilder | Carrozzeria Scaglietti |
| engine | Tipo F106 AB V8 /Dry Sump Lubrication |
| position | Mid, Transverse |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | DOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | 4 X 40 DCNF Downdraught Webers |
| displacement | 2926 cc / 178.6 in³ |
| bore | 81 mm / 3.19 in |
| stroke | 71 mm / 2.8 in |
| compression | 8.8:1 |
| power | 190.2 kw / 255.1 bhp @ 7500 rpm |
| specific output | 87.18 bhp per litre |
| torque | 284.72 nm / 210 ft lbs @ 5000 rpm |
| redline | 7700 |
| body / frame | Steel Body over Tubular Steel Chassis |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front tires | Michelin XWX 205/70VR14 |
| rear tires | Michelin XWX 205/70VR14 |
| front brakes | Vented Discs w/Vacuum Assist |
| rear brakes | Vented Discs w/Vacuum Assist |
| front wheels | F 35.6 x 16.5 cm / 14 x 6.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 35.6 x 16.5 cm / 14 x 6.5 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion |
| f suspension | A-Arms w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Koni Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar |
| r suspension | A-Arms w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Koni Dampers, Anti-Roll Bar |
| wheelbase | 2340 mm / 92.1 in |
| front track | 1460 mm / 57.5 in |
| rear track | 1460 mm / 57.5 in |
| length | 4230 mm / 166.5 in |
| width | 1720 mm / 67.7 in |
| height | 1120 mm / 44.1 in |
| transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | 3.23:1, 2.23:1, 1.61:1, 1.20:1, 0.89:1 |
| final drive | 3.71:1 |
| top speed | ~249.4 kph / 155 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~6.2 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~15.5 seconds |
Auction & Sales History
1979 Ferrari 308 GTB F106AB30461 – sold for $126,500. The example offered here is an extraordinary original survivor example having covered just over 23,000 miles from new, as indicated by its original 85mph speedometer required by US regulations in 1979. Still retaining its original tools, jack and manuals, as well as all the US specification emissions equipment including air pump, air injectors, catalytic converter and even the original smog certification sticker on the windshield, this example is a perfect candidate for Ferrari Classiche certification and all classes of Concours competition including Preservation Class. Auction Source: 2015 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams
1977 Ferrari 308 GTB Coupe 23031 – sold for $115,500 Single ownership for more than 35 years. US-delivery model in its original Rosso Chiaro paint. Low-mileage, carefully preserved original example. Desirable early production 308GTB. Offered with original books and tools. Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction 2015 by Bonhams
1979 Ferrari 308 GTB 25737 – sold for $74,800 Finished in Its Factory Combination of Red with Black Interior. Striking and Iconic Pininfarina Styling. One of Just 2,185 308 GTBs Produced. Eligible for FCA Meets and Exotic Car Tours. A Highly Desirable Hardtop Model of the Classic 308. Auction Source: The 2015 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company
1981 Ferrari 308 GTB – sold for €35,382. The model we are presenting is a 308 GTB with carburettors and dry sump from 1981, sold new by Pozzi to an enthusiast from eastern France, who kept it until 1988, when the current owner bought it. It had 24,540 km on the clock on the acquisition date. Today, its odometer shows 32,200 km, with the original mileage and, of course, the original engine.
This is an automobile with its original configuration, in excellent condition as the belts have just been changed by Franck Opderbeck, a mechanic specialising in major Italian car collections. Its colour is certainly one of the most desirable: metallic grey, with the interior in Havana leather. It comes with air conditioning, a special four-exit exhaust and TRX tyres, an alarm, a battery isolating switch, a radio/cassette player and an electrical aerial. Auction Source: 2011 Salon Rétromobile Aucion by Artcurial
