When Ferrari introduced the 308 GTB in the mid-70s, they wanted it to become highly sought after - and it did, and even surpassed their expectations. The Ferrari 308 GTB houses a 2.9L V8 engine that churns out 240 horsepower, enabling the car to bolt from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 6.2 seconds with a top speed of about 156mph. The lineup offered various trim levels, including the standard 308 GTB and the higher-performance 308 GTB Quattrovalvole, each incorporating unique features to cater to different driving preferences. When it first came out, it was sold for about $29,525 brand new. Nowadays, it can cost you between $50,000 to $200,000 in auctions, depending on their condition and provenance. In this Ferrari 308 GTB review, we'll take an in-depth look at this car, from the engine to the interior and exterior parts. Let's get started.
The Ferrari 308 GTB made its grand debut at the Paris Auto Show in 1975, showcasing its mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout, a staple in many of the era's sports cars. It isn't entirely new, having evolved from the Dino 246, a mid-engined sports car named after Enzo Ferrari's son, Dino. While the Dino was a capable and beautiful car, it didn't have a Ferrari (prancing horse) badge, which was reserved for Ferrari's flagship V12 models. The 308 GTB rectified this, offering an authentic Ferrari experience with its powerful 3.0-liter V8 engine. The 308 GTB's design was the brainchild of celebrated automotive designer Leonardo Fioravanti of Pininfarina, a legendary Italian design house responsible for some of the most beautiful cars ever made. The 308's lines were refined, low and wide, in all dimensions, with a long hood, short rear deck, and pop-up headlights that added a touch of drama. The interior was equally stunning, with a driver-focused cockpit and premium materials like leather and wood. Initially manufactured with a fiberglass body, Ferrari shifted to steel in 1977, making the early models collectors' favorites due to their limited numbers and lighter weight. The 308 GTB was produced until 1985, culminating in an impressive 12,004 units that comprised several different models. The first variant introduced was the 308 GTS, which debuted in 1977 and became renowned for its iconic targa top. In 1980, in response to tightening emission regulations, Ferrari introduced the fuel-injected 308 GTBi and GTSi models, which saw a dip in power but offered improved reliability and fuel efficiency. However, the Italian automaker soon restored the lost horsepower with the 1982 unveiling of the 308 GTB Quattrovalvole and GTS Quattrovalvole, featuring four valves per cylinder. These various models each left a unique mark on automotive history, showcasing the evolution of Ferrari's engineering prowess over a decade. The 308 GTB's production run ended in 1985, making way for its worthy successor, the 328. Throughout its production run from 1975 to 1983, the 308 GTB saw constant refinement. Early models sported carburetors, while later iterations embraced fuel injection for improved performance and efficiency. The suspension was tweaked, the brakes were upgraded, and in 1982, the iconic "Quattrovalvole" variant arrived, boasting a four-valve-per-cylinder head and a bump in power to 240 horsepower.
The Ferrari 308 GTB is powered by a 3.0L V8 engine with a mid-engine layout and a single-plate clutch that sets the tone for the car's incredible agility and vehicle responsiveness. The transversely mounted V8 engine, crafted from aluminum for lightness and responsiveness, had Weber 40DCNF carburetors (later replaced by fuel injection in some models) installed. A dry-sump lubrication and the dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design, a significant feature of this era, made the engine smoother and more efficient. Early models, equipped with a 3.0-liter V8 engine churning 255 horsepower, could rocket from 0 to 60 mph in about 6 seconds, leaving passengers breathless and adrenaline pumping. With its four-valve-per-cylinder engine, the later 308 GTB Quattrovalvole pushed the limits even further up to 276 hp. Torque figures for the 308 GTB were equally impressive, delivering enough power for brisk acceleration and smooth power delivery. The top speed of the 308 GTB was around 156 mph, and it weighed around 1090kg. It was also paired with a dog-leg 5-speed manual transmission, providing an engaging driving experience and smooth gear changes that added to the car's sporty feel. Regarding reliability, the 308 GTB's engine is considered one of Ferrari's more dependable powertrains. The engine's noise levels are characteristic of Ferrari's design, offering a nice V8 growl. Comparing the 308 GTB's engine to other engines in the same category from that era, such as the Lamborghini Urraco's 3.0L V8, the Ferrari's engine offered more power and performance, but at the cost of fuel economy.
Stepping inside the Ferrari 308 GTB transports you to another era. Given that production on this car started in the mid-70s, it's not surprising to see a shift in its interior design from the designs of a few years earlier. The steering wheel is a classic three-spoke design, leather-wrapped for comfort, with a prancing horse emblem at the center. It's unassisted, which means you feel a direct connection with the vehicle. The gauge cluster is quintessentially Italian, with an array of dials in a classic font. The control knobs are purposeful and tactile, echoing the car's mechanical character. On the center console, the metallic gated five-speed manual shifter looks great. It provides a unique tactile experience when changing gears. The seats are striking, trimmed in supple Italian leather, and supportive and comfortable, ensuring the driver and passenger are well-encased. The dashboard layout is simplistic yet stylish, crafted from high-quality materials that have stood the test of time. The 308 GTB does lack modern conveniences such as cup holders and ample storage. The door panels and handles are beautifully designed, adding to the car's interior aesthetics. There is a fair amount of cabin noise while driving. After all, this car was designed in an era when insulation wasn't the top priority. The back seat is non-existent in the 308 GTB as it's a two-seater sports car. The Ferrari 308 GTB's interior encapsulates the charm of 70s and 80s-era motoring.
The exterior design of the Ferrari 308 GTB makes it unique. The design language gives the 308 GTB a sleek, low-slung, aggressive, and beautifully proportioned silhouette. The front end is marked by a wide grille flanked by pop-up headlights with fog lights subtly integrated into the bumper. Despite their charm, the pop-up headlights can be prone to mechanical issues over time. The side profile is characterized by the deep sculpting of the doors with a small handle compared to the size of the doors. The door handles are also placed in a position many people are not used to. Nonetheless, it serves its purpose very well. The 308 GTB has good balance on the road, thanks to its mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup. The tires, typically 205/70VR14 at the front and 225/70VR14 at the rear, contribute significantly to the car's handling prowess. The manually controlled mirrors provide adequate visibility. At the rear, the design is marked by two tailpipes that release the sounds from the car's powerful V8 engine. The rear lights, too, have a unique look and are bright enough to illuminate the car's rear whether you're reversing or holding the brakes. While not exceptionally wide, the trunk offers sufficient space for a weekend getaway.
The Ferrari 308 GTB, despite its vintage status, boasts some impressive technological features for its time. Under the hood, the 308 GTB is powered by a 3.0-liter V8 engine with a transverse mid-mounted configuration. This engine, a marvel of its period, delivers an impressive 240 horsepower, enabling 0-60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, an exceptional figure for cars of the 1970s. The car's interior incorporates an array of analog gauges in a deep-set, leather-wrapped dashboard. These gauges, though analogue, offered comprehensive information, including speed, RPM, oil pressure, and water temperature. The 308 GTB also featured air conditioning, an optional extra during its time, that added a touch of modern comfort. There was also a limited-slip differential, radio, and air conditioning. While it may not match the technological advancements of contemporary sports cars, the Ferrari 308 GTB had quite a handful of tech features of its era.
Like any vintage car, the price of a 308 GTB reflects its historical lineage, mechanical precision, and the pure joy it offers automobile enthusiasts. As of today, a well-maintained Ferrari 308 GTB can fetch anywhere between $50,000 to $200,000, with pristine, low-mileage examples commanding higher figures. You can get a decent price if you list your car here. The 308 GTS, the open-top version of the 308 GTB, can be slightly more expensive due to its iconic pop culture significance (thanks to a starring role in a famous TV show). On the other hand, you have the 308 GT4, a 2+2 coupe which—despite sharing the same engine and mechanicals—tends to be less expensive, mainly due to its less popular Bertone styling compared to the classic Pininfarina design of the GTB.
The Ferrari 308 GTB is a car that captivates people all around, from its Pininfarina-sculpted body to its exhilarating V8 engine and unique interior. While its technology might not be cutting-edge by today's standards, it did have innovative features that paved the way for future Ferraris. Its mid-engine layout improved its handle, while its fuel injection engine design improved power delivery. Even its iconic pop-up headlights added a touch of drama to every drive. Owning a 308 GTB, GTS, or GT4 should be on your to-do list if you're an ardent automobile enthusiast or a discerning collector. And where better to buy or sell these magnificent machines than Exotic Car Trader? Their simple and transparent processes make navigating the world of exotic cars as effortless as a drive in your grand tourer. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector, Exotic Car Trader is committed to helping you with your automotive journey, ensuring it's as memorable as the cars.
As the curtain closed on the 308 GTB's production, it wasn't just the end of a model but the culmination of an era. The 308 GTB lives on, not just in museums or private collections, but in the memories of those who saw it, heard it, and were lucky enough to feel it come alive under their hands. It remains a symbol of a time when driving was an art, and cars were the canvas.
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