Ferrari 308 GTB

The Ferrari 308 GTB (and similar 208 and later 328) were mid-engined sports cars manufactured by the Italian company Ferrari in the 1970s-1980s. They made up the lower end of the company's range. The 308 replaced the Dino 246 in 1975 and was updated as the 328 in 1985.

GTB and GTS

The Pininfarina-styled 308 GTB was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1975 as a supplement to the odd Bertone-shaped "Dino" 308 GT4 and a replacement for the Dino 246. Unlike the plain GT4 2+2, the GTB was a 2-seater with aggressive lines, and has been called one of the most beautiful of all Ferraris. The targa topped 308 GTS was introduced in 1977 and was made famous on the "Magnum P.I." television show. Several cars were used, a new one for each season, most being auctioned off after filming. The first was a 1979 model with chassis number 28251.

The mechanically similar 308 GT4 shared much with the original Dino, and the 308. Both sit on the same tube-frame platform, with a convert|92|in|mm|abbr=on wheelbase for the 308 GTB (the 308 GT4 has a longer wheelbase, it is a 2+2) , and 4-wheel double wishbone independent suspension. The V8 engine is a DOHC design, with four Weber 40DCNF carburetors. European versions produced 255 hp (190 kW) at 7,000 rpm (7700 rpm redline), but American versions were down to 240 hp (178 kW) at 6,600 rpm due to emissions control devices.

A notable aspect of the early 308 GTB was that, although still built by Carrozzeria Scaglietti, the 308's bodywork was entirely made of glass-reinforced plastic (or GRP), allowing a very light weight of convert|1050|kg|lb|0|abbr=on. The engine borrowed its dry-sump lubrication from Ferrari's racing experience. This lasted until June, 1977, when the 308 was switched to steel, resulting in an, alleged, convert|150|kg|lb|0|abbr=on additional weight. However, a steel-bodied GTB only weighs convert|12|kg|lb|0|abbr=on more that its fiberglass body counterpart.fact|date=July 2008 All steel versions of the 308 GTS have a conventional wet-sump engine while GTB models retained the dry sump lubrication until 1981.

The 308 models are the most common historical Ferrari models, with over 12,000 produced. However, only 712 of the first Fiberglass dry-sump version were made, which are now the most sought-after by collectors.The 308 models are embraced by Ferrari fans and critics today. In 2004, "Sports Car International" named this car number five on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1970s.

Test performance, 308 GTB (GRP): Weight (kerb with 74 l fuel) Auto lb|2778|0, acceleration 0-100 mph 15.0s, 0-100 km/h 6.5 s, 100-200 km/h 17.8s, top speed convert|159|mi/h|km/h|0|abbr=on.

GTBi/GTSi and quattrovalvole

Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection was added for the 1980 308 GTBi and GTSi, dropping power to 214 hp (160 kW) but decreasing emissions. Two years later, the 4-valve per cylinder Quattrovalvole or QV model pushed output back up to 245 hp (179 kW) restoring the performance.

The 288 GTO, also called the first Ferrari Super-car, borrowed much of the 308 GTB: it is also powered by a similar debored 2.8-litre V8 (but with turbochargers), it retained the general bodywork lines with extended wheelarches, different side air vents, and bigger rear spoiler, and the central tubular space-frame chassis.

208 GTB/GTS

From the mid-1970s through 1986, a low-displacement 208 was produced, generally for tax concessions within the Italian market; it was also listed in New Zealand, due to their taxes on engines above 2 litres. The 208 GTB/GTS replaced the 208 GT4 2+2 in 1980.

The engine was de-bored to 68.8 mm (giving an undersquare design) for a total of 1991 cc displacement, resulting in the smallest V8 engine ever produced. The 208 produced only Auto bhp|155|0 which meant that performance was underwhelming, especially for a Ferrari. 160 208 GTS and 140 208 GTB cars were produced in 1980 and 1981.

In 1982, turbo-charging and fuel injection increased power output to Auto bhp|220|0, but initially only available in GTB form; the GTS turbo was introduced in 1983. In 1985, small body-style modifications were made, in-line with the introduction of the 328; production ended in 1986 after 437 GTB turbo and 250 GTS turbo cars were produced.

In 1986 they were replaced by 328-based GTB/GTS Turbo.

Popular culture

The Ferrari 308 was made famous by the TV series Magnum, P.I. and the films Against All Odds and The Cannonball Run. In the animated series "The Transformers", a Stunticon named Wildrider transforms into the 308 GTB. Christie Brinkley's character in "National Lampoon's Vacation", credited in the movie simply as "Woman in Ferrari," was driving a 308 GTS.

References

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* "Retail Prices, Import Cars," "Automotive News," April, 1986: page 53.

External links

* [http://boldt.us/things/cars/ferrari/308/ Ferrari 308 GTSi Hi-Res photo gallery]