Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS

Ferrari 308 GTB and GTS
Overview
Manufacturer	Ferrari
Production	1975–1985
Assembly	Maranello, Italy
Designer	Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina[1]
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car (S)
Body style	Berlinetta (GTB) Targa top (GTS)
Layout	Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Related	Ferrari 208/308 GT4 Ferrari Mondial Ferrari 288 GTO
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,340 mm (92 in)
Length	4,230 mm (167 in)
Width	1,720 mm (68 in)
Height	1,120 mm (44 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	Dino 246 GT/GTS
Successor	Ferrari 328 GTB/GTS

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 308s 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^[2] 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

Ferrari 308 GTB/GTS Ferrari 308 GTBi/GTSi
Overview
Production	1975–1980 (GTB) 1977–1980 (GTS) 1980–1983 (GTBi/GTSi)
Powertrain
Engine	2.9 L Tipo F106 AB V8 (GTB/GTS) 2.9 L Tipo F106 BB V8 (GTBi/GTSi)
Transmission	5-speed manual[2]
Dimensions
Kerb weight	1,090 kg (2,403 lb) (GTB) 1,286 kg (2,835 lb) (GTBi)

The Pininfarina-styled Ferrari 308 GTB was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1975^[3] 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.^[3]

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.

Tail of an early, single-exhaust GTS

At the 1977 Frankfurt Motor Show the targa topped 308 GTS was introduced.^[4] 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 3219 GTS and 2897 GTB examples were made during the 1975–1980 production periods.^[3][4] Only 808 of the first fibreglass (vetroresina in Italian) version were made.^[5]

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).

1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi, rear view

308 GTBi/GTSi

In 1980 Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection was added on the 308 GTBi and GTSi; emissions decreased, at the price of a power drop to 214 PS (157 kW; 211 bhp) on European models and to 205 PS (151 kW; 202 bhp) on federalized models. The Bosch fuel injection system was coupled to a Marelli MED 803A Digiplex electronic ignition system, incorporating a coil, distributor and ignition module for each bank of cylinders.^[6] Outside the car was identical to the 308 GTB/GTS, save for metric sized wheels of a slightly different design, fitted with Michelin TRX radial tyres—Michelin XWX on 16-inch wheels were optional. Inside the clock and oil temperature gauge were moved to the centre console; there were also a new black steering wheel with three perforated spokes, and seats of a different pattern. 494 GTBi and 1743 GTSi were produced before the model was succeeded by the 308 Quattrovalvole in 1982.^[6][7]

308 quattrovalvole

Ferrari 308 GTB quattrovalvole
Overview
Production	1982–1985
Powertrain
Engine	2.9 L Tipo F105 AB V8
Transmission	5-speed manual
Dimensions
Kerb weight	1,275 kg (2,811 lb) (GTB QV) 1,286 kg (2,835 lb) (GTS QV)

Two years later, at the 1982 Paris Motor Show, Ferrari launched the 308 quattrovalvole, in GTB and GTS form.^[8] The main change from the 308 GTBi/GTSi it succeeded were the 4-valves per cylinder—hence its name, quattrovalvole, literally "four valves" in Italian—which pushed output back up to 240 hp (179 kW) restoring some of the performance lost to the emission control equipment.

The new model could be recognized by the addition of a slim louvred panel in the front lid to aid radiator exhaust air exit, power operated mirrors carrying a small enamel Ferrari badge, a redesigned radiator grille with rectangular driving lights on each side, and rectangular (in place of round) side repeaters. The interior also received some minor updates, such as a satin black three spoke steering wheel with triangular centre; cloth seat centres became available as an option to the standard full leather. Available included metallic paint, a deep front spoiler, air conditioning, wider wheels, 16-inch Speedline wheels with Pirelli P7 tyres, and a satin black roof aerofoil (standard on Japanese market models).

Apart from the 32-valve cylinder heads, the V8 engine was essentially of the same design as that used in the 308 GTSi model. Total displacement was 2,926 cc (179 cu in), with a bore and stroke of 81 mm (3.2 in) x 71 mm (2.8 in). Output on European specification cars was 240 PS (177 kW; 237 bhp) at 7000 rpm, and 235 PS (173 kW; 232 bhp) at 6800 rpm for US specification variants. The gear and final drive ratios were altered to suit the revised characteristics of the four valves per cylinder engine. One other significant benefit of the QV four valve heads was the replacement of the non-QV models sodium valves which have been known to fail at the joint between the head and the stem. Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and Marelli Digiplex electronic ignition were carried over from the GTBi/GTSi. All US market examples were fitted with catalytic converters.

Federalized 1985 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole

The 288 GTO introduced in 1984 is considered as the first Ferrari supercar. The 288 borrowed much of the styling from the European 308 GTB QV of the previous year, 1983: 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, longer (5 inch) wheelbase, and the central tubular space-frame chassis.

In 1985 Ferrari launched the 328, which replaced the Quattrovalvole. Between 1982 and 1985 the model was produced in a total of 3042 GTS and only 748 GTB examples.^[8][9]

208 GTB/GTS

Ferrari 208 GTB Ferrari 208 GTS
Overview
Production	1980–1981
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L Tipo F106 CB 000 V8

In 1980 Ferrari introduced a two-litre version of the 308, 208 GTB and 208 GTS. Though mainly for the domestic Italian market, where new cars with engines above 2-litres were subjected to a much higher value added tax, they were also listed in New Zealand. The 208 GTB/GTS replaced the 208 GT4 2+2. It was regarded as the slowest Ferrari ever made but was surpassed by 208 GT4 Bertone by American magazine Motor Trend In 1980.

The engine was de-bored to 68.8 mm (giving it an undersquare design) for a total displacement of 1,990.64 cc (121 cu in),^[10] resulting in one of the smallest V8 engines ever produced. Fed through four Weber 34 DCNF carburettors, the V8 produced 155 PS (114 kW; 153 bhp) at 6800 rpm.^[11] 160 208 GTS and 140 208 GTB cars were produced in 1980 and 1981.^[11][12]

208 GTB/GTS Turbo

Ferrari 208 GTB Turbo Ferrari 208 GTS Turbo
Overview
Production	1982–1985
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L Tipo F106 D 000 turbocharged V8
Chronology
Successor	Ferrari GTB/GTS Turbo

In 1982 the two-litre 208 was succeeded by a turbocharged and fuel injected version, the 208 GTS turbo unveiled at the Turin Motor Show.^[13] It was the first ever turbocharged road-going Ferrari.

The 208's engine was given a single KKK turbocharger with wastegate valve, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and Marelli electronic ignition. Forced induction increased power to 220 PS (162 kW; 217 bhp) at 7000 rpm. A GTS version was introduced a year later, in 1983.

208 GTB Turbo, rear view

Both outside and inside the 208 Turbo was almost identical to the contemporary 308 Quattrovalvole. It could be recognized by NACA ducts in front of the rear wheel well openings and "turbo" badging on the tail and shrouded exhaust pipes; the normally optional deep front spoiler, black roof aileron were standard.

Production ended in 1985 after 437 GTB turbo and 250 GTS turbo cars were produced.^[13][14] In 1986 they were replaced by the 328-based, intercooled GTB/GTS Turbo.

Regional differences

Among the typically yearly updates to the performance and style of the 308 throughout its run, cars from the same series would have a number of differences between them depending on their intended export market (which is usual for European cars). For example, a 308 destined for the American market would sport much larger heavier bumpers and a slightly sturdier frame (and many other smaller details) in order to meet more stringent US road safety standards. American market cars also suffered a performance hit due to a compression ratio of 8.6:1 vs 9.2:1 for most of the rest of the world state emissions legislation which reduced horsepower. As a result of these differences there is often a premium paid for the "purer" European spec car over the federalized car.

A 1979 Euro spec GTS (left) and a 1977 US spec GTB (right)

Some differences between the Euro-spec and US-spec cars are shown below:

• 240 hp vs. 235 hp
• Different gear ratios
• Lighter, small front bumper that follows the hood line vs. 2.5 mph impact bumper that is extended and has extra "fangs"
• Lighter, small rear bumper vs. impact bumper with spacer
• Exposed dual tip muffler vs. black muffler cover with catalytic converter
• Vitaloni style outside mirrors vs. larger flag mirrors that provide a better view for safety
• Small yellow front side marker light with no rear side lights vs. large rectangular yellow front and red rear side marker lights (many euro cars now in the USA had the euro lights converted to USA spec and added the red rear lights)
• No "fasten seat belt" warning light in Euro spec
• Flash to pass driving lights in front grill in Euro spec
• Space saver spare tire vs. full size spare
• Rear engine cover top has only a left and right grill vs. "U" shaped grill that provides a larger cooling area necessary for the added catalytic converter just behind the muffler.
• Overall weight of Euro spec lower because of door beams and bumpers.

Legacy

The GTB/GTS has become one of the more recognizable and iconic cars produced by Ferrari to date. It was made famous on the television series Magnum, P.I.. The series' lead, Thomas Magnum (Tom Selleck) drove the car around Oahu for 8 seasons while on his investigations, from 1980-1989. Several 308 GTS 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 Cannonball Run movie, a former open-wheel icon (and Scotch-swilling) Jamie Blake (Dean Martin) and his (gambling-obsessed) teammate Morris Fenderbaum (Sammy Davis, Jr.), dressed as Catholic priests, drive a red Ferrari 308 GTS 1979.

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. The European 308 GTB QV and 308 GTS QV models are considered by many to be the most collectible 308 due to its subtle styling (deep front valance, racing mirrors, short lightweight bumpers) and speed as the fastest of all 308s produced.

References

Bibliography

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ferrari 308.

• Ferrari 308 GTSi Museum Gallery
• Ferrari 308 GTSi Hi-Res photo gallery
• Ferrari 308 GTB Fiberglass Register