Ferrari 308 GTB / GTS / GT4 / QV (1973 - 1985)

De Ferrari 308 is a mid-engine Ferrari that was built in the 1970s and 1980s. The car became best known for its role in the series Magnum PI. The 308 received a V8 under the hood and replaced the Dino 246 in 1975, and was updated as the 328 in 1985. The car was designed by Pininfarina and shown to the public at the Paris Motor Show in 1975 as an extension of the Dino 308 GT4 (which, incidentally, was a design by Bertone).

Ferrari 308

History and background

The Ferrari 308 GTB celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025. The first mid-engine V8 to wear the Ferrari badge laid the foundation for four decades of Ferrari sports cars — and the GTO and F40 supercars.

When production of the Dino 246 was discontinued in mid-1974, the only available junior Ferrari was the recently introduced 308 GT4. However, the GT4's 2+2 cockpit layout and controversial Bertone styling divided opinions. Customer reaction, on the other hand, was universally positive when the elegant Pininfarina-designed 308 GTB was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 1975. This was the Dino successor everyone had been waiting for.

Between 1975 and 1985, more than 12.000 were sold in a combination of GTB, GTS (targa roof), and QV (quattrovalvole) variants. And when the 308 evolved into the slightly larger 328 in 1985, another 7.412 units were sold before Ferrari stopped for good in 1988.

Design and interior

The 308 GTB was the first production Ferrari equipped with a body made almost entirely of GRP (glass fiber reinforced plastic); only the front hood and the radiator cooling vents behind each retractable headlight were molded in aluminum.

The first cars were unusual because they had a fiberglass body, which earned them the “Vetroresina” label, from the Italian word for the material. The easiest way to recognize a vetroresina car is the small indentation line between the windshield stub and the roof panel.

Due to the low height of the car (44 inches, not much higher than a Ford GT40), taller drivers will find the 308 cramped, meaning a GTS offers more comfort with its removed targa roof.

Ferrari 308 interior

Model variants

Dino 308 GT4 (1973–1980):

• 308 GT4 — 2+2 coupé, Bertone styling, 2.927 cc V8, 255 hp (Europe), wheelbase 2.550 mm — technically direct predecessor of the 308 GTB. 2.826 examples built

Beautiful 1976 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 in Blu Sera Metallic paint

308 GTB – three series (1975–1985):

• 308 GTB Vetroresina (1975–1977) — fiberglass body, dry sump lubrication, 255 hp, 712–808 units built (difference of opinion regarding exact number)
• 308 GTB steel (1977–1980) — transition to steel body, 255 hp (Europe), 240 hp (US). 2.185 GTBs built in total
• 308 GTBi (1980–1982) — Bosch K-Jetronic injection, 214 hp (Europe), 205 hp (US). 494 GTBi's built
• 308 GTB QV/Quattrovalvole (1982–1985) — 4 valves per cylinder, 240 hp, recovery of lost power

The 308 GTB is now a true classic Ferrari, with around 12.000 units produced. As a vintage car, this makes the model reasonably affordable. The 308 GTB was a two-seater and was particularly well received upon its introduction. Until 1977, the 308 was constructed from fiberglass. This first version of the 308 was called the Vetroresina. Only 712 were built, making it Ferrari's first production car with such a body. After that, Ferrari switched to steel bodywork. Furthermore, the 308 GTB is mechanically identical to the GT4, which itself adopted many features from the 206 Dino. For instance, all these models share a tubular frame and independent suspension.

308 GTS – three series (1977–1985):

• 308 GTS (1977–1980) — removable targa roof, black finish, mechanically identical to GTB. 3.219 units built
• 308 GTSi (1980–1982) — fuel injection, 211 hp. 1.743 GTSi's built
• 308 GTS QV (1982–1985) — 4 valves, 240 hp

GTS stands for the variant with a Targa roof. This version came onto the market in 1977 and 3.219 units were built. Technically, the GTS was identical to the 308 GTB. Four years later, the GTSi also arrived in showrooms. This featured a Bosch Digiplex injection system and had a lower power output of 205 hp. 1.749 examples of this model were produced until 1982. Additionally, 494 units were produced with a closed bodywork, which were called the GTBi.

After the GTSi, the GTS QV was introduced. QV stands for Quattro Valvole, or four valves (per cylinder). As a result, this car had slightly more power. 3.042 examples were assembled, along with 748 closed GTB QVs.

Italian tax variants:

• 208 GTB / GTS (1980–1985) — 1.991 cc V8 for the Italian domestic market (38% VAT on cars over 2 litres), 155 hp. 160 GTS and 140 GTB built in 1980–1981
• 208 GTB Turbo / GTS Turbo (1982–1985) — first turbocharged production Ferrari, single KKK K26 turbocharger, Bosch K-Jetronic, 220 hp

From 1980 to 1985, a reduced-power version was also produced. The displacement was reduced to 2 L. This engine is the smallest V8 ever made. As a result, the power dropped to 155 hp, which was actually unworthy of a Ferrari.

The 208 GTB and GTS existed solely for tax reasons and were primarily intended for the Italian market. The model was also sold in New Zealand due to the tax existing there on engines larger than 2 L. 140 GTBs and 160 GTSs were produced.

In 1982, the power of the 208 GTB was increased by using a turbocharger and fuel injection. In 1983, the same happened with the 208 GTS. Until 1985, 437 of these GTB turbos and 250 GTS turbos were built.

Competitors

The 308 GTB targeted enthusiasts and competed with the Porsche 911 and Lamborghini's Countach. Direct competitors were:

• Porsche 911 Carrera (2.7 / 3.0 / 3.2)
• Lamborghini Urraco / Silhouette
• Maserati Merak
• Lotus spirit

Successor model

In 1985, the 308 was succeeded by the 328 — essentially a refined 308 with a larger 3,2-liter engine and subtle body updates. The 308 GT4 was discontinued in 1980 without a direct successor as a four-seater Ferrari — a role that was only later taken over by the Mondial.