308GTS

In 1975 what many call the real 308 emerged in the shape of a

Pininfarina-designed, Ferrari-badged, pure 2-seater, the

308GTB - 3 litre, 8-cylinder gran turismo berlinetta. This car is

credited in many quarters with saving Ferrari from severe

financial problems. It is a glorious and great sportscar.

The styling is a tour de force. It was hugely influential on

other designers and became a popular embodiment of the

‘Ferrari’ look. The 512 BBi was one Ferrari car showing 308

GTB styling influences.

ENGINE

This was the same unit as in the 308GT4. Exhaust was vented

through a single tailpipe on the left-hand side.

The performance figures are:-

Power Torque 0-60mph Top Speed

255 bhp 210 lbs-ft 6.2 secs 155mph

@7700 rpm @5000 rpm (7.3 secs USA)

(240 bhp

@6600 USA)

TRANSMISSION & SUSPENSION

As for the 308GT4.

WHEELS & BRAKING

Star-shaped 5-spoke alloy wheels fastened by five bolts. Size

and tyre dimensions unchanged at 6.5J X 14 and 205/70 VR

14. There were optional 7.5J X 14 wheels fitted with the same

dimension tyres.

CHASSIS

The car was 210mm (8”) shorter than the 308GT4 giving a

wheelbase of 2340mm. The track dimensions were unchanged

from the 308GT4. The chassis was made of oval-section tubes

with additional square and round-section tubes supporting

ancillary components.

The car’s dimensions were:-

• Length 172.4”

• Width 67.7”

• Height 44.1”

• Wheelbase 92.1”

• Front/Rear track 57.5”

BODY

The car was built by Scaglietti, initially with a fibre glass body

although the front hood was aluminium. The floorpan, wheel

arches and front firewall were all fibre glass. The rear cabin

bulkhead and engine compartment sections were made from

pressed steel.

Although weight-saving and free of corrosion, Ferrari has not

officially said why fibreglass was chosen. Eventually steel was

used instead. The quality of the fibreglass construction and its

finish were both superb.

There was limited space in the front compartment, which

held the spare wheel. However, a couple of suitcases could be

fitted into the rear compartment behind the engine.

CABIN

The pure two seat cabin was a snug fitting one.

OPTIONAL SPRINT PACK

Owners could specify a Sprint Pack. This was an official dealer

after-sale offer. It was a high-performance pack of highcompression

pistons, altered cams and carburettor jetting. It

couldn’t be factory-fitted.

The 308GTB rapidly became a foundation model in Ferrari’s

line-up.