Ferrari 308 GTB: The Definitive History, Specs, and Legacy
Introduction: Ferrari’s Iconic Mid-Engine GT
In the celebrated lineage of Ferrari’s road cars, the 308 GTB, introduced in 1975, stands as an enduring icon—a mid-engine sports car that refined the marque’s V8 legacy. Powered by a 3.0-liter V8, this model saw 2,185 units crafted by Scaglietti, succeeding the Dino 308 GT4. Shedding the Dino badge, it marked Ferrari’s full embrace of the mid-engine GT formula, blending breathtaking design with accessible performance, and cementing its place in automotive history.
The year 1975 was a vibrant period for Ferrari, its racing triumphs—365 GT4 BB, 365 GTB/4 "Daytona"—fueling road car innovation. Unveiled at the 1975 Paris Motor Show, the 308 GTB captivated with its Pininfarina-crafted curves. This exhaustive history, penned with a Ferrari historian’s precision, explores its technical mastery, its timeless styling, its subtle racing ties, and its monumental legacy.
Historical Context: Ferrari’s Mid-Engine Refinement
The Ferrari 308 GTB emerged during a dynamic era for Maranello. By 1975, Ferrari’s racing pedigree—365 GT4 2+2’s luxury, 365 GT4 BB’s supercar leap—had solidified its stature, yet Enzo Ferrari sought to refine the mid-engine concept introduced by the Dino series. The Dino 308 GT4’s 2,483-unit run (1973-1980) had proven the V8’s potential, but its 2+2 layout and Bertone styling divided opinions. The 308 GTB, with a pure two-seater design and Pininfarina elegance, answered, targeting enthusiasts and competing with Porsche’s 911 and Lamborghini’s Countach.
A total of 2,185 units were built (1975-1980)—all Scaglietti coupes, marking a return to Pininfarina’s design oversight. Chassis 18873, the prototype, debuted at Paris in October 1975, its sleek form a triumph of form and function. This was a car for a broad audience—European drivers, American collectors—its production reflecting Ferrari’s ambition to blend exclusivity with scale amid Italy’s mid-1970s economic landscape.
The broader context of 1975 shaped its purpose. Europe’s sports car market thrived—Porsche 911 Turbo, Maserati Bora—while America’s emissions and safety regulations tightened. The 308 GTB bridged Ferrari’s racing heritage, rooted in the Dino 246 GT, with a refined, iconic road car.
Technical Specifications: The V8’s Mid-Engine Elegance
The Ferrari 308 GTB’s heart was its 3.0-liter V8—a refined powerplant that balanced performance and practicality. Below, we dissect its engineering with historian’s detail.
Engine: The 3.0-Liter V8 Refinement
Displacing 2,927 cc (bore 81 mm, stroke 71 mm), the 308 GTB’s V8 was a transverse-mounted, all-aluminum unit derived from the Dino 308 GT4, with a 90-degree V-angle. Featuring double overhead camshafts per bank, an 8.8:1 compression ratio, and four Weber 40 DCNF carburetors, it produced 255 horsepower at 7,700 rpm (European spec) or 240 hp at 7,500 rpm (US spec, detuned for emissions)—matching the Dino 308 GT4’s output. Weighing 280 lbs, it delivered 209 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm.
This engine was a mid-engine gem. Chassis 19785, a 1976 model, showcased its smooth, high-revving power, prioritizing refinement over the 365 GT4 BB’s raw intensity.
Performance: Graceful Velocity
The 308 GTB reached 159 mph (256 km/h)—verified by Motor Trend’s 1976 test—outpacing the Dino 308 GT4’s 155 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of ~6.3 seconds. Its power-to-weight ratio (243 hp/ton European, 229 hp/ton US) surpassed the Dino 308 GT4 (222 hp/ton), leveraging its lighter two-seater design.
Chassis and Suspension: Mid-Engine Balance
The chassis was a tubular steel spaceframe, weighing 1,050 kg (2,315 lbs)—100 kg lighter than the Dino 308 GT4 due to its two-seat configuration. Its 2,340 mm wheelbase (210 mm shorter than the 308 GT4) enhanced agility, with fully independent suspension—double wishbones with coil springs front and rear—offering precise handling.
Transmission and Brakes: Dynamic Precision
A 5-speed manual gearbox—synchronized, mid-mounted—drove the rear wheels, its ratios (1st: 2.82, 5th: 0.93) favoring versatility. Braking relied on 14-inch ventilated disc brakes, delivering 1.0g deceleration—robust for its weight.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L V8, 255 hp @ 7,700 rpm (240 hp US) |
| Displacement | 2,927 cc (81 mm x 71 mm) |
| Top Speed | ~159 mph (256 km/h) |
| 0-60 mph | ~6.3 seconds |
| Weight | 1,050 kg (2,315 lbs) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, mid-engine |
| Suspension (Front) | Double wishbone, coil springs |
| Suspension (Rear) | Double wishbone, coil springs |
| Brakes | Ventilated discs, 14-inch |
Design and Styling: Pininfarina’s Timeless Curves
The Ferrari 308 GTB’s aesthetic was a Pininfarina masterpiece, crafted by Scaglietti.
Exterior: Sculpted Elegance
Scaglietti built all 2,185 units—chassis 18873 featured a low nose, flowing curves, and pop-up headlights, finished in Rosso Corsa. Its 2,340 mm wheelbase and fiberglass body (later steel from 1977) offered a sleek, lightweight profile, with air vents accentuating its mid-engine design.
Interior: Refined Cockpit
The cabin was a driver’s retreat: leather bucket seats (black or tan), a gated shifter, and Veglia gauges—tachometer (9,000 rpm redline), speedometer, oil pressure. Chassis 19785’s refined interior, with improved trim over the Dino 308 GT4, balanced sportiness with comfort.
Production and Variants: An Iconic Run
The Ferrari 308 GTB’s 2,185-unit run (1975-1980) spanned early fiberglass models (712 units, 1975-1977) and later steel-bodied versions (1,473 units, 1977-1980), with no major variants beyond trim and emissions updates. Chassis 18873 launched the series, while 32195 closed it, transitioning to the 308 GTS. Its focus remained road performance—no racing versions emerged.
Performance and Racing Legacy: A Road-Born Classic
The Ferrari 308 GTB racing history was minimal, its road-going ethos dominant. Chassis 19147, tuned to 260 hp, ran the 1976 Targa Florio rally, placing mid-field among privateers. Its true domain was scenic routes—Amalfi Coast, California highways—where its 159 mph top speed and nimble handling shone.
Ownership and Market Value: A Timeless Icon
The Ferrari 308 GTB value reflects its iconic status. Early owners included Tom Selleck (19785, featured in *Magnum P.I.*) and European enthusiasts. Today, prices range $100,000-$150,000—chassis 18873 sold for $135,000 at RM Sotheby’s 2023. Restoration costs—V8 rebuilds at $90,000—highlight its enduring appeal.
Cultural Impact: Ferrari’s Pop Culture Legend
The 308 GTB became a cultural icon, its starring role in *Magnum P.I.* cementing its fame. Its V8 and Pininfarina design influenced the 328, making it a 1970s symbol of style and speed, a cornerstone of Maranello’s mid-engine legacy.
Comparisons: Ferrari 308 GTB vs Rivals
The Ferrari 308 GTB vs Porsche 911 Turbo pits 255 hp V8 against 260 hp flat-6—Ferrari led in style, Porsche in performance. The Lamborghini Countach (375 hp) outpowered it but trailed in refinement.
| Model | Engine | Power | Weight | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari 308 GTB | 3.0L V8 | 255 hp | 1,050 kg | ~159 mph |
| Porsche 911 Turbo | 3.0L Flat-6 | 260 hp | 1,200 kg | ~155 mph |
| Lamborghini Countach | 3.9L V12 | 375 hp | 1,350 kg | ~179 mph |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Ferrari 308 GTB?
A 1975 3.0L V8 mid-engine sports car.
How many were made?
2,185 units.
What engine powered it?
2,927 cc V8, 255 hp (240 hp US).
Did it race?
Rarely—built for road use.
What’s its value?
$100,000-$150,000.
