1976 Ferrari 308 GTB

The Ferrari 308 Berlinetta and Targa topped 308 GTS replaced the V6-powered 246 Dino. It came equipped with an all-new DOHC F106 AB V8 engine with a displacement of just under three liters. They had dry-sump lubrication (European specification) derived from the company's racing experience and four twin-choke Weber 40DCNF carburetors and single-coil ignitions. The power plant was placed transversely above the rear axle and mated to a five-speed manual transaxle. The European versions delivered 252 horsepower at 6,600 while the American versions offered 237 horsepower at 6,600 RPM due to emissions control devices. While the European versions used the dry-sump lubrication, cars destined for the US, Japanese, and Australian markets were given a conventional wet sump from the GT4.

The tube frame carried the separate body and was suspended by an all-independent setup comprised of double wishbones, hydraulic dampers, coaxial coil springs, and anti-roll bars. The steering was by an unassisted rack and pinion system. Disc brakes were placed at all four corners. They wore styling by Leonardo Fioravanti of Pininfarina and were built by Carrozzeria Scaglietti. The car's bodywork was entirely made of glass-reinforced plastic, with an overall weight of just over 2,300 lbs. The Fiberglass bodywork (vetroresina - the first time this material had been used for a production Ferrari) was replaced after April of 1977 with steel. This change would bring an additional (approximate) 80kg weight penalty and a reduction in performance, as well as increased susceptibility to corrosion.

The standard wheels were five-spoke 14-inch alloy units, while 16-inch wheels became available later as an option, along with high compression pistons, a high lift camshaft, sports exhaust system, and a deeper front spoiler.

The Ferrari 308 GTB made its debut at the 1975 Paris Auto Salon. Production continued until June 1977, with a total of 712 first-series examples built. Further developments of the model introduced the open GTS version with a Targa-style removable roof, the adoption of Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection in 1980 and, revised cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder in 1982.

The steel-bodied 308 GTS Targa Top version arrived several years later, making its introduction in 1977 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Produced through 1980, a total of 3,219 examples of the GTS were built.

Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection
The carbureted engines of the 1970s gave way to fuel injection at the arrival of the 1980s. The Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection system reduced emissions but also reduced the output produced by the engine to 211 horsepower on European models and 202 on federalized models. With the addition of the fuel injection system, the naming scheme for the 308 was updated to the 308 GTBi and GTSi, with the i representing 'injection.' The Bosch K-Jetronic unit was paired with a Marelli MED 803A Digiplex electronic ignition, along with an ignition module for each bank of cylinders, a distributor, and a coil.

The exterior styling remained unchanged from the carbureted version, except for the metric-sized wheels with a minor update to the design and Michelin TRX radial tires. The optional 16-inch wheels were wrapped with Michelin XWX tires. Minor updates were made to the interior as well, including a new black steering wheel with three perforated spokes, a slightly different pattern on the seats, and the oil temperature gauge and clock were relocated to the center console.

Production of the 308 GTBi and GTSi continued through 1982, when they were succeeded by the 308 Quattrovalvole. The production of the Targa Top version greatly outpaced the Berlinetta, with 1,743 GTSi models produced compared to the 494 examples of the GTBi.

Quattrovalvole
Paris was home to the introduction of the 308 GTB in 1975, followed by the unveiling of the 308 GTS in Frankfurt in 1977. For the launch of the 'Quattrovalvole' in 1982, Ferrari once again chose Paris. Introduced in 1982, the Quattrovalvole version of the GTB and GTS had four valves per cylinder, earning its name (Quattrovalvole), which means 'four valves' in Italian. This improvement to the engine brought horsepower back to 240 bhp for the DOHC 32-valve V8. The US specification models delivered 230 horsepower at 6,800 RPM and 188 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 RPM. Gear and final drive ratios were altered to best suit the characteristics of the engine and maximize performance.

Once again, the exterior design remained mostly unchanged, with only minor updates to distinguish it from its predecessors. The Quattrovalvole gained a redesigned radiator grille with rectangular driving lights on both sides, a slim louvered panel in the front lid to aid radiator exhaust air exit, power-operated mirrors with a small enamel Ferrari badge, and the previous round side repeaters being replaced with rectangular units. Minor updates to the interior included a satin black three-spoke steering wheel with a triangular center. Leather seats were standard and cloth seat centers became optional. Additional items now listed on the options list included wider wheels, 16-inch Speedline wheels with Pirelli P7 tires, a satin black roof aerofoil, a deep front spoiler, air conditioning, and metallic paint. The aerofoil was standard on Japanese market models.

The Quattrovalvole version was produced from 1982 through 1985, with GTS once again being more popular than the GTB. A total of 3,042 were GTS and 748 GTB examples.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2019