1985 Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole

The Ferrari 308 Quattrovavole model was launched in 1982 and featured four valves per cylinder, as its name suggests. It was the final iteration of the 308 Series before the arrival of the 328 models. Along with an increased horsepower rating of 240 bhp in European specification, the 308 QV had improved airflow via a reworked front fascia, power-adjustable exterior rearview mirrors, and a new steering wheel design.

Introduced in 1982 at the Paris Motor Show and built through 1985, Ferrari built 3,024 examples of the GTS (Targa Top) and 784 of the GTB (Berlinetta).

The Pininfarina-designed, Scaglietti-built 308 was introduced in Paris in 1975, serving as a replacement for the outgoing Dino 246 and (soon thereafter) the more angular Bertone-bodied 308 GT4. The first 700 examples wore fiberglass bodies, with 100 of them allocated for the United States market. The remainder of the 308 models (approximately 11,400 examples through 1985) were bodied in steel panels. Power was supplied by a transverse mid-mounted, all-alloy four-cam V-8 engine with a quartet of twin-choke Weber carburetors and initially delivering 240 horsepower in U.S. specification.

The F106 AB V8 engine had a 90-degree configuration, transversely mounted in unit with the transaxle transmission assembly, and positioned below and to the rear of the engine's sump. It used two belt-driven overhead camshafts per cylinder bank and European specification examples received dry-sump lubrication. The cars built for the United States, Australian, and Japanese market received a conventional wet sump engine from the GT4. All 308 GTS models (introduced in 1977 at the Frankfurt Motor Show) received the wet-sump engine and steel-bodied coachwork. European GTB models employed the dry-sump lubrication system until 1981.

Bosch Digiplex fuel injection arrived in 1980, and the name was changed accordingly, becoming the 308 GTSi. The fuel injection system replaced the initially-fitted Weber carburetors, and although horsepower dropped from 240 to 205 bhp, emissions improved significantly. The Quattrovalvole or 'QV' introduced four-valve cylinder heads for the Dino 3.0-liter V-8 engine, improved horsepower to around 230 bhp, and increased compliance with strict U.S. emissions legislation. The Quattrovalvole could hit 60 MPH in a little over six seconds and topped out at 155 mph.

The 308 was very well balanced and provided exceptional handling and performance, thanks in part to its fully independent suspension and four-wheel hydraulic and ventilated disc brakes. It was comprised of double wishbones, hydraulic dampers and coaxial coil springs, and anti-roll bars in the front and rear. The fully synchromesh five-speed transmission used a 'dog-leg' configuration and a clutch-type limited-slip differential. The steering system was an unassisted rack and pinion unit. The standard wheels were five-spoke 14-inch alloys. 16-inch wheels became optional later in the vehicle's development, along with high compression pistons, a high lift camshaft, and a sports exhaust system.

The wheelbase measured 2,340 mm (92.13 inches) and it shared the same tube platform as the 308 GT4, but the GT4 had 2+2 seating and a longer wheelbase. The styling was courtesy of Pininfarina's Leonardo Fioravanti whose resume included the Daytona, the Dino, and the Berlinetta Boxer. Body construction was handled by Carrozzeria Scaglietti. The Targa Top GTS body styles had a removable roof panel with grained satin black finish and designed to be stowed in a vinyl cover behind the seats when not in use.

The glass-reinforced plastic (or GRP) bodies weighed approximately 1,050 kg, while the steel bodies (from June of 1977 forward) weighed an additional (approximate) 150 kg. Production of these 'vetroresina' (Italian for fiberglass) examples reached 808 units before they were replaced by steel construction.

Between 1975 and 1980, Ferrari produced 3,219 examples of the 308 GTS and 2,897 of the 308 GTB. An additional 494 examples of the 308 GTBi and 1,743 GTSi models were produced before they were succeeded by the 308 Quattrovalvole in 1982. Production of the Quattrovalvole continued through 1985 when it was replaced by the 328. Along with the combined 3,790 QV examples, the total 308 production was 12,143 units.

by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2021