1985 Ferrari 308 GTS
Specifications
Engine: Ferrari Dino V8
Displacement: 179 cu. in.
Horsepower: 230 hp at 6,800RPM
Torque: 188 lb ft at 5,500RPM
Transmission: 5-speed manual
0-60 mph: 6.6 seconds
Top Speed: 145 mph
A Little History
The Ferrari 308 GTS was a V8 mid-engined, 2-seater manufactured by Ferrari from 1975 to 1985 and designed by Leonardo Fioravanti, who oversaw some of Ferrari’s most celebrated shapes to date such as the Daytona, the Dino and the Berlinetta Boxer.
The Pininfarina-styled Ferrari 308 GTB was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1975 as a supplement to the 2+2 Dino 308 GT4 and a direct replacement for the 2-seater Dino 246. A GTS variant was unveiled at the 1977 Frankfurt Motor Show, featuring an open Targa roof. Bosch fuel injection arrived at the end of 1980, and the adoption of four-valve per cylinder technology came two years later. Powered by a mid-mounted transverse V-8, the 308 opened up a market segment unexplored by Ferrari, which had aimed its products solely at an elite clientele.
Two years later, at the 1982 Paris Motor Show, Ferrari launched the 308 quattrovalvole, recognizable with its slim louvered panel in the front lid to aid radiator exhaust air exit, power operated mirrors carrying a small enamel Ferrari badge, a redesigned radiator grille with rectangular driving lights on each side, and rectangular (instead of round) side repeaters.
The 308 has become one of the more recognizable and iconic cars produced by Ferrari to date. It was made famous on the television series Magnum, P.I. as well as having a memorable cameo in 1981’s The Cannonball Run, driven by Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. dressed as Catholic priests.
