Ferrari introduced the 308 GTB at the 1975 Paris Motor Show alongside the 308 GTS convertible. These mid-engined coupes were manufactured between 1975-1985 and were designed by Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina. The 308 GTB, which served as the Ferrari Dino 246’s spiritual successor, was greatly influenced by the Dino 308 GT4. It represents the classic mid-engined Italian supercars from the 70s. If any of these interests you, a 1979 308 GTB is up for grabs on Bring a Trailer, and it could be the best way to feel some old-school motoring vibes.
This 1979 Ferrari 308 GTB was acquired in 2021 and went through several repairs before the auction. The 308 GTB is painted in Ferrari red, and it is believed that its previous owner repainted it. However, the front bumper was repaired in 2021 by the European Collision Center in Miami. Vintage Ferraris look great, and the 308 GTB is no exception, with the pop-up headlights and a wedge-like front fascia design. The exterior highlights include Scuderia Ferrari fender shield decals, black side mirrors, black side moldings, and a powered antenna. The five-spoke 14-inch Cromodora wheels were restored in 2021 and are hugged by Geostar Remex tires. However, the previous owner replaced the brake rotors and the front brake pads in 2020.
A 3.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 powers the 308 GTB with an output of 237 horsepower. This mid-mounted engine is mated to a five-speed transaxle and drives the rear wheels. The European-spec 308 GTB was slightly more powerful, with 252 horsepower. But, as you guessed, the engine needed a lot of work since it is 43 years old. So, in April 2020, a coolant flush was performed, along with the replacement of the radiator fan and washer fluid tank. In addition, many engine parts were replaced before the auction, including spark plugs, alternator belts, and a fuel pump. The timing belt was serviced, and the carburetors were replaced with stock Weber 40 DCNF units.
The cabin of this 308 GTB is heavily refurbished, with new tan leather covers on the seats. In addition, the whole air conditioning system was converted to R134a, with a new compressor right before the auction. The interior highlights include a leather-wrapped MOMO steering wheel, a gated shifter, a Super Fox radar detector, a JVC cassette radio, and Ferrari floor mats. The dashboard features Veglia Borletti instrument dials, and the odometer reads only 16,000 miles. The actual mileage is unknown.
Even after it was discontinued, the Ferrari 308 GTB is still well-known since it is a legendary supercar with many distinctive features. One is the fiberglass body, which helped keep the 308 GTB’s curb weight at just 2,300 pounds. But sadly, Ferrari decided to shift to conventional steel bodies in 1977, which added about 330 pounds to the car. Also, the engine was transversely mounted lower in the chassis and had dry-sump lubrication in Europe. However, the U.S., Australia, and Japan had the wet-sump lubrication from the 308 GT4.