Debuting at the 1975 Paris Salon, the exquisite 308 GTB marked Ferrari’s return to Pininfarina styling after the Bertone-designed Dino 308 GT4. Distinguished as a ‘true’ Ferrari rather than a Dino, it underwent minimal mechanical changes, mainly a shorter wheelbase, while preserving the predecessor’s underpinnings and transversely mounted 3.0-liter V8 engine with dry-sump lubrication. This impeccably engineered engine generated 255bhp in road trim, propelling the aerodynamically sleek 308 to a top speed of 240km/h.
Initially, the 308 GTB featured glassfiber (vetroresina) bodywork, marking Ferrari’s first use of this material in production. However, after April 1977, Scaglietti switched to steel bodywork. This change resulted in a substantial weight increase (approximately 80kg), leading to reduced performance and greater susceptibility to corrosion. Naturally, those inclined to race the 308 GTB preferred the vetroresina version if available.
Source: Bonhams Cars
