Hey Everyone, This was mentioned in another thread but I wanted to get the word out! Dave Stacy, our fchat GT4 expert, has compiled a wonderful document that shows how to tell the various versions of GT4s from each other. So if you are like me and want to know how to tell a series 1 from a series 2 at a glance, check this out. It's a pdf so you can save it to your hard drive for all eternity. Far right column on my website! http://www.birdmanferrari.com/ Enjoy, and don't forget to thank Dave! Birdman
The total production adds upto 2,138. I thought the figure was 2,826. What have I missed? Didn't the US market have a Series 3, while in the UK we had only S1 and S2? A good "spotters guide" though. Hadn't noticed the ali strip on the glovebox.
Somebody *****ed because I took one of his photos from ebay where he had the car for sale. <sigh> People are a trip. Anyone care to send me a picture of a series 2 left side dash and center console? [email protected]
Here you go Dave (also sent to your personal email as attachments). late 1979, so hope it still counts as Series II (have heard mention of Series III every so often). John Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks John. I assume since you and I have had a few lengthy phone calls and seem to get along I don't need a 32 page written statement from you granting me the use of these photos. Which by the way using a copyrighted photo in a not for profit educational document does not violate copywrite law according to the trademark & copyright law firm we use. (After the email I recieved, I called them. I wonder how much THAT cost me.) That use is covered under the "fair use act". Bird, I emailed it back to you with John's photo's. ....and by the way I read the first post in this thread.... me an expert? BAWAHAHAHA oh my friend, you're losing it, go get help. But thanks for the compliment.
Dave, (and Birdman) Outstanding! thank you for taking the time to put this together. 614, no wonder they're so hard to get. -f
Nice write-up Dave. I realize that your concentration is on the S1, but I see some S2 things that may not be correct (at least on US spec cars). You list S2 with cats, they started in '78 with the S3. S2 had the thermal reacter (suitable as mooring bouy anchors in a harbor). Cat equipted cars had the "slow down" warning lights at the center of the dash just above the AC vents. As you mentioned the wiper speed switch replaced the fog light switch at the left of the dash. The wiper control lever went from (S1)Off-1-2 to (S2)Off-Intermittent-On, the "ON" speed being controled by the toggle switch. My "Intermittent" seems to be about once a week! Another thing worth mentioning is that sunroof cars lost the interior light over the back window and the headliner is about 2.5" lower to accommodate the sunroof and it's stowage pan. Although there is a huge weight difference S1 to S2, I think there are things to note. Most of the gain was Euro to US (added frame componets, door guard beams, bumpers, thermo etc.) but also the US cars were usually "loaded" which also contributed to the fat. My car scaled at 3225 lbs. w/o thermo and air pumps. Not early Euro S1, but not a 3500 lb. car either. I am not yet convinced that a Euro S1 and a US S1 engine, exhaust and emissions are identical. Furthermore, I am not yet convinced that the US S1 and US S2 cams are different outside of running changes such as the dizzy drive and oil passage plug revisions. US S3 (ie. cat equipted) intake cam specs are definitely different. What "new" switches were "added" to the console S1 to S2? Similarly equipted cars seem to be the same; or are you refering to options becoming standard? IMHO, the GT4, as a design, was "in the wrong place at the wrong time" which led to it's less that stellar reputation. Rapidly changing US emissions and safety regs brutalized what we now know was a turning point for Ferrari street cars. I remember when the GT4 came to the US. The first one that I saw did not immpress me at all. A huge change from the then current Daytona and Dino. "Why would anyone want one of those?" I have seen the error of my ways. Perhaps some appropriate PR should be the norm. "first mid engine V8" "grandfather of today's Ferrari" a GTB/S is a "cut down" GT4 "a Porsche 911 has 4 seats like a GT4!"
Thanks, just messing around. <laugh> mooring bouy...too funny. Yep, probably wrong terminology, but I call that a cat. Ferrari wipers work at 2 speeds: SLOW and REAL SLOW Hey now there's some good info! Order a new set of cams and you'll see Check the parts manuals. S1 had defrost, fan, & hazard on the left dash. S2 added a switch for the above refrenced blinding fast wipers. You're not alone. Don't make me say it in public. Let's just say I'm paying now for comments I made 30 years ago.
You're such an as* Aaron. Can't somebody BAN this bum? Where are the forum moderators when you need them? <laughing like crazy>
The design was controversial primarily because of the marque involved (Ferrari) - the shape is pure 70's (much more so than the GTB/S) but it most certainly is not a 'Ferrari' shape. I completely agree with "turning point", but all super car marques went through this transition at the time, and found their own identity which perseveres today. The GT/4 just wasn't/isn't a 'Ferrari' design. Although the profile does look like a straightened out 246, it has much more in common with Ferrari's competitors, ie., Lamborghini, Maserati, Lancia, De Tomaso, since that is who Gandini designed for. Thus it looks like the Urraco, a tamed Countach LP500/400, Stratos, Pantera, or conversely, an extreme Fiat x1/9. Apparently Ferrari adopted the GT/4 design after Lamborghini passed on it, but it will never exude 'Ferrari' - ultimately, I think, an attribute. Ferrari designs are sexy yet firmly rooted in reality/racing. Lamborghini designs are sexy in an intergalactic/futuristic/abstract manner. A Countach or GT/4 would melt perfectly within a Clockwork Orange or Barbarella set. A 308 GTB/S would look awkward/overly realistic, more 60's/80's than 70's. The GT/4 experienced the same fate as for example the Ducati Paso, which always looked more appropriate in the Bimota line-up, ... again because that is who Tamburini designed for. That makes the Paso very unique. Likewise, the GT/4 is very unique - a coming together of two worlds/visions ... an event which transpires seldomly. [QUOTE>Perhaps some appropriate PR should be the norm. >"first mid engine V8" >"grandfather of today's Ferrari" >a GTB/S is a "cut down" GT4 >"a Porsche 911 has 4 seats like a GT4!"[/QUOTE I would characterize the GT/4 as a Ferrari in 'Lamborghini' clothing. Fortunately Lamborghini rejected it, so the GT/4 sports one of the most attractive and beautifully organized interiors, even among Ferrari's. Featuring the iconic shape of the 70's, the Ferrari 308 GT/4 was penned by Marcello Gandini, former chief stylist at Carrozzeria Bertone and quixotic author of innumerable, memorable designs for Ferrari's competitors -- Stratos, Miura, Countach, Diablo, Bugatti EB110, Pantera, Espada, Mangusta, Khamsin, Urraco. The Ferrari 308 GT/4 is an enigmatic exponent of Una Vita Veloce, that tactfully counterpoints Leonardo Fiovarante's / Pininfarina's voluptuous curves. Along with the Lancia Stratos, the 308 GT/4 affords the opportunity of experiencing a 'Sant'Agata/Lamborghini'-like shape married to Ferrari mechanicals. Sacrilege ...
