Is there a 1975+ better looking Ferrrai than a 3X8?

Maybe I'm in the minority, the 308 is OK, not fabulous or stunning really, esp when compared to the designs of the late 50's thru early 70's that Pininfarina was doing.

But the BB, 365 or 512 is far more stunning to me.

 

The 328 was a total stop gap measure while Ferrari focused on a Universal model, that could be homologated for all countries. the Swiss and US markets being the most difficult at the time with crash structures and CO emissions. At the same time you had a lot of internal re structure at Ferrari with a number of Enzo's Cronies coming close to their retiring age there was a lot of pressure from FIAT for new - younger blood to be put in charge, while Enzo and the old Guard were happy with the way things were going. not that Enzo controlled everything, but he was chairman and the Fiat guys running the road car factory were his old guys... so they did what they pleased, and investing in a new design was not what Ferrari did back then. so the 348 was a revolution. the 308 was getting clobbered in the press as Corvettes and Porsches were getting faster and easier to use all the time. This was when the Ferrari badge was worth more than the car itself.

However if you drive a 308 & 328 back to back = its like night and day. the 328 is clearly better engineered and made, but loses out on some looks and traditional feel of Ferrari. today it is the only bridge between old Ferrari and new. The TR was the first car of the next generation Ferraris that we have today.

 

OK, If the 512BB is not allowed, but launched - one year after the 308 - in 1976 , the 599 GTO is my second vote.

 

Watch how the Porsche 911 has changed (and stayed the same) for 50 years | The Verge

 

Yes and no: as said above, Leonardo Fioravanti, in his memoirs published last year, clearly says that he drawed the "small two-seat berlinetta" first, in 1969-70, just after the "246 Dino" was on sale; and it is, according to the Maestro himself, that drawing that was to became the 308 four years later. Then, towards the end of 1970, he had to put it on hold because he was asked to work on a project called the "superberlinetta", which became the BB. This is why he considers that the design of the two cars is related.
At the end of 1974, he then was asked by Enzo Ferrari to draw a "two seat berlinetta" project as quick as possible, and brought back his unfinished project that stayed on hold since 1970. He says in his book that he finished it at home, after hours.

Rgds

 

We were a bit too young in the seventies for this, but we should have made a joint-venture and bought the company. We would have finished bankrupt, but having had a lot of fun.

Rgds

 

We would have borrowed the money from the banks against the future profits...

Rgds

 

Precisely...

(which is a shame, because the cars were beautiful!)

Rgds

 

Though it was not the most satisfying solution for enthusiast, who love the old Lamborghinis, I'm glad, that Lamborghini is now german and didn't have to share the same fate like for example Jaguar, which is now indian.
I would prefer the complete decease of a marque, instead of going to so called 'emerging markets'.

Best Regards
Martin

 

Ah yes, I know remember that you are not very enthusiastic towards India...never heard the proverb: "The british administration invented red tape, but India brought it to perfection?".

But I do agree with you: it is painful to see some brands maintained artificially just for the survival of the name, but having lost their soul. Out of respect for what they have been in their past, it would be better to stop using the same name.

I too am glad that Lamborghini has survived with at least part of the Lamborghini soul still alive. I was walking in a crowded street of Paris a few weeks back, and just besides me a large wooden double door opened: there was an "Aventador" just behind it (Middle-East registration...) at idle, and I had the same exact feeling that I had when seeing an exotic thirty years ago. No other car has made this effect on me since! So long may Lamborghini continue...

Rgds

 

288 GTO is the ultimate expression of the 308 form. And I don't think anything by anyone has visually surpassed it. The McLaren F1 comes close.

-F

 

yes they are related but not the same... boxer theme came from the P6, with different production detailing of course while adapting to the flat 12 layout. if you look closely at the P6 interior you can see the theme is pretty much what the 308 is that came much later.

i have a photo i took with both the P6 and the Prototype Boxer parked side by side at pininfarnia somewhere

 

You need to find that picture

 

i will have to look for it in a box of old
photos...meanwhile here is the car i speak of

1968 Ferrari P6 (Pininfarina) - Studios

 

yes sir... well what eles is there on an interior of the 308? instrument panel that runs into the door armrest... is the theme

 

Fioravanti's last year's book doesn't break any new ground, but is interesting nevertheless; and very fair: he gives also credit to Aldo Brovarone on the work for the Dino.
Fioravanti came invited as a guest of honor at an event organised by friends for the 40th anniversary of the 308 last year, and signed quite a number of his book.

Rgds

 

Bruno,
did you attend?

Best
Martin

 

No, you know me: I usually avoid events with more than ten persons, I'm a misanthrope...
but (if my memory serves me well...) I was the one who suggested to invite Leonardo Fioravanti, and he accepted without any reluctance: he was happy to be there, was driven in a carbed 308, signed a lot of books, cars, etc...

Rgds

 

Where does Mr. Fioravanti live these days? I would very much like to write him to tell him how much I have enjoyed his work over the years and to ask for a simple autograph. Anyone have his contact info?




PDG

 

He lives in Italy, Patrick, where else? He is still active in design, has his own design company and internet site that we used at first to contact him

Rgds