summer discussions about 3x8 models (100% useless)

Well Albert, I just bought a wet sump 78 GTS and it is fantastic. It's better in many respects than my old injected car. Who knows whether the differences were just as big on the day these cars left the factory; for sure today my new '78 is in superior condition and is much sharper, more tactile and more enjoyable a drive than my old '80 i.

I have no intention of taking my car to the track (or even turning with very high g's on a normal road), so what benefits does the dry sump give except just knowing it is there? Of course, no GTS has the dry sump and I love the targa, so my question is a bit hypothetical for me.

I'm on holiday from tomorrow and when I get back I'll share some pictures of my new '78 nero.

 

Annoying? Ok...my 1980 308 GTSi does not have cup holders...

 

I agree with you on much of your commentary.

An important point to note is that the 3x8 series spans in that period of time where automotive technology tipped from mechanical controls to electric/electronic for all manufacturers. The shift from analog control to electric/electronic is very significant in my response to the various cars within the 3x8 series. While the electric switches in the F40, 288 and 328 provide improvements in functionality, they are also conspicuous symbols of a change to the electronic car. To me, they are cars just over the “electrified” line and I don’t like them as much as the cars in the series that precede this change. My “emotional” response to the 3x8 series is driven by nostalgia for the simpler times of simple mechanical cars.

In the same vein of mechanical simplicity, I like naturally aspirated engines over super-charging / turbo-charging (sorry Alberto). So, I strongly favor the 308 in the whole series.

Fairly early on, the 308 was converted to electronic ignition, so undeniably the “non-mechanical” accusation can be made of most cars in the series. There are also several vacuum-servo controls on the fuel-injected cars. But, interestingly, even the electronic ignition modules use vacuum inputs.

Within the 308 series, I strongly favor the fuel injected cars. I am amazed at how technologically simple the Bosch K-jet CIS system is. In its earlier incarnations, there were no electronic inputs and were controlled hydraulically (with gasoline being the hydraulic fluid). The system is still essentially a mechanical system. I favor it because of it's tune-up stability.

Very subjectively, I prefer the physical appearance of the older 308s; those with the black A pillars etc. The only car which combines the old paint job with the 4 valve engine is the 1983 QV, which is the car I own. I am not as vehement as you are, but I am as fond of the 1983 308 QV as you are about your darned 208s.

Well, …. actually no one can be as vehement as you are about the series.

 

I think you missed one. I mean if you are going as far to include the 288 and F40 shouldnt you include the 308 GT4?

 

I’ve always felt that a 328 with a 308 QV interior would be perfect. There’s something about those old mechanical silver on black switches & gauges that add an additional level of emotion to the driving experience.

 

I agree 100%. I'd add that the sound of carbs increase that level of emotion even further. And hearing them with the targa off on a GTS is surely the cream on the cake.

 

There is only ONE car mentioned that, for me is the ultimate, ONLY Ferrari that, IF I COULD AFFORD IT, I would absolutely never think about selling - no ifs, ands or buts - the 288 GTO.

 

Alberto, I'm glad you like my '77 GTB. You said some very true things about the car. I love driving it (1,200 miles per year), I love taking care of it, reading about it, and talking about it!

 

hmmm I dont know. thats kind of weak if you ask me. its built by Ferrari, it soon became a Ferrari officially, and it is the birth of the 308 motor that all others descend from.

that being said, mine IS a Dino.

 

I could not agree more. If I had to have just one Ferrari but any Ferrari, the 288 GTO would be it.

Maybe one day.

 

Agree with your comments on the 328 series. No single one car can have it all but in my opinion the 328 got the closest.
It is only now in the last 4 or so years that they are getting the recognition they deserve and the prices and going up as a result.
But if money was no object, a 288 would be my choice every day of the week.

 

I am a forever lover of the 80-82 Bi/Si models.

Those were the ones I actually saw in the flesh for the first time back 81-83ish when I was 14-15 years old. I like the black A pillars, no hood vent or real spoiler thing. I bought every magazine that even had a single picture of one.

It's actually hard to find a classic red/tan Si that is 100% cosmetically factory these days. Most have black fender vents, or two mirrors, or a QV spoiler, or fender SF shields, etc. I like them just the way they looked when they rolled off the line in 1981.

But the prettiest of them all is a yellow/black GTB pre-cat carbed. Purest form.

 

Alberto,

I have experience of the 328 ( and unfortunately not that of the 288! ). It is the best and most synthetic description I read on the 328.

About the "mass production" quantity, gradually there mons less in good and original condition. So over time, 328 will not be a "mass production" car ... Especially GTB

 

Like my 81. 30k mi. I could be enticed to part with it if I don't get a buyer for my 328.

 

Tommy, my 1980 is "as is" off the assembly line....no cup holder!

 

+288

 

For me the 308 QV is Goldilocks. For longest time I shopped for 328s. But the interior of the 308 along with that deep exhaust note sold me on the 308. And yes it's slow. But it's also a sublime car to drive. I don't regret choosing the 308 over the 328.

 

I loved the interior of my first 82 gtsi. Problem was it was slower than it looked to be. So I rectified that with a modified 85 QV w/ ~350 hp. Now I have the looks and the speed and the reliability. For me this is the ultimate.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Jeff, what do you mean slow? My 308 QV did 148 mph and I don't think that's top speed.
Maybe you meant it's not quick compare in today's standard. But I agree about the classic
look of the 308s interior.

 

Alberto, You know how much I really love the 208 turbo GTB (only GTB, that's why I sold the GTS), but ....

No doubt, that the 270 HP 3.2 engine of the 328/Mondial 3.2 is a very very good and strong engine. I love to drive my Mondial 3.2 with that engine. It's the car/engine with the most usability of all 2/3x8 IMO.

Also no doubt, that the shape of the 208 turbo GTB is best looking line of all 2/3x8.

But: The 208 turbo is a very samll and lightwight car. The less powerfull engine (220 HP) accelerates the car very well. It's fast enough - more than that - it's a fast car, if you are early enough at the throttle

The 308 GT4 is the grandfather of ALL 2/3x8 / 288 /F40 ! It was the first car with that 3 litre V8 carbed engine. It was the first car with "sharp lines". It was the first "modern Ferrari". That is the reason, why that car should NOT be missed in that list.
btw it is the fastest 3x8 of all at the B-road (not at the "Autobahn" / highspeed). There is no other 3x8 wich would be able to follow a GT4 driven hard. The suspension, the wheelbase ... it's like a Gocart.

My personal ranking:
1. 288GTO (not to drive, but to own)
2. F40 (not to own, but to drive)
3. 308 GT4
4. 208 turbo GTB
5. 308 GTB Vetroresina drysump (EU only)
6. 308 GTB steel drysump (EU only)
7. 328 GTB (only because of the nearly perfect engine)
8. Turbo intercooler GTB
9. 308 QV GTB
10. 308 GTBi (2Vi)