is the 308 a classic?

It absolutely is and I would say the car the most people identify with Ferrari.

 

Ferrari's website used to have their cars in categories; new, vintage and in between (cars from the 70's and 80's) were called "Classics".

 

I voted "yes" but I'm biased.

 

Of course it is....and I am not biased by ownership

 

Rob, I've had people tell me that because all the switches and interior of the 328 are "modern" that it does not not have the retro look and feel of the 246 and 308. I don't know if I believe that. I do feel the 246 and carb 308s are much more raw than the latter cars and for that reason along with the design, which was way ahead of it's time, I would consider them classic. I always laugh when I see a period picture of a 308 sitting with other cars from the 70s. The 308 looks like a spaceship compared to its contemporaries.

 

Rob, so based on this, you are saying a Challenge Stradale (revolutionary) will someday be a classic but the Scuderia ( evolutionary) won't?

Same with the F50?

Just seems like an odd classification, I definitely consider a 328 to be a classic.

I do like the collection aspect you mention because I often describe the Diablo (becoming a popular car in large collections) in those terms.

 

I was expecting a trick question. Of course the 308 is a classic. And yes, I own one, but it's not a biased opinion.

 

Anyone who knows least of Ferrari history is aware that the 308 is the car that saved Ferrari, that its beautiful and the
car along with the Testarossa the car that the public know its “A Ferrari “.
Zippo lighter, Coke bottle all cheap to own but classic’s
D.

 

Nope.

It's iconic but will never be a classic car. They made too many.

IN FACT: It was "poo poo'd" by "real Ferrari owners" at the time as the first to be wearing the Ferrari badge and not having 12 cylinders. Something for doctors to drive and not enthusiasts. They complained it was being mass produced and a car for "the masses". To most Ferrari owners at the time, it was a step backwards from what they believed Ferrari was. We saw the same backlash against the California. Anyone here want to say the 2009 California will be "a classic" in 20 years?

This is coming from someone who owned 2 of them so don't call me a hater.

It truly depends on your definition of what classic is. If you think the Bandit Trans Am car is "classic", then you'll think the 308 is classic. IMO, the Bandit car is iconic, not classic.

The Bandit car is iconic because of it's involvement in a movie. The 308 from a TV series. That's not a knock but it's not what causes cars to be considered "classic". That's iconic.

If you say every sports car made in the 80's is classic then you have to say the same for every Lambo, every Porsche, every Maserati. The only real difference between these cars and the 308 was it was in a popular TV show.

But don't fret. It's a really fun car, especially the 4v versions. I may pick up another one.

 

classic |ˈklasik| adjective

1 judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind: a classic novel | a classic car.

My definition of classic is correct, yours is not. The 308 is a classic car. It is immaterial how many were made.

 

I think the 308 is a classic on it’s own not taking into account the Magnum fame. I had a 308 and now have a 328.
As we all know they aren’t fast anymore by todays standards but a blast to drive.
To me what it is about them is they are just absolutely beautiful cars. Even today 40 plus years after it was introduced the car looks amazing and not dated.
It’s not uncommon at all to walk past it in the garage and I catch myself just admiring how good looking it is
It’s so old school when you sit in the cockpit....the steering wheel, the gauge cluster, the gated shifter. I get such a kick out of driving it sometimes and taking it all in thinking “not so long ago this was all top of the line technology “ If I were driving it in the 80s it would be just what the 458 is to us today.

For the record I would also consider the 328 a classic and not just because I own one.

 

Ok.. will you ever see a 308 at Pebble Beach someday?

Uh.... no.

 

Highest quality? Well, you proved my point!

 

The E-Type Jaguar is a classic. I think they made about 75,000 of them, and they are NOT eligible for Pebble Beach as far as I know.

 

I worked at Ferrari dealership in the early '70's. When the Dinos and Daytonas were all gone and all we had was the 308GT4, we were all somewhat depressed. But, the moment that first (GRP bodied) 308GTB rolled off the truck, the enthusiasm returned. It was beautiful!

However, I agree with the Mayor. Too many were made for any real exclusivity to be assigned to it.

 

Since when is exclusivity a requirement for something to be a "classic?"

Of course the 308 is a Classic Ferrari.

 

“They made to many” please! Dino, E type, 308, 911, 280 SL

 

I would add that a '69 Camaro is also a classic...etc....

 

“ They made to many” Rolex Submariner, I rest my case.