The 308 is the best Ferrari ever!

Hi Everyone,

Now that I have your attention!

Following up on the factory restoration thread, I thought I would start a thread with a kind of poll. The 308 has a reputation of being a "cheap" Ferrari and a lot of people buy a 308 as their first Fcar, then "step up" into something newer, faster, etc.

I have always considered the 308 the most beautiful car ever made. Sure I would love a 355 (will buy one in the next couple years I hope) but I have said many times that I will never sell my 308 to get one. (The wife's Mondial might have to go though! ) Anyway, I would like to hear from others who consider the 308 a "keeper." I'm particularly interested in people who have chosen to keep their 308 but add another Fcar to the collection, or people like me who intend to never sell their 308.

This should be fun!

Birdman

 

Jonathan I share your thoughts about the 308 one hundred percent. I'm going to get a BBi in the next year or so and possibly scoop up a 355 Challenge car too as those seem to be heading into the reasonable price bracket. However I have zero intentions of selling the ol' reliable 308. Because when the BBi is down for service I'll still need an F-car to drive!

Cheers
Aaron '82 GTSi

 

I fit the profile. I wanted a 308 since the first time I saw one. It was/is my dream car. I currently have a few 308s. I have had other Fcars including a 348, Mondial. I also had another 308 that I sold a few years back. The 308 will always be my favorite. I sold my 348 because I didn't get the same feeling as I do in my 308. Could I afford a newer Ferrari, sure(if I sold my 308s I could get a 360 with the funds just from them) but I would rather have a 308. I know this will sound strange as most try to buy the newest car they can afford but not me. The 308 is my favorite Ferrari (actually car) of all time.

 

Dude, think i need not tell you my tale of fun.

But hey, why buy another Fcar when you can mod a 308

Imagine: a track 308 weighting 2950 (wet/with driver) and 350TQ/400+HP due to turbo and intercooler, fuel rails, etc. That is 7.4 lbs per pony. But reality is, probably only want 300 to 325 HP/TQ... for now... with the ability to turn it up once the 325 level seems too slow. Imagine the ability to just plug in a computer and 'dial in' (within a parameter) whatever i feel may be best given the situation.

But hey, i wouldn't toss out of 'bed' a nice track ready 430.

 

I think the 308 is the most beautiful Ferrari as well. It's a classic car that I'm proud to own. I could buy more expensive Ferraris but didn't solely because the 308 was the car I wanted since I was a little kid.

Paul

 

As I refined my Ferrari search, I became more and more enamored of the 308. I wound up buying a 328 primarily because of the reported better reliability and the mechanical refinements, but from a purely aesthetic sense, I prefer the 308.

The lines of the 308 captured my heart, but my head said go 328, as there was still enough heart there, too.

 

the 308 is my favorite car. i think it is the most beautiful car ever made, especially in GTB form. also, it is the only ferrari i really want. i finally got one almost a couple years ago in an interesting color (azzuro cali) and i've really enjoyed looking at it. driving has been another story. having cats, it's terribly slow and definitely doesn't live up to the ferrari speed image.

i didn't want to sell it though, simply because i would have turned around and bought another 308 GTB. so i decided to buy a testarossa, which has the power i was looking for, 12 cyl. engine and striking looks. but...if i decide to undertake a project to increase HP in the 308 to ~260, it would be the ultimate car for me, and i'm not sure what i would do with the TR at that point.

john

 

I was going to sell the old girl about 5 years ago, I wasn't driving her that much cause i was afraid of something breaking. And then not knowing what to do, who can fix her,where to take her.
So after i found this great site everything changed. That's when it hit me that this is a great car. That's why i have had her for 14 years. I'm trying to drive her more latly after i did the belts (Thanks Verell again!)

I still would love to get a Testarossa. Oh yes baby!


But the 308 is still going to stay.

 

I loved my 308 but upgraded to a 348, have to say I would never go back.......

 

From the time I first saw a 308, I wanted one. From the time I first drove a GTB, I knew it had to be that over the GTS. Of course it had to be an early car, because "real" Ferraris have Webers. I could have afforded "more" Ferrari, but I don't think I could have bought "more" of what I was looking for in a Ferrari.

The only other car I aspire to "above" the 308 would be a carbed Boxer... but even then I think the 308 is more attractive and better suited to my use.

I might buy a vintage front-engine V12 someday, but I don't see that as a 308 competitor... completely different in both style and philosophy... as are the more modern Ferraris.

A few weeks ago I went out to buy a 500hp Pantera to replace the 308. After the first mile of the test drive I knew that wasn't going to happen...

Bill

 

Birdman, for 22 years I've been a Lancia Scorpion,Beta owner I had at least a dozen Lancia, but even before the Magnum PI series came out I've always been in love with the 308 GTS/GTB models because of the body style it became a "love at first sight" and alway wated one, untill about 4 monts ago I finally purchase my first F car like you said most of peoples first F car is the 308. Anyway ever since I got mine its feels like a dream come true and the longer I own it the more I love it, the more I look at it the preetier she looks. Believe me Mr. Birdman my 308 is a KEEPER. I say money well spend.

Mike

 

I share the same thoughts....the 308 GTB is, to me, an automotive icon - the most beautiful car.....I looked long and hard for a good, early GTB. Found a nice one, runs superb, great color, and the icing on the cake was that Forza did a story on it. Yes, mine is a keeper!

Also, it's funny how some people's opinion about a car changes as its monetary value changes - this weeds out the true enthusiasts. If 308s happen to skyrocket in price, you will see people coming out of the woodwork to get one because they will now think "oh, its the most beautiful car, I must get one!" Their "appreciation" and attitude towards it becomes stronger as prices rise - ridiculous!

Another funny thing I have noticed has to do with the muscle car market - there are now ads running in very high end enthusiasts magazines of auction houses - are they displaying Ferraris or other exotics as they usually do? No, they are now advertising muscle cars due to the hot market - something one would never see in these magazines! Seems as though there are many new muscle car affectionados out there now that they are the "in" thing to buy.

I recently had my treasured 308 at a (supposedly) VERY reputable body shop here in CT to fix some vey minor rust (could not be much more of a minor job!). Since most of thier work is done on million dollar F-cars, I relentlessly told the certain gentleman that this 308 is MY '62 GTO and to please treat it like one. Well, I will not get into the story, but my car was treated like a piece of s***. I felt so violated! 2 months later and I am still angry when I see the car! That is why I do not trust any one with my 308 except me!

And that is why I can't stand it when others treat or comment on a car solely based on it's monetary value! If my car was worth a million, would the body shop have retured it to me with shoddy work, with scratches on the vehicle? I think not.

Sorry for getting slightly off topic, I had to vent and this was the opportunity : )

Anthony

 

I too believe the 308 is possibly the best-looking, most complete automotive design ever. After 30 years +, to most eyes the car still appears relevant.
I never tire of looking at mine, after 1.5 years of ownership. I continue to find marvelous details, exterior, interior, and mechanically.

I have performed numerous updates on my car,(77 308 GTB) including totally new suspension, brakes, AC compressor, 17" wheels, quick steering rack, carbon fiber door sills, new MOMO steering wheel, Alpine audio, new exhaust, etc.... I will update ignition next.

I see this as "wanting the best for your child". Why deny the car the best that today has to offer? I'll never sell it, so concours specs are not important to me.

Further, there is no modern Ferrari that appeals to me more than the 308! Regardless of double the horsepower, (and 5--10 times the price!), I still find the 308 more intrigueing and compelling.

Leonardo Fioravanti should be praised for the perfect, timeless design. (Wasn't it he who penned the design?--one man's art versus "design-by-commitee"!)

Greg

 

I was looking intently for the "right" 308 for 9-10 months, and ended up going with a 328. Aesthetically, I agonized over this -- I like the 308 fender louvres, center console toggles and deep front spoiler option, but the 328 looks better from the back and side profile (sorry, the black rubber bumpers look Tercel-ish), has the nicer door panels/armrest, wheels and engine bay.

In terms of electrical and mechanical bits, the 328 seems like a step forward. If "best ever" includes those aspects of design, I might challenge the "308 is best" assertion.

If you lump the 308/328 together, though -- and I think you could -- it may be the best Ferrari ever. I really don't know what I'd get if I sold mine. The fact that it's relatively affordable and not too bad to maintain just makes it a screaming bargain, IMO. Having seen a lot of 348s and 355s, I'm not so sure a "step up" is really a step up.
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Still required reading in many automotive design schools.

 

Are we talking general body style or the 308 specifically? I agree that the 308 body style is a modern classic and defines the look and feel and sound of the "exotic sports car." Other cars may be faster, more expensive, better handling, etc. but that's not the point of this thread -- I think.

Along these lines, I'd say that the 288 GTO is "the best Ferrari ever" because it takes the 308 line and enhances it just slightly (I know, I know, there's a world of difference to the trained eye) to produce performance that is truly equal to the beauty of the design.

 

I most certainly agree, Jonathan. Your Buyer's Guide:

http://home.comcast.net/~jonathan.bird/tutorial/308_buyers_guide.htm

is the best I've read.

Barry

 

I have owned 3 308's among other cars. I have had a 89 328 GTB for 4.5 years now and plan to keep it. I could have afforded pretty much any production Ferrari made in the last 35 years, but chose the 328. Last year, my new 430 arrived and the sales manager predicted I would stop driving the 328 and soon sell it. What did he know? I have driven them about the same amount. The 430 is still on probation as far as being a "keeper" is concerned. As far as the 308 vs 328 cosmetic debate goes, I'm on the fence. I like different aspects of both cars. It's like trying to choose between 2 very similar, very fine wines. If I could find a black Euro glass 308 that is in great shape, I could easily end up with a 4th 308!

Dave

 

I had a 328 and have always said that the 308/328 has been one of the most beautiful Ferrari's ever and by far the most beautiful 8 cylinder car ever built. When it comes to the 308/328 series I don't believe that any auto company has built a more beautiful/sexy car.

 

This is a fun thread. It's like group therapy for insane 308 nuts! I'm surprised at the number of GTB fans! Yeah GTB!

I would say that you would include the 328 in this general discussion. It is clearly an evolution of the 308, with the bumbers being the most obvious change. I personally like the looks of the 308 a little better than the 328, but this is highly subjective. There was a thread with an actual poll a while back and it ended up split almost 50/50 between people who preferred which car's looks. I'm sure we can all agree that the 3.2 engine is the best evolution of the series, though without carbs it sure lacks sound!

I don't think comparing the 288GTO in this comparision is fair as it is a limited edition supercar, even if it is a direct ancestor. But I agree that if I had one of those, I would be hanging onto it!! (Unless I needed to sell it to buy a new house or something! )

I wasn't really asking for people who "traded up" to another model and sold the 308 to chime in, but I guess those inputs are interesting to read as well.

Barry, thanks for the input on the article I wrote. It needs to have the 328 added, but I'm not much of an "expert" on the 328. Gotta bone up.

I would also love to hear some of the stories from people who sold the 308 and regretted it, or had to buy another because they missed it!

Birdman

 

I also chose a 77 308 GTB over some much more expensive alternatives. In years to come if may also be worth a lot more than those alternatives aswell. It is about the last Ferrari an average joe can work on. The interior is also classic with the trumpet center console switches etc which the later cars lost, In reality I agree with the post that the only car produced since that is more desireable is the 288 GTO.

 

Hey Guys,

Gotta ask a question in this thread - Is anyone here under 30?
I ask the question because when I told my 20 year old daughter I'd bought a 1981 Ferrari, she jokingly (but lovingly) said " I can see you playing your Whitesnake CD's in that car. "
I thought it was funny at the time, but now I'm beginning to wonder if I'm slowly becoming that next generation of little old men you see at the local antique car meets (and I gotta admit, I've been thinking I could have bought a brand new Solstice for what I paid for this car).
And yes, I still listen to Whitesnake . . . .

 

30 years from now, geezers will be drooling over 360's at car shows. That's just the way it is. However, I do know of a few younger folks who like 308-328's. And, I have seen some rebellion from under 30 crowd at paddle shifters and computer aids in general. Go figure.

Dave

 

My neighbor's 15-19 year old sons think my 328 is officially a "cool car" -- heard them talking ("I love that car") outside my garage when I had just walked out.

I think the Ferrari mystique is in full sway with most guys over 6 years old (about the time I subscribed to Road & Track...)

 

Step son is 19 now. Played HS hockey and was pretty popular in school. The kids DROOL over the 308, and thats the truth. I had a young boy, maybe 12 years old walk up to me at a gas station near Gettysburg PA., and ask what kind of car I had under the tarp. I told him it was a Ferrari and he started spinning his head around wildly saying "I knew it, I knew it". "Thanks mister, I gotta go tell my dad, he said it was a Trans Am, but I told him it was a Ferrari!". How could a 12 year old boy see a 77 308 under three car covers and a tarp wrapped in bungee cords? Even the wheels didnt show!

When I was young I always thought I wanted a V-12 Ferrari. When R&T came out with the 308 in the magazine, I was awe struck. I will soon be 48 and I am still awe struck every time I walk in the garage. Nothing that came along after ever stood out like that. The 328, while still pretty, lost much of the character of the "original", and I would never want one. Also, while many feel the 246's day finally came, I feel in time the 308 will surpass it and then some. It may be the Hemi CUDA of the future car market. And like the CUDA, the early originals are worth many times more than the later models, so I would imagine the 328 trailing down wind a ways.