Why do 308/328's have spoilers and 348's don't?

Not sure why, but I have seen 348's with aftermarket spoilers in the same position. Probably for looks only.

 

Originally, the spoiler on the 308/328 was designed as a tow hook for aliens. Enzo was a secret member of the Raelian sect, and wanted to make sure he'd be easy to nab by the trolling aliens. Back in the day, vector beams weren't so in vogue. Aliens just dropped big hooks from their spaceships, and winched up their prey.

For Enzo, the spoiler was a perfect tow hook and he'd get to his Maker while still riding in his beloved car.


"Puff" goes the pipe.

-Daniel

 

Here is a picture of a 348 prototype that does have the high roof spoiler.

Enrico Benzing's book on the 348 indicates that Pininfarina and Ferrari did extensive wind tunnel testing on the prototypes. The rear wing produced no change in drag and only a minimal change in downforce. The car had no use for a rear wing, so they left it off.

 

I've seen a number of early 308s that don't have the spoiler, so it was not part of the original design. I think all injected 308s and all 328s have it.

I'm not sure downforce was the goal. The spoiler on my 328 appears to be of constant thickness with no semblence of an airfoil shape. I'm no aerodynamicist, but I think the idea was to control the airflow coming over the roof and direct it toward the rear of the car. Otherwise the air would "tumble" into the space bounded by the rear window and side sail panels and become turbulent.

Maybe on the 348, they determined that didn't happen and the spoiler was superfluous. Certainly on the 360, the return to a fastback rear window ended that problem.

I believe at least some Berlinetta Boxers have a similar spoiler?

 

The roof spoiler was added in 83 on QV's. Technically, it was an option, but I understand all US cars came with it. I have seen pix of Euro QV's and 328's w/o it. Many people with earlier 308's bought them and added to their own cars. I have read that they help create vacuum over the motor and thus increase airflow through the engine compartment. I think they are really just cosmetic and frankly I think the cars look better without.

Dave

 

It shows up in the photos of the prototype with all the aluminum fender cladding, so they were thinking about it in the late seventies...........

But I don't think it made it to production cars until the 308QV.

Any original owners before that can vouch for it as OEM??????

Boxers do have the similar unit.

 

As far as I know, ALL of the Boxers (365/512) came standard with "transverse air deflectors."

That's what Mel Nichols' book on Boxers calls the rear spoilers.

 

I like it........

 

I think the "basket handle" looks good on 308's, as well as being at least a little functional as far as air flow.