The Ferrari 308 was introduced in 1975, replacing the Dino 246 and sold alongside the Dino 308 GT4 . These were actually the only models that did not have a twelve-cylinder, therefore they were sold without the Ferrari designation. The Type 308 was actually the first car from Maranello to break tradition. But it didn't matter at all because the new fork eight had a lot of character and worked great.
The shape designed by Fioravanti was very similar to the typical shape of the brand's entire production. The first car in a similar spirit was the top of the range – type 512 BB from 1973. Stylishness mixed with geometric shapes was fully functional and purposeful. Nevertheless, the shape followed the brand's long-standing traditions. Nevertheless, the 308 still defined what Ferrari should look like for the next two generations of cars.
Under the rear hood was a 2.9 liter DOHC forked eight with two valves per cylinder and a carburettor . Later, the type 308 received fuel injection and four valves per cylinder. The body was originally made of fiberglass and the car thus weighed only a modest 1050 kilograms. But from the summer of 1977, the body panels were made of steel. In its time, the Type 308 defined the idea of a superbly maneuverable sports car that could corner without leaning and provided the driver with excellent feedback through the steering wheel.
We also have to mention the TV series Magnum , where the car played a quite important role as the car of the main character, detective Magnum. Perhaps because of this, the car was a huge sales success, especially among young, rich drivers in tattered shirts with gold chains, mustaches and lots of gel in their hair. The Type 308 (and partially also its successor the 328 ) was able to compete brilliantly with the predatory rebel Porsche 911 in their eyes. And to this day, the type 308 remains a legend of its time.
Source: Petrolicious
