Ferrari 308 is an Affordable Classic Car

The Ferrari 308 is an affordable Classic car; inexpensive to run and purchase, but with looks that still turn heads. The Ferrari 308 and the almost identical Ferrari 328 that followed were mid-engine “supercars” from the late 1970s to early 1990s; one of the best sports cars of the era.

The Ferrari 308 looks and sounds fantastic with its high-revving Italian V8 engine. The Ferrari 308 is enormous fun, quite reliable, beautiful and sound fantastic. The Ferrari 308 is not too expensive to run, but only buy one if you can afford an occasional, potentially large bill.

The three liter, V8, Ferrari 308 GTB was built by Carrozzeria Scagletti, initially being made from glass-reinforced plastic over a tubular steel frame, from 1975 until 1977 then replaced with steel body panels and the GTS targa-top version was launched. The similar Ferrari 328, with the enlarged 3.2 liter engine, replaced the Ferrari 308 in 1985 until 1989.

Later steel versions of the Ferrari 308 were a little heavier and in 1980 the GTBi and GTSi had fuel injection to reduce emissions reducing the power to just 214 bhp, although the 32 valve Quattrovavlvo or QV model arrived in 1982 which had 245 bhp. The Dino 308 GT4 that followed had a four-seater body designed by Bertone and had the new 3.0 liter V8 engine, later used in the Ferrari 308.

The Bertone car was not as popular at the time and the Ferrari 308 GTB and GTS designed by Pininfarina, that followed, was a far bigger success and continued for many years, later in the form of the Ferrari 328. The Ferrari 355 and 348 followed in similar (if less attractive form) until the arrival of the all new 360 and the current Ferrari 430, these should really be called “Dinos” given their heritage and lack of a V12 engine.

The line of classic front-engine V12 cars of the Ferrari 308 have continued in the form of Ferrari 550 and 575 Maranello, 456, 599, Scaglietti etc. which are a similar concept to the beautiful 365 GTB/4 Daytona Gran Turismo coupe of the late 1960s and early 70s.

How to Live With Ferrari 308

Servicing the Ferrari 308 is quite expensive, comparable to high performance modern cars and more frequent (at least every 6000 miles) but insurance is not, if you keep the mileage down, keep it garaged and opt for a classic car policy (e.g. £300 in some cases, for a 3000 mile a year policy).

The Ferrari 308 fuel consumption is variable. Some test drivers drove the Ferrari 308 to Le Mans 24 hour race with some petrol-heads and managed just 12 mpg, whereas a trip to the Loire valley resulted in 22 mpg. As for practicality the Ferrari has a small boot at the front mostly full of spare tire and a surprisingly large boot behind the engine big enough for a couple of squashy bags and a case of wine.

The Ferrari 308 interior is beautiful and surprisingly comfortable, although the ride is quite hard and you sit very low, while the handling and road-holding are fantastic with very communicative steering. We would recommend being very careful when buying a car with specifications like the Ferrari 308 specifications. Get the Ferrari 308 mechanically checked by an expert and make sure it’s not stolen.