Ferrari 308 GTBi (1 of 494) - 1981

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Model history and curiosity

A Bosch K-Jetronic type injection system was launched in 1980. The new models were called 308 GTBi and GTSi, power was reduced by 15 HP (DIN) from 230 (DIN) to 215 (DIN) (or if you prefer was reduced by 25 SAE HP from 255 SAE to 230 SAE) at 6600 rpm, consequently there was a reduction in harmful emissions.

Two years later the multivalve came out, with 4 valves per cylinder, called “Quattrovalvole” with a new increase in power to 240 HP DIN at 7000 rpm.

Of the "Quattrovalvole" 3,790 examples were built, divided between 748 GTB and 3048 GTS.

The 308s are thus among the Ferraris built in a greater number of examples (of which, however, only 808 were built in fiberglass with dry sump lubrication).

In 2004 Sports Car International magazine voted this car fifth among the best sports cars of the seventies.

In addition to the differences between one generation of the 308 and another, the models had differences between examples of the same series, depending on their export market. For example, the 308 intended for the American market had larger bumpers and a slightly stronger chassis (and other smaller details) and engine modifications to meet the more stringent safety codes on US roads.

The cars marketed on the American market had more restrictions regarding emissions which led to a reduction in power, which then simply consisted of a delay in the advance and the adoption of an anti-pollution exhaust system.

The 308 GTS also became famous throughout the world for being used in the highly successful television series Magnum, P.I. in which the car driven by the protagonist was. Several examples were used, a new one for each season, and many of these were auctioned off after filming ended. One was purchased by the protagonist Tom Selleck himself.

The first was a 1979 example with chassis number 28251, which was followed by a 1981 308 GTSi (chassis 34567) and a 1984 308 GTS Quattrovalvole (chassis 57685). The Ferrari 308 GTS of the series became so iconic that it is still identified today as "the Ferrari of Magnum".