Ferrari is perhaps the most admired and desired marque in the world, but not all Ferraris are admired. In the case of the Pininfarina-designed 308, it has been admired from afar, a product of the Malaise Era. In recent years, the 308 has acquired a healthy amount of enthusiasts who appreciate its combination of fine style and classic mid-mounted V8 moans. Our Pick of the Day, a 1985 Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole, is the best iteration of these sports cars. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a seller in Voorhees, New Jersey. (Click the link to view the listing.)
The 308 GTB and GTS have been the red-headed stepchild of the Ferrari world for quite some time, but their origins come from another child: Dino. Alfredo Ferrari (often referred to as Alfredino, or “Little Alfred,” hence the Dino nickname) was Enzo’s son who died of muscular dystrophy in 1956 at the age of 24. Dino was groomed in his father’s racing team before Enzo began producing his own cars, with the young Ferrari contributing to the marque’s legacy with the race-going 750 Monza and the DOHC V6 (which would come to be known as the Dino engine). In fact, the Dino branding was developed to produce V6 race cars and distinguish them from Ferrari’s V12s.
So, when Ferrari decided to produce a V6 road car, it was branded as the Dino 206 GT (and subsequent 246 GT and GTS, the latter with a targa top). The curvy, Pininfarina-designed mid-engined sports car, which never suffered as a Ferrari sidekick, evolved into the wedge-shaped, Bertone-styled 308 GT4 2+2 (plus the Italian-market 208 GT4) powered by a DOHC V8. This was Ferrari’s first V8 road car and, in 1976, the GT4 shed the Dino plumage and officially joined the Ferrari ranks.
It was this car that led to the most recognizable of Ferraris: the 308 GTB and GTS. Styled by Pininfarina, this new 308 was the true successor to the 246 Dino. From 1975 through 1977, 308 GTBs were made of fiberglass, but that changed to steel in the middle of production. Horsepower was nothing to write home about (252, with 237 for emissions-laden U.S. cars) but, at the time, it was good stuff. The addition of fuel injection in 1980 did not help, with horsepower dropping to 211/202. A four-valve head was introduced for 1982, giving the 308 Quattrovalvole 240/230 horsepower.
These Pininfarina 308s are what may be the most recognizable Ferrari of any generation. The 308 was the star of Magnum, P.I., and the similar 288 GTO brought the design to the supercar ranks, competing with the Lamborghini Countach for top speed honors. Until recently, the mid-engined F8 (and, arguably, the 296) could trace its lineage directly to the 308.
This 37,175-mile 1985 308 GTS Quattrovalvole is the final iteration and model year of this iconic Ferrari. Plus, as it is a GTS, it has a removable targa top, so you can enjoy open-air driving without worrying about inclement weather. The second and current owner has owned this prime Maranello piece since 1988. All service records, plus an owner’s manual and a tool kit, come with the car. Recent maintenance handled by a Ferrari dealer includes the timing belts.
These red-headed stepchildren of the Ferrari world already have started to garner collector interest beyond the guy on the street who says, “Oh, look, it’s a red Ferrari.” For $98,400, now is the time to avoid regret missing out on one of the most classic cars ever.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
Source: www.classiccars.com