www.QV500.com - Ferrari 308 Part 2: 308 GTB, GTS & GTB4
 

Ferrari began the transfer to steel in late 1976		 During late 1976, Ferrari began producing the first steel-bodied 308 GTB's, these being mainly for the American market as lightweight glassfibre examples were still being sold in Europe until June 1977. The chassis's of steel-bodied cars were identical to earlier versions, as were the mechanical components. Ferrari's Tipo F106 AE wet sump engines were installed for USA, Australia and Japan-bound GTB's, but the more powerful, dry sumped Tipo F106 AB units used for Euro-spec 308's. Meanwhile, the steel bodied 308's could be identified by their lack of a join line across the top corner of each windscreen pillar.
   

Other aesthetic changes included distinctive new tail light clusters that housed the reversing lenses in their centres (these having been re-located from the rear bumper) while there were also four outlet exhaust pipes (to replace the glassfibre cars single pipe). Perhaps the most significant development though came just under a year later when, during September of 1977 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, a new targa-topped 308 GTS was launched. Featuring a roll hoop behind the cockpit and hinged mesh grilles blanking what had been the rear quarter windows, once removed, the vinyl covered targa top could be stored quickly and easily behind the seats. These 308 Spyder's were popularised by high profile appearances in Magnum PI where Tom Selleck's wealthy private investigator charachter 'Thomas Magnum' chose a Rosso GTS to cruise the streets of Hawaii. Indeed, the arrival of the GTS triggered a steady decline in demand for GTB's, most customers understandingly opting for the open topped version. Both continued in production until the end of 1980, by which point some 2185 Berlinetta's and 3219 Spyder's had been completed. They made way for new fuel injected versions that were noticeably down on power. Finally, the only special factory GTB built during this period had been designed and manufactured by Pininfarina on chassis 22711. Designated as the 308 GTB 4, presumably in reference to the FIA's Group 4 racing and rally regulations of the time, this one-off competition-inspired version featured a number or hot upgrades, some of which were later seen on Ferrari's awesome 288 GTO.

 

The unique 1977 308 GTB 4 chassis 22711		 There were flared riveted aluminium wheelarches to accommodate wider wheels, a kick-up rear spoiler and a roof mounted rear aerofoil that later became an option on the QV. Extra driving lights were fixed into the front grille and a 365 BB dash fitted in place of the stock 308 unit. Displayed at the Geneva Salon during March 1977, public reaction was mixed although this was probably mostly to do with its distinctive livery. There is some disagreement as to whether this car still exists, some suggesting it was scrapped and others that it was sold to a Belgian collector via Jacques Swaters Garage Francorchamps.