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www.QV500.com - Ferrari 308 Part 5: 208 & 208 Turbo |
 Italian market tax break 208 GTS & 208 GTB |
As higher taxes were imposed in Italy on vehicles with more than two-litres, Ferrari produced a couple of interesting home market 308's allowing their customers to take advantage of the concessions afforded to buyers of such cars. The first were the 208 GTB and GTS, both of which were introduced during 1980, just after the outgoing 208 GT4 had ceased production. They featured 1991cc engines with a bore and stroke of 66.8mm x 71mm respectively (the former having been reduced from 81mm). Output, meanwhile, was 155bhp at 6800rpm, this 208 GTB/GTS-only unit being designated F106 CB. |
| Compression was increased over the three-litre versions to 9.0:1 and, being an Italian market special, these motors were able to use four Weber 34 DCNF twin-choke carburettors in line with then current European legislation. The only alteration to Pininfarina's bodywork (other than 208 type scripting) was an encased single exhaust pipe. Production continued until April 1982 and reached 160 units for the GTB and 140 for the GTS, Ferrari subsequently introducing a significantly more powerful version at that years Turin Salon - the 208 Turbo. Using the Tipo F106 D engine that retained all the fundamental characteristics of the previous F106 CB, these motors featured solitary KKK turbochargers and developed 220bhp at 7000rpm. This made them even more powerful than the concurrent three-litre fuel-injected 308. Compression was reduced from the 9.1:1 of those normally aspirated two-litre units to 7.1:1, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection replacing the Weber carbs. Meanwhile, a number of visual changes were made with matt black vents behind each headlight and across the front lid. There were also five additional cooling slats located underneath the front grille and NACA ducts carved into the valance, just ahead of each rear wheelarch. There was also a split rear bumper featuring a new central grille and distinctive quad exhaust pipes shrouded in pairs. Inside, cloth seat centre trim was standard and there was a boost bar in place of the clock. Curiously, Ferrari originally intended to produce the 208 Turbo solely in Berlinetta form, however, due to public demand, a GTS Turbo became available later in 1983. Production of both ended in late 1985 after 437 GTB's and 250 GTS had been completed. |
 The 220bhp 208 GTB Turbo of 1983 |