 |
www.QV500.com - Ferrari 308 Part 7: 308 Group B Michelotto |
 One of the four 308 GTB Michelotto Group B's |
For 1983, the FIA brought in their new Group B regulations forcing Michelotto to develop a qualifying version of the 308. Because a batch of 25 highly modified GTB Evolution's was more or less out of the question, the specification of these Group B contenders wasn't allowed to change that much from the standard road car. The most significant development from previous Group 4 cars was Michelotto's choice of the Quattrovalvole engine as their starting point. Somewhat curiously, however, the first car was fitted with an older two-valve head rather then the QV unit as used on the subsequent three cars. |
There was rose-jointed suspension all-round and more powerful Brembo brakes, new Canonica wheels and Pirelli rubber coming fitted as standard although both these were routinely changed. The forced substitution of those beautiful Campagnolo wheels for narrower, more standard looking five-spoke Canonica’s led to a reduction in track compared to the Group 4 spec cars. Three of the Group B 308's were fitted with QV four-valve engines that produced 310bhp at 8000rpm, the first car (chassis 18869) using a 288bhp two-valve motor. The mechanical Kugelfischer fuel injection of Group 4 cars was changed to electronic Bosch K-Jetronic while, overall, the Group B variants came out some 30kg heavier because of their stock GRP and steel body panels. Just four were constructed by Michelotto over the winter of 1982/’83 to participate in various European Group B rally championships. 308 GTB Michelotto Group B Chassis Index |
| 18847 | 1983 | Pro Motor Sport, 2nd '84 Della Lana |
| 18869 | 1983 | Pro Motor Sport, 1st '83 Sicilian Rally Championship, 2-valve 288bhp engine, prototype |
| 18971 | 1983 | Pro Motor Sport, 1st '84 Sicilian Rally Championship |
| 22409 | 1983 | Pro Motor Sport, 2nd '84 Targa Florio |
 Another of the four 308 GTB Michelotto Group B's in action |