Ferrari 308 GTS: A Classic Sports Car Legend, Driven and Remembered
I still remember the first time I slipped the targa panel off a Ferrari 308 GTS, tucked it behind the seats, and let that 2.9-liter V8 clear its throat. The soundtrack isn’t deafening; it’s melodic—mechanical carburetor chatter or, in later cars, the polite hiss of Bosch injection—backed by a snick-snick gated shift that makes modern paddles feel a bit, well, lonely. The Ferrari 308 GTS remains one of those rare classic sports cars that instantly shrinks a stressful day into a small dot in the rearview mirror.
The Legacy of the Ferrari 308 GTS
Launched in the late 1970s and designed by Pininfarina, the Ferrari 308 GTS put cinematic glamour and real-world usability on the same page. It’s the one your neighbor’s uncle swears he saw on the Riviera in ’82, and yes, it’s the one Thomas Magnum drove—GTS, not GTB—in Magnum, P.I. The mid-engine layout kept the nose light and the stance just right, while the removable targa roof gave you Naples sun or Seattle drizzle on demand.
Worth noting for the purists: the 308 arrived in 1975 as the GTB; the open-roof GTS joined the party in 1977. Early GTBs even came in lightweight fiberglass (Vetroresina), but all GTS models are steel-bodied. And that wedge profile? It still turns heads at every fuel stop.
Ferrari 308 GTS Engine and Specs: The Heart of the Matter
Under the engine cover sits a 2.9-liter (2,926 cc) 90-degree V8 with four cams. Depending on year and market, you’ll find:
- Carburetors (Weber) on early cars for the classic induction snarl
- Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection on GTSi (around 1980–1982)
- Four-valve heads on the Quattrovalvole (1982–1985) for the sweetest all-round tune
Output varied with emissions rules and updates, but think broadly: between 205 and 255 hp and around 180–210 lb-ft. Curb weight hovers near 2,800–3,000 lb depending on spec. All cars use a five-speed gated manual—more on that in a second.
Performance and Power: Ferrari 308 GTS Horsepower and 0–60
On paper? The Ferrari 308 GTS runs 0–60 mph in the mid-6 to low-7-second range, with top speed between 146 and 158 mph. In reality, it’s the response that seduces: throttle, steering, and shifter speak the same language. The car is light on its feet, happier on flowing two-lanes than on tight urban corners where the unassisted steering can remind you to hit the gym. Fuel economy? It’s a classic Ferrari—figure mid-teens mpg if you’re gentle. You won’t be.
From Manual to Automatic? Let’s Clear That Up
I’m asked this constantly: “Did they ever build a Ferrari 308 GTS automatic?” No, not from the factory. Every 308 GTS left Maranello with a five-speed manual and that iconic open-gate. Some aftermarket conversions exist, but if you want the authentic experience—clicking through that gate with your right wrist—it’s manual or bust.
Iconic Design: Ferrari 308 GTS Styling and Real-World Quirks
Pop-up headlights, razor-sharp beltline, and that low-slung stance—this is poster-car perfection. Inside, the seating position is very 1970s Ferrari: slightly offset pedals, a thin-rimmed wheel, clear Veglia dials. Air conditioning can struggle in hot climates (the Quattrovalvole’s system is better), and second gear is notoriously stiff when cold—warm it up and it’s fine. The targa panel can squeak on rough roads; I solved a creak once with a dab of silicone on the seals mid-road trip to Big Bear. Not factory-approved, but it worked.
The broader Ferrari 308 family—GTB and GTS, carb, GTSi, and QV—offers a fascinating range. Carb cars feel the most raw and alive. GTSi cars are smoother but slower on paper. The QV brings the best balance of power and reliability upgrades. Pick your flavor.
Driving Experience: Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole
The Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole (1982–1985) addresses most of what owners wanted—more power, better drivability, incremental cooling and electrical improvements. On a winding coastal run, it’s the sweet spot: light controls once rolling, eager turn-in, and a chassis that likes a smooth hand. The independent suspension with coil springs and anti-roll bars works best on fast, lightly undulating tarmac. Hit a beat-up city street and you’ll notice some jiggle, but it never feels brittle.
Feature Highlights That Still Matter
- Removable targa roof panel for open-air drives without full convertible wobble
- Mid-mounted V8 with classic Ferrari intake timbre
- Five-speed gated manual—no paddles, no nonsense
- Pop-up headlights and Pininfarina lines that refuse to age
- Compact footprint that fits modern city streets and old-world alleyways
Ferrari 308 GTS vs The Period Rivals
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Top Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari 308 GTS (various) | ~205–255 hp | ~6.2–7.4 s | ~146–158 mph | Best theater; sweetest manual shift |
| Porsche 911 SC (’78–’83) | ~180–204 hp | ~6.5–7.0 s | ~146–150 mph | Bulletproof feel; rear-engine character |
| Lotus Esprit S3 | ~160–172 hp | ~6.8–7.4 s | ~138–144 mph | Lightweight, scalpel-like handling |
| Lamborghini Jalpa | ~250–255 hp | ~6.0–6.5 s | ~145–155 mph | Muscular V8; rarer sight |
- Magnum, P.I. used multiple Ferrari 308 GTS cars across seasons: carb, GTSi, and QV.
- Timing belt service is typically recommended every 5 years (or ~30k miles). On the 308, it’s done in-car—no engine-out required.
- Desirable upgrades include the later fuse box, improved cooling fans, and 16-inch wheels for better tire choices.
- There’s no such thing as a factory “308 GTO”—you’re thinking of the 288 GTO, a different animal with Group B DNA.
Early Years Clarified: 1975–1979 Ferrari 308 Timeline
Here’s the quick chronology. The 308 debuted in 1975 as the GTB coupe (early cars in fiberglass); the open-roof Ferrari 308 GTS arrived in 1977 with steel bodywork. By 1980, fuel injection created the GTSi (smoother, a bit softer on power), and by 1982 the Quattrovalvole brought four-valve heads and the power right back. If you want the most analog feel, go carb. If you want the most usable classic, the QV is the safe bet.
The “Black Edition” Look
There’s no factory “Black Edition,” but a Ferrari 308 GTS in Nero over a tan cabin just looks right—low, subtle, and somehow more modern. I had one for a weekend in L.A.; valets parked it out front without being asked. Twice.
Ownership Notes: Living With a Ferrari 308 GTS
- Maintenance: budget sensibly. A comprehensive belt service, fluids, and valve check can run into the low thousands at a reputable specialist.
- Rust: inspect lower sills, wheel arches, and around the windshield frame.
- Electrics: original fuse boxes can be temperamental; many owners upgrade.
- Cooling/A/C: later QV systems work better; plan on attention if you daily in hot climates.
- Practicality: surprisingly good. The rear trunk fits soft bags for a long weekend, and the cabin is quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back seat—if it had one. It doesn’t.
Premium Autowin Floor Mats
Good classics deserve good carpets. If you’re freshening a Ferrari or just tired of worn pile, these are a simple way to lift the cabin. Crafted with precision and designed for durability, Autowin floor mats protect against dirt, spills, and heel wear while looking period-appropriate. Custom sizing and materials mean you can match your car’s vibe—retro or modern.
Final Word: Why the Ferrari 308 GTS Still Works
The Ferrari 308 GTS isn’t just a rolling nostalgia piece. It’s a genuinely satisfying classic to drive today: light, communicative, and—dare I say it—usable. It’ll do Alpine weekends or a Miami night out with equal charm. If you want the purest theater, a well-tuned carb car will make your hair stand up. If you want an easy classic that starts on the button and shrugs at traffic, a Quattrovalvole is your friend. Either way, you’ll never get tired of that view over the fenders, the click of the gate, and the way strangers smile when they see it coming.
Ferrari 308 GTS FAQ
- What is the power and 0–60 time for a Ferrari 308 GTS? Depending on year and market, expect roughly 205–255 hp and 0–60 mph in the mid-6 to low-7-second range.
- Did Ferrari ever make an automatic 308 GTS? No factory automatic was offered. All 308 GTS models use a five-speed gated manual.
- Which version is best to buy: carb, GTSi, or QV? Carb cars deliver the most character; GTSi is smoother; the QV (Quattrovalvole) balances performance and drivability. Buy on condition and history first.
- Are Ferrari 308 GTS models reliable? Properly maintained cars are robust for their age. Budget for regular belt services, cooling system attention, and electrical refreshes.
- What’s the difference between the 308 GTS and 288 GTO? Completely different cars. The 288 GTO is a homologation special with twin-turbo V8 and Group B roots; the 308 GTS is a naturally aspirated road car.
