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Car Tales: Instant Classic, Ferrari 308 GTBi

One of the truly great collectors’ cars, a classic from the moment it was first thought of, the Pininfarina-styled Ferrari 308 GTB was introduced at the  Paris Motor Show in 1975 as a supplement to the Bertone-shaped 2+2 Dino 308 GT4 and a direct replacement for the two-seater Dino 246.

1983 Ferrari 308 GTBi Euro for sale

One of the truly great collectors’ cars, a classic from the moment it was first thought of, the Pininfarina-styled Ferrari 308 GTB was introduced at the  Paris Motor Show in 1975 as a supplement to the Bertone-shaped 2+2 Dino 308 GT4 and a direct replacement for the two-seater Dino 246.

In time the 308 would be made famous by the television series Magnum, P.I. In which the series lead, Thomas Magnum, played by Tom Selleck, drove the car around the island of Oahu for eight seasons while on his investigations, from 1980 to 1988.

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Several 308 GTS cars were used, a new one for each season, most being auctioned off after filming and all with the license plate ‘ROBIN 1’. Three versions of the Ferrari 308 would feature throughout production: beginning with a 1979 308 GTS in series one, that car would be replaced with a 1981 308 GTSi for the following six series and subsequently finishing with a 1984 Quattrovalvole for series seven and eight; all red and all unequivocally cool.

1983 Ferrari 308 GTBi Euro side view

When introduced in 1975 the 308’s F106 AB V8 engine was equipped with four twin-choke Weber 40DCNF carburettors and single coil ignition. European versions produced 255 PS (188 kW; 252 bhp) at 6600 rpm (7700 rpm redline), but American versions were down to 240 PS (177 kW; 237 bhp) at 6,600 rpm due to emissions control devices.

European specification cars used dry sump lubrication. Cars destined to the Australian, Japanese and US market were fitted with a conventional wet sump engine from the GT4.

The 1983 Ferrari 308 GTBi we presently have at Beverly Hills Car Club is a Euro-Spec model, as such examples are known.

With a mere 28,630 miles on the odometer, our Ferrari 308 GTBi Euro-Spec is finished in Rosso Corsa, with black interior. This particular 308 GTBi has been enhanced with a Zender body kit, which adds a distinctive flair reminiscent of the legendary Ferrari 288 GTO. The kit includes custom front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and a rear spoiler, all designed to accentuate the car’s aggressive lines and improve aerodynamic performance.

1983 Ferrari 308 GTBi Euro rear view

This enhancement not only elevates the vehicle’s visual appeal but also pays homage to one of Ferrari’s most iconic models, making it a truly special and unique example of the 308 GTBi.

Our 1983 Ferrari 308 GTBi is powered by a fuel-injected 3.0-Liter V8 engine that is paired with an engaging 5-speed manual gearbox.

1983 Ferrari 308 GTBi Euro interior

Additional equipment includes quad exhaust outlets, Veglia instrumentation, four-wheel disc brakes, retractable headlights, and 16-inch Rial Mesh wheels. Convenience features include a gated shifter, Nardi 3-spoke steering wheel, bucket seating, air conditioning, power windows, toggle switches, door pockets, louvered rear quarter windows, Philips radio and dual-side rearview mirrors. This particular example comes with a clean CARFAX report, providing peace of mind to potential buyers.

This exquisite vehicle is a testament to Ferrari’s legendary craftsmanship and design, offering a unique blend of performance, style, and exclusivity that is sure to captivate any classic car enthusiast. Do not miss the chance to acquire an extremely desirable and collectible Euro Spec 308 example that is mechanically sound.

Driving our 308 the lovely steering is noticeable straightaway. You feel you are absolutely in touch with the wheels and the road surface beneath it: the slightest jar in the road and you are immediately on top of it with the deftest of flicks of your fingers to the steering-wheel.

The GTSi and GTBi – as in the 308 in discussion – arrived as the 1970s turned into the 1980s and brought with them fuel injection, as noted by the ‘i’ on the badge, 
and the Ferrari Dino engine, as employed in our Ferrari 308 GTBi,  is in a line of mechanically similar  V6 and V8 engines Ferrari produced for about 40 years from the late 1950s into the early 2000s.

308 engine

The idea for the engine came from Alfredo ‘Dino’ Ferrari, who was the son of Enzo Ferrari. Dino suggested to Enzo Ferrari the development of a V6 engine for F2 at the end of 1955. Soon afterwards, Alfredo fell gravely ill, and he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. While hospitalized, he discussed technical details about the engine with a recently hired engineer named Vittorio Jano. Dino would never live to see the engine; he died on June 30, 1956, at the age of 24.

The Dino V6 was Ferrari’s first V6 engine. The Dino V8 engine was introduced later; the latter used a flat-plane crankshaft configuration.

The quintessential Ferrari for many who grew up in the 1980s, the 308 has become truly iconic.

You know a car is culturally and significantly important when it’s colloquially known by the media in which it appears and the ‘Magnum Ferrari’, as it’s commonly known, is certainly that.

-Alex Manos, Owner

1983 Ferrari 308 GTBi Euro buyer Alex Manos

2 replies on “Car Tales: Instant Classic, Ferrari 308 GTBi”

  • Tri says:

    Is this a 2 valve engine?

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