Osprey AutoHistory (1982) Osprey AutoHistory

Ferrari 308 GT4, 308 GTB & GTS, 'injection', Mondial 8

The mid-engined 308 series started in the wake of the well loved 246 GT and GTS; that petite V6 Dino became everyone's favourite. Ferrari did not fail in its follow-up. The GT4 designed by Bertone certainly surprised dedicated Ferrari followers who had imagined that Ferrari would start with a two seater Pininfarina coupé rather than a 2+2 by outsider Bertone. But the car sold and is now (once out of production) finding its cherished status.

When the GTB did arrive Pininfarina caused a stir, his coupé was better than expected. Never was the cliché 'timeless beauty' more apt. Its spider sister, the GTS, disappointed no one either. Ferrari had hit the nail firmly on the head: near 150 mph, neat 4-cam V8 behind the two seats, superb coachwork, all for an affordable figure. At last a Porsche competitor.
With the new found factory facilities and exacting quality control the Mondial 8 came late in replacing the GT4. Once again Ferrari were plunging into the difficult 2+2 market. Spot on this time with the 2+2 or four real seats encased in a fetching but not unduly bulky bodyshell. There's every indication that the Mondial too, will achieve new heights for Ferrari into the 1980s. They have the designs and they now have the build quality. The 308 series will prove to be outstanding.

Chapter 2

Bertone's turn - the 308 GT4

Chapter 4

Fuel injection clears the air

Chapter 6

Mondial 8 - a significant addition

Specifications

Acknowledgements and Stop Press