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Ferrari 308: GTB, GTS and Quattrovalvole versions
The Ferrari 308 is a mid-engined V8 sports car produced from 1975 to 1985, becoming one of the most famous Ferraris of the 1980s. We look at the GTB and GTS versions, carburettor, fuel-injected and Quattrovalvole engines, and what to check when buying.
Ferrari 308 in brief
The Ferrari 308 was introduced in 1975 as the successor to the Ferrari 246 Dino, with bodywork designed by Pininfarina. The main versions are the coupe GTB and the targa-top GTS. A separate family is the Dino 308 GT4, a 2+2-seater with Bertone bodywork; this car is not covered in this article.
The engine is mounted transversely behind the passenger compartment, with a five-speed manual gearbox. The 308 is praised for its light, compact body and V8 sound, and is considered a classic collectible car.
Versions and their differences
The early 308 GTBs had fibreglass bodies, later switching to steel. From 1977, the GTS with a removable roof was introduced. The first series used carburettors, and around 1980, fuel injection was introduced with the GTBi and GTSi.
Around 1982, the Quattrovalvole version with four valves per cylinder appeared. It restored the power lost in the fuel-injected versions and is considered the most developed 308 series modification. In 1985, the 308 was replaced by the Ferrari 328.
Engine and gearbox
All 308s came with a 3.0-litre V8 petrol engine. The carburettor version produced around 250 bhp, early fuel-injected versions less due to emissions regulations (around 210 bhp), and the 'Quattrovalvole' around 240 bhp. Exact figures depend on the market and year, so for a serious purchase, check the specific car.
The gearbox was always manual, with 5 speeds. There were no automatics. The box with a metal gate often shifts stiffly until it warms up, so check the gear changes during a test drive.
What to check when buying a used Ferrari 308
Most importantly — the service history: timing belt changes, fuel system condition, and clutch wear. Check if the engine starts easily when cold, if there are no oil or coolant leaks, and if the gears change smoothly.
Particular attention should be paid to steel bodies for rust in the sills, door bottoms, boot and engine compartments. Buying a poorly-maintained 308 can mean restoration costs outweigh the car itself, so opt for the best-condition examples.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most common trims found in Europe.
Ferrari 308 GTB
1975–1980Closed body with carburettor 3.0-litre V8; early cars had a glassfibre body.
- 3.0-litre V8 with carburettors
- 5-speed manual gearbox
- Often — Pininfarina design, leather interior
Ferrari 308 GTS
1977–1980Targa-top version with removable roof panel.
- Removable roof panel
- 3.0-litre V8 with carburettors
- Often — leather interior
Ferrari 308 GTBi / GTSi
around 1980–1982Versions with fuel injection, meeting stricter emission standards.
- Fuel injection instead of carburetors
- Less power than earlier versions
- 5-speed manual gearbox
Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole
around 1982–1985The final and most powerful 308 series version with 4 valves per cylinder.
- 4 valves per cylinder
- Often — GTB and GTS bodies
- Restored power of the fuel-injected versions
Comparison of Ferrari 308 versions
| GTB / GTS (karbiuratoriai) | GTBi / GTSi | Quattrovalvole | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For collectors seeking the first series | For those who want a more reliable fuel supply | For those after the most developed 308 version |
| Fuel system | Carburetors | Fuel injection | Fuel injection |
| Engine | 3.0 l V8, around 250 HP | 3.0 l V8, around 210 HP | 3.0 l V8, 4 valves per cylinder, around 240 HP |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€€€ | €€€ | €€€€ |
If you're after a classic daily driver, opt for a well-maintained Quattrovalvole. First-series carburetted 308s are more prized by collectors.
Pros
- Classic Pininfarina design
- Iconic V8 engine and manual gearbox
- Choose between a coupe (GTB) or targa-top (GTS) body style
- Collector value and recognisability
Cons
- Expensive maintenance and restoration
- Risk of rust on the steel body
- Power drop in early fuel-injected versions
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the 308 GTB and GTS?
The GTB has a fixed roof, while the GTS features a removable Targa top. Technically, they're almost identical.
Which 308 version is the best?
The 'Quattrovalvole' is most often recommended for its higher power and performance, but first-series cars have their own collectible value.
Does the 308 have an automatic transmission?
No — the Ferrari 308 was only produced with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Updated 2026-10-19 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
