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    Ferrari 308 and 328 buying guide : the various versions (1/3)


    TripleBlack®

    How to find which model is the right one for you in the different models of the long career of Ferrari 308 and Ferrari 328? When you want to acquire or restore one of these Ferrari, having the precise details of all options, changes over the years and known issues is essential to make a good choice or validate the authenticity of a copy. This buying guide for Ferrari 308 and Ferrari 328 is not a traditional buying guide. He will not speak to you of driving experience, the behavior of these cars or to check the completeness of the maintenance book. No, these points are subjective and of low interest for the buyer of these models that come in collection. This guide is different because it is written by passionate owners of these models, it gets you to the point: provide all the accurate details to refine your choice. This guide is divided into three separate articles, to address all the necessary matters: "The various versions," "The cosmetic aspects", "Purchasing tips and known issues".

     

    A big THANK YOU to TripleBlack®, Speedy, Sebino, Yves and ScuderiaCH for writing and made available to other members of TheFerrarista.com this incredible source of information on the Ferrari 308 and 328!

     

    Various versions of Ferrari 308 and 328

     

    Presented at Paris show in October, 1975, on the Ferrari Pozzi stand in yellow ( Giallo Fly), and on the Pininfarina stand in light blue metal (Azzurro metallizzato), the production of 308/328 is going to last about 15 years, what explains a whole series of modifications.
    As you will see, the conditional is often used because the Ferrari SpA of that period stayed a craft company and the small introduced improvements were often "continuous-flow", in the course of production, without generating inevitably a real modification of the specifications.

     

    1. From 1975 to 1979 : carbureted Ferrari 308 versions (fiberglass and steel)

     

    Body in fiberglass (Carrozzeria Scaglietti in Modena), except for the front hood, aluminum on steel frame (some possible problems of corrosion by electrolysis), then body made with steel (always produced at Scaglietti).

     

    Chassis numbers between 18677 and 21289 for fiberglass bodies.

    Chassis numbers between 20805 and 34503 for steel body.

     

    308GTBusinesalon_2_zps198b9438.jpg308GTBusinesalon_zps471d0cca.jpg

     

    1.1. Engines :

     

    Europe: V8 90°, 178.61 cu/in, 4 camshafts derived from the 308 GT4 engine. (F106A type 021: 255 bhp at 6 600 rpm (SAE), torque 209.76 ft/lbs at 5 000 rpm). Compression ratio 8.8:1, bore 81mm, stroke 71mm. four Weber carburetors 40 DCNF. Dry sump lubrication, one distributor and single exhaust pipe (only one left rounded cutout at left in the rear apron).

     

    308GTBmoteur_zpscc53a6af.jpg

     

    U.S.A., Japan, Australia: wet sump (F106A type 020: 240 bhp at 6 600 rpm (SAE), torque 195.21 ft/lbs at 5 000 rpm), two distributors and four exhaust pipes (only one large cut-off in the lower part of the rear apron). Air pump device. In general, these power figures must be considered with great caution since data have varied along time.

     

    308polymoteurUSA_zps5ca319bc.jpg

     

    1.2. Interiors :

     

    Imitation leather (leatherette), except door panels and seats which are in leather; the seats have 3 black stripes in imitation leather. Clock and oil temperature gauge on the left of the Momo steering wheel. « Brico Pram » cigarette lighter. One Vitaloni Californian rear view mirror on the driver's side. Radio pre-equipment: wiring, antenna and speakers on all models.

     

    308_Momo_zpsc62b99f2.jpg308GTBgarnitureporte_zps44c5078d.jpg308retrocalifornian-3_zpsf99a67ee.jpg

     

    On all U.S. cars, more prominent bumpers with integrated shock absorbers, body panels reinforcements, lower rear apron (or « diaper »), four exhaust pipes, specific front compartment layout (specific standards on impact full size spare wheel unlike Euro cars).

     

    1.3. Options :

     

    Air Conditioning.

    Boxer paint scheme.

    Metallic paint.

    Car radio (head unit).

    Roof console with equalizer and auto Panasonic radio.

    Vitaloni Californian mirror on the passenger side.

    Large front spoiler available during 1978, from chassis 23611 (« Millechiodi »).

    Front and rear foglights : from 1979 onwards, metal tabs are welded to the bumper’s supports. Rear left fog light is factory-fitted to all cars delivered new in Belgium from 1976.

     

    308rearfoglight_zps2ee5fe97.jpg

     

    « Sprint pack » including P6 cams, 42 DCNF Weber carburetors, Borgo HC pistons, matt black cam cover, four exhaust pipes, stamped Ferrari (two rounded cut-outs, one on each side of the rear apron for Euro models).

    16" Speedline wheels fitted with Pirelli P7.

    7" 1/2 wide wheels.

    Heated rear window (standard on U.S. version).

     

    308vitredegivranteUSA_zps3ec9f97b.jpg

     

    1.4. Factory Modifications :

     

    1976 :
    - The « Disegno di Pininfarina » badge affixed on the right side behind the door changed position from the right to the left side between the door and the wheel arch on the bottom of the waistline. Cars left the factory with a single badge on one side only, right, then left.

    - Deletion of the flap over the brake fluid reservoir and front spare wheel housing now with a straight edge in october, 1976.

     

    308capotavantphase1_zpsba698d4e.jpg308capotavantphase2USA_zpsbc120cc8.jpg

     

    1977 :
    - Bodies change from fiberglass to steel for the body panels, first for the U.S. (end of 1976) then for European cars (mid 1977). U.S. version now have a rear muffler guard.
    - On the U.S. version, change of the front hood anchoring from single central hook (Euro) to twin hooks on both sides of the zipper canvas and transverse mid-height reinforcement of front hood.

     

    308capotavantphase2bUSA_zps845ec6f6.jpg

     

    - Change in the fuse cover mounting with the deletion of the right Tenax button, replaced by a « U » slide at the end of the fuse cover.
    - A small pocket for small items appears on the front of the center console in front of the gear change grid in December, 1977.
    - GTS variant released (in september 1977 at the Frankfurt auto show) with F106AS wet sump engine, one distributor. Interior with a different console and door trim. Black side grids covering the rear quarter windows with unpainted silver edge, those grills can be opened for window cleaning and filling the tanks at the left.

     

    308GTSgarnitureporte_zps1dae8554.jpg308targa_zpsf77f5861.jpg308GTSmoteur_zps2fdfdcb3.jpg

     

    - Change from the monobloc fiberglass spare wheel shell housing to one in two parts, first on the U.S. version in October, 1977, then on European version in December, 1977. As the same time, change from the windscreen washer soft pocket to an Isola SpA plastic bottle and the spare wheel zipped canvas to an open fiberglass molding.

     

    308GTSicapotavant_zps417d0b4a.jpg308capotavantphase3USA_zpsf76d7d6b.jpg

     

    - The speedometer font lettering changes from double bar to single thick bar and change of the odometer numbers from small to large size (this in 3 stages 1976, then from 1977 to 1978, and from 1979 to 1981), change of the low beam symbol for the last version.

     

    lettrage1ereserie_zpsf7660485.jpglettrage2emeserie_zps9b0996d2.jpglettrage3emeserie_zpsa76e0643.jpg

     

    - Change of the headlight front cover (in 3 stages: 1976 until assembly number #232, 1977/1979 and 1979/1980). Waterproof covers mounted on the headlights motors during 1977.

     

    308GTBpharephase1_zpsb99b66d6.jpg308GTBpharephase2_zps689adaba.jpg308GTBpharephase3_zpsc76e1819.jpg

     

    - The chrome rim around the horn button disappears.

     

    308klaxonphase1_zpsb026bad9.jpg308klaxonphase2_zps0a613bc5.jpg

     

    - A seal appears around door opening lever's recess.
    - Change of the oil pressure gauge with the addition of a warning light for total loss of pressure (the sensor is situated on the back of oil filter symmetrically to the pressure measuring sensor), in October, 1977.
    - Engine code for U.S.A. and Japan version is now F106AE.


    1978:
    - In December, 1977, catalytic device on the U.S. version with « Slow Down » lights on each side of the steering rack, one for each cylinder bank. Change of the carburetors and cams size to reduce emissions (engine 205 bhp (SAE)). The trunk of these cars is shallower due to the fitting of the catalysators, back engine cover with an « u » shaped cooling vent assembly with rain cover attached to the hood.
    - The fuse cover securing returns to two Tenax buttons.
    - Change of the GTS rear quarter windows grids from aluminium to plastic (early 1978).
    - Electronic ignition from chassis 23561 GTB and 23265 GTS.


    1979:
    - Change of the engine cover supporting rod from single-rod to two struts, one each side with brackets on the body, this from chassis 27583 GTB and 27309 GTS.
    - Different design of cut-out of the center console bearing the various levers in December, 1978 for the U.S. cars, then at the end of the 1st quarter 1979 for the European version.

     

    308decoupesonsolephase1_zps3b61af4a.jpg308decoupesonsolephase2_zpsb37ce5ab.jpg

     

    1980:
    - Metric Michelin TRX wheels fitted as standard by the factory in the middle of 1980.
    - Aluminum Nardi steering wheel with new horn button.

     

    308nardialu_zps79a92a59.jpg

     

     

    2. From 1980 to 1982 : versions of the 2 valve injected Ferrari 308 GTBi and GTSi

     

    Chassis number between 31327 and 43059 for GTBi.
    Chassis number between 31309 and 43079 for GTSi.

     

    2.1 Engines :

     

    Early 1980: Indirect Bosch K-Jetronic injection, full electronic ignition Marelli Digiplex (F106B: 214 bhp at 6600 rpm, torque 179 ft/lbs at 4600 rpm), wet sump on all models. Gear box and clutch
    mechanisms improved on the basis of what had been done on the Japanese versions. Two distributors and four exhaust pipes.

     

    308GTSimoteurUSA_zps89114491.jpg

     

    2.2 Interiors :


    Black Nardi steering wheel, new design for upholstery and floor mats, new door trim, snap flap pocket behind the passenger seat on GTS only, a « Cavallino rampante » embossed on the headrests,
    new windows controls on the console (previously on the armrests), « Cavallino rampante » on ashtray (previously under the gear change lever), clock and oil temperature gauge at the end of the
    vertical part at the end of the console. Switch back to the contour pattern of the first carbureted 308s for the console carrying the levers (before mid 1979). Black instrumentation support,
    new design for the symbols for flashlights, battery and hazard lights on the dashboard lights. New cover for the safety belt top nut and new powered Unielektra rear-view mirrors.
    Central door locking.

     

    lettrage4emeserie_zps606c0003.jpg308GTSigarnitureporte_zps55d557c5.jpg308GTSi_Nardi_zpsd388a27b.jpg308GTBiinterior_zps3879761e.jpg308GTBiretrodrapeau_zps0bf0758c.jpg

     

    2.3 Options :

     

    Air Conditioning.
    Boxer paint scheme.
    Metallic paint.
    Large front spoiler.
    Campagnolo or Cromodora magnesium alloy wheels 14"x6" or 7" 1/2 (metric Michelin TRX wheels as factory standard).
    Speedline magnesium alloy wheels 16"x7" 1/2 front and 8" rear half.
    Roof spoiler.
    Schedoni luggage in leather (4 pieces).

     

    2.4 Factory Modifications :

     

    1980 :
    - End of year, change of position for the two vertical gauges on the console to horizontal on US versions. Change of the font’s size of the odometer totalizer digits.

     

    308GTBiconsolephase1_zpsb88570df.jpg308GTBQVconsolephase2_zps421f99f3.jpg

     

     

    3. From 1982 to 1985 : Ferrari 308 « Quattrovalvole » versions

     

    Chassis number between 42809 and 59071 for GTB.
    Chassis number between 41701 and 59265 for GTS.

     

    3.1 Engines :

     

    In October 1982: Engine evolution, F105A: 32-valve heads, « Quattrovalvolve ». Aluminium liners, Nikasil treated, compression ratio 9.2:1 (F105A: 240 bhp at 7000 rpm, torque 191 ft/lbs at 5000 rpm),
    two distributors and four exhaust pipes. New Tellurium valve guides, Nimonic aluminum exhaust valves.

     

    308QVfaceavant_zpsb3f5388f.jpg308QVmoteurUSA_zpsd1dffb62.jpg

     

    New front radiator grille, chromed « Cavallino rampante » in central position and long-range headlights that could be used for flashlights. Additional venting louver on the front hood. New rear bumper design. TRX rims polished / frosted. New rectangular indicator repeater. New electric rear-view mirrors with « Cavallino rampante » badge and the small circular chromed shroud around the door lock is now recessed into the door steel panel. Air vents behind the headlights are anodized.

     

    308QVrepetiteurav_zps4250bec0.jpg308GTBiretro_zpsa16cf07f.jpg308GTSQVgrillesnoires_zpsd5cb09a9.jpg

     

    3.2 Interiors  :

     

    New Momo steering wheel with new horn button.

     

    308QVcompteur_zpsd25fe07d.jpg308QVgarnitureporte_zps6181b7c8.jpg308QV_Momo_zpsff1c66d5.jpg

     

    3.3 Options :

     

    Air Conditioning.
    Boxer paint scheme.
    Metallic paint.
    Rear view-mirror on passenger side.
    Central part of seat trim in fabric.
    Large front spoiler.
    Magnesium alloy wheels 16"x7" front and 8" 1/2 rear with Pirelli P7 or Goodyear tires as an option (metric Michelin TRX polished / frosted as standard factory).
    Roof spoiler (standard in Japan).
    Schedoni luggage in leather (4 pieces).

     

    3.4 Factory Modifications :

     

    1984 :
    - Steel body panels rust protected by « Zincrox », from December 1984 onwards.


    1985 :
    - Change of the fuse cover attachment.
    - Double accessory belts, one for alternator and one for the water pump, this from chassis 52349.

     

     

    4. From 1985 to 1989 : versions Ferrari 328

     

    Chassis number between 58735 and 83017 for GTB
    Chassis number between 59301 and 83136 for GTS

     

    4.1 Engines :

     

    In 1985, the 328 is introduced by Ferrari at the Frankfurt show , it has an evolution of the 90° V8 engine, with an increase in capacity to 194.36 cu/in (F105: 270 bhp at 7000 rpm and 224.23 ft/lbsof torque at 5500 rpm) through a bore augmented to 83mm (against 81mm for the 308) and a 73.6mm stroke (against 71mm for the 308). Compression ratio is higher also, from 9.2:1 to 9.8:1 (except for US engines, increase from 8.6:1 to 9.2:1).
    Other changes are made: different camshafts, different cylinder heads, Microplex ignition and a bigger oil cooler. Steering rack is identical to the one of the Ferrari 288 GTO.

     

    328moteur_zps8848dfbe.jpg

     

    New front radiator grille, body colored fiberglass bumpers, black painted rocker panels, door release handle embedded in the door. Larger front hood vents and grill for hot air exit, deletion of the hot air vents behind each headlight pods. Hot air exit grill on the engine hood is « U » shaped on all 328s (no difference between markets). Round indicator repetitor behind the front wheel arch. New design for the « pancake » spare wheel with 5 spokes.

     

    328faceavant_zps922249b3.jpg328facearriere_zpsc2e6103e.jpg

     

    4.2 Interiors :

     

    New console, new seat design and a pocket with snap flap behind the passenger seat, new door handles, new orange color for instrument panel lettering, change of the handbrake position (besides the driver’s seat, door side). Gear knob numbers in orange . Fuel, oil temperature gauges and clock are mounted in a small console above the radio drawer.

     

    328console_zps1ed4d72f.jpg328compteur_zpsc6835764.jpg328consoleinstruments_zpse94ae77d.jpg328interior_2_zps21020e7a.jpg328shiftknob_zps5cbf19fb.jpg328pochesiege_zps9f349e0c.jpg

     

    4.3 Options :

     

    Air Conditioning.
    Boxer paint scheme.
    Metallic paint.
    Roof spoiler, black or body color (except on US cars, all delivered with the spoiler).
    Schedoni luggage set in leather (4 pieces), with two types of handles: folding on the side or pantograph.
    Extended leather on rear window surround and leather headliner.
    Leather dashboard.
    ABS during 1988 from chassis N° 76626 (except for U.S.A. version: MY 1988 cars all without ABS (so called « 88 1/2 » all MY 1989 with ABS).

     

    4.4 Factory Modifications :

     

    1987 :
    - New exhaust manifolds.
    - New electrical harness in the engine compartment.
    - Introduction of a leather sheath around the handbrake lever.

     

    328levierfreinphase1_zps2c418954.jpg328levierfreinphase2_zps4f990ec0.jpg

     

    - New valves from Euro chassis 71381 and U.S.A. 71401.
    - Current year, changes in trim the vinyl for the armrest (from leather to imitation leather), change of location of the inside door handle , modification of the dashboard with the appearance of a stitched seam in front of the binacle from chassis 71597.

     

    328garnitureportephase1_zps0491a094.jpg328garnitureportephase2_zpscc192007.jpg

     

    - Change for the lifting strut of the front hood, originally mounted on the left side then passing on the right side from chassis 75592.
    - Change in the external door opening, the housing around the opening flap becomes separated from the door by a small gasket from chassis 75928.
    - New oil cooler.
    - New heaters fan motors.
    - An insulating carpet appears under the rear hood.
    - Appearance of optional catalyst on some export versions with a specific grille on the top of the rear bumper. (US and Australian cars from the beginning of production, Swiss model from mid 1987, then Japan, etc…)
    - Introduction of a second rubber pad for foot support on the vertical part of the passenger carpet.

     

    1988 :
    - Improved suspension with convex wheel allowing ABS option with chassis 76626 in february 1988.
    - Double hook on front hood for all cars with the introduction of ABS (previously, only US cars were so equipped).
    - New valve seats from chassis 76666.
    - New asbestos free clutch disc from chassis 76824.
    - 10 mm Shift of the steering column from chassis 77451.
    - A flexible hose is substituted to the air intake conduit.
    - New regulator on the engines of the water radiator fans' motor.
    - New seat mechanisms, new quality of leather for the « beige » color, carpet insulation under the front hood, this before the end of 1988.

     

     

    5. From 1973 to 1980 : The Ferrari 308 GT4 versions

     

    In October 1973, Ferrari introduces a 2 + 2 hatchback designed by Bertone at the Paris auto show. The body is made of steel sheet, except the front and rear hoods which are aluminum on a steel structure. Chassis are numbered in an even sequence as were the 206 and 246 unlike previous Ferrari road models. At the beginning of production, the « Ferrari » brand does not appear, giving way to the name « Dino ».
    Engine: First production V8 engine for Ferrari at 90° angle, 178.61 cu/in, 4 camshafts. (F106A type 020: 250 bhp at 7700 rpm (SAE), torque 209.76 ft/lbs at 5000 rpm). Compression ratio 8.8:1, bore 81mm, stroke 71mm. Gearing is different from the GTB/S in fifth with 1:3.529. Wet sump lubrication, two Magnetti Marelli S159A distributors and four exhaust pipes. 4 Weber 40 DCNF carburetors. Michelin tire XWX 205 / 70-14.

     

    5.1 From 1973 to 1976 Ferrari 308 GT4 series 1 :

     

    Series badged « Dino » until 1975 (some U.S. cars had the two badges (« Dino » and the Ferrari « Cavallino rampante ») just before the change of series, the « Cavallino rampante » badge being then placed on top by the importer or seller according to factory technical bulletin 266/8), grid recessed from the bumper, black hoods grids, six spoke Cromodora wheels with a large central plastic « Dino » badge in blue on yellow to cover the wheel bolts. Horn button badged « Dino », glove box opening from below, 3 switches (fan, hazard lights and rear defrost) corresponding to 3 lights on the left dashboard, fuse box visible from the glove box. Fog lights (depending on the option) integrated into the body of each side of the front grid. Optional rear view mirror.  Black door handles. Michelin tire XWX 205 / 70-14. Headbands on bumpers show no particular logic between black and chrome.

     

    308GT4calandreserie1anti_zpsce4fd091.jpg308GT4calandreserie1sansanti_zps0520fd0d.jpg308GT4moteurserie1_zps133e9966.jpg308GT4rouecromodoraphase1_zps23f0018a.jpg

     

    5.2 From 1976 to 1980: Ferrari 308 GT4 series 2 :

     

    Series badged with the « Cavallino rampante », wide front grid, foglights behind it, Cromodora six spoke wheels badged « Cavallino rampante » and chrome bolts. An extra « Cavallino rampante » on the tail on U.S. model, horn button badged « Cavallino rampante », glovebox lock and new front opening mechanism, 4 switches (speed wiper, hazard, fan, fog) on the left dashboard. New fixation for the rubber on the rear bumper. European model Magneti Marelli S127G distributor until 1978 and Magnetti Marelli AEI200A electronic ignition with SM805A distributor from chassis 14070 LHD 14020 RHD. From 1978, engine type AE: 230 bhp at 7700 rpm (SAE), torque 203.25 ft/lbs at 4600 rpm. U.S.A., Australia and Japan models keep the two igniters with the gasoline vapor recovery system and air pump.

     

    308GT4calandreserie2_zps3444117f.jpg308GT4moteurserie2_zpsee87a6d8.jpg

     

    5.3 Options :

     

    Air conditioning.
    Boxer paint scheme.
    Metallic paint.
    Auto radio (head unit).
    Auto radio (head unit).
    Power windows (standard on the series 2 cars).
    Tinted windows (standard on the series 2 cars).
    Interior half-leathered or fully leathered (the standard interior was in cloth) with smooth door trim for the cloth interior or mirroring the seat pattern when it is all leather.

     

    308GT4interieurtissus_zps32bc7f34.jpg308GT4interieurcuirtissus_zps860139c0.jpg308GT4interieurcuir_zps294d984e.jpg

     

    Sunroof.
    Fog lamps (standard on the series 2 cars).
    Heated rear window (standard on U.S. cars).
    Rear luggage tray.
    Five spoke wheels.
    Goodyear Grand Prix 800s tyres.

     

    6. Production figures

     

    308 GTB fiberglass body: 712 (according to Mr Rouch) or 808 (according to SpA), include 100 US versions  (other numbers cited 110), 154 UK RHD version, 44 AUS RHD version.
    308 GTB steel: 2 185  (other numbers cited 2089).
    308 GTS: 3 219.
    308 GTB i: 494.
    308 GTS i: 1 749 (other numbers cited 1743).
    308 GTB QV: 748.
    308 GTS QV: 3 042.
    308 GT4: 2826 (other numbers cited 2987).
    328 GTB: 1 344 include 135 for US market and 130for UK market (RHD)
    328 GTS: 6 068 include 152 for Australian market (RHD) and 542 for UK market (RHD).
    A Ferrari 328  convertible chassis n° 49453 made by the factory.

     

    7. Identification :

     

    - Nameplate on the right side of the engine compartment and chassis number also casted onto the frame.
    - Identification on the steering column's plate.
    - Label on the door jamb for standards in Europe (only on carbureted model) and for import safety standards conformity anywhere else
    - « Assembly sequence number », printed on the chassis in several places depending on the model and which is found in elements such as fiberglass doors revetment, console, dashboard...
    - Motor identification on top of the engine block between the carburetors ramps or induction ramps.
    - Gearbox identification.

     

    Conclusion

     

    This first article has helped you to go around all versions of Ferrari 308 and 328 to narrow your choice, with their characteristics, their options, their changes over the years ... Do you know other characteristics which are not listed? What have you learned from reading this article? If you own one of these models, is yours any different? The next two articles will help you discover, in detail, the cosmetic changes in these models (wheels, color carpets, bodywork, leather, dashboard, indicators, ...) and to benefit from owners buying tips for these models (including known issues and how to fix them).

     

    If you liked this article, you might enjoy reading :

    - Ferrari 308 and Ferrari 328 buying guide: the cosmetic aspects (2/3)

    - Ferrari 308 et Ferrari 328 buying guide: purchasing tips (3/3)

    - The dedicated website with the full Ferrari 308 and 328 buying guide

    - Long term test: Matmatlr's Ferrari 348


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