The Ferrari 308 has long been the Italian marque’s affordable model. Values went crazy from 2012 to 2016, but they’ve been creeping down again.
Examples like the 1981 308 GTSi that was recently offered on eBay in Reno, Nev., are still a way to get into a Ferrari for less than $50,000.
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The 1981 Fly Yellow 308 Targa is very clean. The mileage on the fuel-injected 2.9-liter V-8 is believed to be around 75,000—quite a lot for a Ferrari. (The odometer was changed in 2012.)
The original paint is unmarked. No cracks on the leather seats or door panels. There are less than 100 miles on the timing belt.
The car runs “excellent,” according to the listing. The Targa top will undoubtedly make it a fun car to own, and Fly Yellow is a great color. The transmission is the expected five-speed manual with Ferrari’s classic gated shifter.
The 308 GTSi has some Dino design cues, but it has a Pininfarina style all its own.
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Leonardo Fioravanti designed the 308 at the legendary Pininfarina design studio.
The Targa GTS was introduced at the 1977 Frankfurt Motor Show. All of them are steel-bodied. Early 308s were built with glass-reinforced plastic, which has a weight advantage but is not as durable. Nonetheless, European-spec fiberglass 308 GTB models are prized.
The Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and the GTSi (“i” for fuel injection) model shown arrived in 1980. It has a fairly anemic 202 horsepower in the US versions. American emissions rules were responsible for slowing these cars down.
Some 1,743 GTSi Ferraris were produced before the model was replaced with the 308 Quattrovalvole (four valves per cylinder) in 1982. That change restored some of the lost power. In the 308 hierarchy, carbureted models (with four Webers) carry a value advantage.
The 308 itself stayed on the market until 1985 when replaced with the more powerful, re-styled 328.
One of the most affordable Ferraris to work on?
Adding to its status as the affordable Ferrari, the 308 is more user-serviceable than later models. Bring your wrenches when you buy one and browse for parts that fit the Ferrari 308.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.