This was the Ferrari of my youth - moreso than the Daytona or BB512, and all because of its presence in popular culture. Like the 560SL for Mercedes-Benz, ask anyone of a certain age to think of a Ferrari, and this is the one they will picture. For a while in the 1980s, it was everywhere. For the most part, it's because of the bright red 308 GTS from Magnum P.I., being shuttled around Hawaii by Tom Selleck - and it was almost a Porsche!
Enzo Ferrari did not really want to make V6 and V8 Ferraris - to him, they should all have 12 cylinders. But Ferrari needed an entry-level car that a modestly wealthy person could afford, and one that could be produced in significant quantities. At first, this was the Dino, and then the 308.
Styled by Pininfarina, the lines of this car are classically Italian, and have retained their beauty to this day. Sumptuous curves and subtle lines come together in a wedge shape that just works perfectly - then and now. It's frankly difficult for me to review this car without being awed by the fact that I'm actually getting to play with one.
At first, the driving seemed unusually high effort. The steering is non-assisted, the clutch is stiff, and one has to put some muscle in to move it around a parking lot. But get it out on the road, and it all comes together - the steering feel is nothing short of awesome, the engine sounds aren't quite beautiful, but are very sufficient, and the gated shifter with the dog-leg pattern is something from a 50s race car. By the time I was finished with the car, I absolutely loved it - on a more personal level than I was able to as a kid.
Long story short, this car is all Ferrari, and an absolute hoot to drive. I didn't even mind the attention, of which it got plenty.
Full review and test drive by Bill of Curious Cars. Vehicle is for sale at Autohaus of Naples, on the web at www.AutohausNaples.com, or at (239) 263-8500.