Ferrari 308 / 328 History

The 308 family launched with the 308 GT4 in 1973 — a Bertone-designed 2+2 initially badged as a Dino before Ferrari took ownership of the badge — and then found its iconic form with the Pininfarina-penned 308 GTB (1975) and GTS targa (1977). The mid-mounted 3.0-litre V8 produced around 255 hp in European carburetted form; US-specification cars were detuned by emissions equipment.

The 308 GTS became a cultural phenomenon when it appeared as Thomas Magnum's car in the TV series Magnum P.I. (1980–1988), making it the most recognised Ferrari of its era. A 1980 switch from fibreglass to steel bodywork was followed by fuel injection variants (GTBi/GTSi) and the Quattrovalvole (four-valve, 1982) upgrade.

The 328 GTB and GTS arrived in 1985 with a 3.2-litre V8 raising output to around 270 hp, along with restyled bumpers and interior. Production of the 308/328 family ran until 1989; combined output exceeded 19,000 units, making it one of the most-produced Ferrari families at the time.