1978 Ferrari 308 GTS -- Northwestern Connecticut
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- Опубликовано: 21 окт 2024
- This is my 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS traveling southbound on Connecticut Route 7, beginning in Cornwall (By the covered bridge) and driving through some of the twisty bits along the Housatonic River into Cornwall Bridge. The Northwest Corner of Connecticut is home to some great motorcycle and sports car roads, as well as the famous Lime Rock Park race course. Forza Ferrari!
It happens. I wanted this car since I was 6 years old... And even though I own one, I still stop to drool over other cars... Thanks, man!
This Ferrari is fantastic. You have an excellent driving style. One question: in the video, did I notice that you were driving without shoes, that is, in socks? In my opinion, I am convinced (and I do it very often) that driving without shoes, or barefoot they get a perfect feelin with the pedal.
Work hard, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. I'm a firefighter, and after wanting this particular car for most of my adult life, I finally was able to purchase one... I've had some cool cars and motorcycles in my life, but this one is my favorite by far.
Magnificent cars. Im a child of the 80's so this car and the Lotus Esprit are my favs. I have an '87 Esprit turbo now and within a few years hope to be able to add a 2-valve carbed 308. I actually prefer the GTB looks a little more but that top down looks so refreshing. Thanks for posting this - so nice to see car videos with REAL classic cars and real people enjoying them. Love it!! THANKS!!!
No problem dude. I have been very excited about owning such an iconic car, and I had thought that the best way to enjoy something like this is to share it with others. I'm glad that you enjoyed the ride.
Looking at buying a 78 GTS now. I watch your video almost daily. Thanks for posting.
I have a 1984 Ferrari 308 GTSi and I love it. Love your interior.
1:20 I really love old bridges out in the boon docks like that.
Thank you so much for the information.
It means alot to me!
Have a great time with this beauty!
I really do like this car, it's together with the 328GTS my favourite Ferrari. I just like the simplicity of it! My dreamcar!
thank you so much, for this awesome video of your amazing car
Beautiful, beautiful car!
Nice video, i really enjoyed watching it. Very nice interior, especially the red/black seats.
Maybe because I grew up in the late 70s but Ferraris built after 1995 or so just don't excite me. It doesn't help that the first one I ever saw was a 308GTB and that shape has been burnt in my mind since. Enjoy your 308!!
you are a lucky man indeed! I would kill for one of these beauties
I believe that the July 1978 issue of Road & Track pegged the price at around $35K, which was in the neighborhood of the cost of my parent's first house. As far as driving it often, It is a very original "Driver Quality" car, so I try to drive it as often as possible (With the caveat that I don't use it for errands and things like that.) Fuel economy is something like 12-15 MPG... And of course I will post more videos! Thanks!
Hi. Thanks for your kind words. These are very reliable cars, so long as they are properly maintained. There is plenty of support out there for the cars with the 3.0 V8, and parts availability is good. Just shop around.
She sounds great. I have to agree with some of the previous comments in that older Ferraris, particularly those with carbed engines, are just so much cooler and more 'real' than the new ones. That goes for most cars nowadays, but that's just my opinion. Anyway, nice video beautiful car.
Wonderful car!
Thanks! This was before I did the major service (And distributor upgrade). The car is much more free-revving now, and the music from the diminutive DOHC V8 is breathtaking.
Thanks for your note. I can't speak for the 208, as it was never available here in the US. That being said, the 308 is a very reliable car, so long as it is regularly serviced. The most expensive portion of that is the replacement of the cam-belts, tensioners, and bearings. This is done every five years, regardless of mileage. This can be exceptionally expensive when compared with other cars. Then again, it's a Ferrari.
They are indeed quite spectacular. I think that the 250 GT Lusso is perhaps one of the prettiest cars ever built, but there are many others, including the 308 GTB/GTS, that come in second.
The Alfa-Romeo GTV-6 is amazing! Thanks for the suggestion!
I couldn't agree more... Aside from the F355, the 308 is one of the prettiest Ferraris of the modern "Fiat" era, although I think that the 458 Italia might be in the same neighborhood as far as great looks, and excellent performance! Thanks again for your kind words.
Ended up with an 85 Euro GTS. Keep pinching myself. I've got to get a good camera and then I'll have something like your video to share. Enjoy the summer!
Nice! I have a 1978 GTS myself, but no numberpales yet. I have been driving it a couple of miles on "test numberpletes" thouh. And it sound wonderful! I have done a totally engtine rebuild - replacing all syliners and liners! All by my selve. But when I finally starded it it sounds like crap! It was the ignition that was wrong. I replaced it with non-original electronic direct ignition system, and then: perfect sound!
69arildo Thanks for your comments, and good luck with your car. My '78 GTS is mostly original, although it has been converted to single-custom-distributor for reliability, and the exhaust system is a full-on quicksilver custom exhaust from the engine back. These are really great cars and the driving experience is extremely close to that of a 1970's racing car.
Hi Tobias!
I had numberplates on my ca for 6 weeks now. It drives and sounds fantastic! I replaced the ignition system with direct ignition from "electromotive" (no moving parts). It was quite expensive, but it works very nice!
Now, that's a proper clutch!
Perfect day, ha?
This Ferrari is fantastic. You have an excellent driving style. One question: in the video, did I notice that you were driving without shoes, that is, in socks? In my opinion, I am convinced (and I do it very often) that driving without shoes, or barefoot they get a perfect feelin with the pedal.
One thing I've noticed about every old Ferrari video is that the owner is always grinning from ear to ear. :)
Great video
Hi. Thanks for your note. The 308 is a somewhat small car, but I am 6' 2" and 200lbs, and I fit in the car just fine. I think that somebody who is 6' 3" tall might find it a little tight, but definitely livable. Tom Selleck is 6' 4" tall, and he fit in the Ferrari on Magnum P.I. He did, however, do most of the show with the roof off. Another consideration is going to be your shoe size, since the footbox is rather small, and offset towards the center of the car. Good luck!
Absolutely cool! Do you still have the car? Thanks.
You´re a good driver!
Nice drive, is that a carb version or fuel injection? it sounded very smooth on start up, nice interior in red leather, would be nice to see a view of the exterior too. :-)
This is a pure DRIVERS CAR… not like the auto trans paddle shifter cars they make now
Yes, I still own it... It's going in to the shop for a "Major" service this coming week.
Exacly! Nowadays we live in a hurry to get fast to everywhere (or nowhere). Its fast, but it takes all the fun out of the equation. "Enjoy the ride" is out-of-date?
20k is all! I have 74,000 miles on my 78 and it still purrs like a cat. I have power mirrors instead of the Vitaloni's. A bit easier to see behind with. Great cars.
Mine too! Thanks for watching... A few more videos coming soon!
Hello,
I'm almost 19 years old and I was wondering if it was realistic to contemplate buying one of the 208 or 308 Dino's. (Doesn't matter much for me what edition, I just want to have that noise and driving experience)
I'm not terribly worried about fuelconsumption but more about runningcosts and servicing in general.
Thank you in advance!
PS: That is one magnificent beast you have there!
@az308gts Wow! Great to know. I just purchased this car last June. It's lead a relatively sheltered life from all of the documentation I could find. The good news is that it's still a car and it likes to be driven.
Hey! Great question... As far as I know, the all of the (5-speed) Ferraris of that era have the dogleg first gear. So far, in just under 4,000 miles of driving, I've only forgotten about that once.
A Ferrari 308 GTS with a Gated Chrome Shifter. Probably the greatest invention since the Shelby GT500 and peanut butter.
@Scourgeandmephiles93 Not really. Most of the small pieces are Fiat (And Magnetti Marelli). The "Ferrari Only" parts are available in the USA through Ricambi America and T. Rutlands. Don't forget that this was one of Ferrari's first "Mass Produced" cars They built 12,053 of these 308 GTB/GTS, plus 2826 308 GT4s and about 700 Mondials. (This doesn't account for the 208s and the later Mondials. You are correct, though. These cars do require specialized maintenance.
No problem at all. In the Metro-NYC area, the expectation is about $7,000 for the "Major" service. That covers, valve adjustment, belts, tensioners, bearings, seals, etc. This is not "Engine-out" as many people will tell you... It is extremely comprehensive, although there are many "While you're already in there" types of things, like a clutch, cooling hoses, etc. Ultimately, you can spend big money if you're not willing to do some things yourself. Check out Ferrari Chat for info.
Absolutely! I think that if the 458 Italia had a manual gearbox, it would pass the 355 on my list of favorites. Since it does not, It's the 308 first, and the 355 second. No doubt.
With proper maintenance, it is reliable enough to drive regularly. This particular car seems to run better with regular use, which is always an incentive to take it out of the garage.
Thanks so much for the compliment. This car was sitting in storage for a number of years, so every drive was an effort to get her sorted out... Gently.
May I ask...
1. What did that car retail for back in 1978? I'd be curious.
2. Do you drive it often?
3. How does it do on gas?
4. Can you please post more driving videos?
Thanks for your kind words.
PS: I also noticed yours has a dogleg racing gearbox. Do they all come with that or just the GTS?
How’s your 308 doing? I really enjoyed the video. Thank you. 1978 308 GTS #25349
hi guy,
you drive like
i drive feeling the car out its engine , clutch, road feel,
see where it wants to be at,
and then stay there, not abusing it
but getting on it sometime;s,
This car is pained "Grigio Ferro" or steel grey, with a pelle rosso interior and came from the factory in this combination.
It must be an age thing because I feel exactly the same. The 355 works because it's resembles a 308 / 328 the 360 looks distinctly Japanese - nothing wrong with that in principle but at my vast age of 43 just not right! Great car!
@christoph404 Thanks very much. It's a carbureted car. Its a 1978 US model, with an aftermarket electronic ignition, single distributor conversion, and the emissions equipment removed. Exhaust is a period-correct Ansa Monza exhaust. More videos to follow!
You know, I absolutely LOVE the 458 Italia... Except that it doesn't come with a manual gearbox.
The 458 is such an improvement compared to the 360 and 430 !
Since I'm European and therefor it'll cost me like 5-15% more due to incapable mechanics, how much do you pay in USD for servicing the entire car, including the cam-belts, tensioners, bearings, ... the lot?
If this is personal, then you may definately PM me about this.
I'd really like an old classic car. There's nothing better and interesting than a car with history, pedigree and most of all: Soul.
Thanks for your reply!
Thanks!
@G0ML3 Thank you very much! It was earned through hard work!
I had a 79 Alfa sprint coupe yrs back, cool car, some miles on it, but cool to drive,
I kinda miss it.
sounded close to the GTS.
had that sonurous noise that only an Alfa, or a Ferrari V-8 can make.
boxer was my favorite ferrari,
but i was in one once,,,, cramped and hot,,
no more of that stuff,
Ill take a GTV-6,or a 250GTE.
room to drive like the GTS.
Go to GTV-6 in car on you tube,
and youll hear this one taking off,
it really scream's nice,
Do you still have this car? If so would you consider selling it ? Please let me know ASAP
Still own it. Not for sale. Thanks!
LOVE
How much are these going for now? Oh and the insurance?
Hi. If you search online, you can see what the prices are. If you're looking for one, try to avoid the cheap ones without history. Parts can be somewhat expensive, so careful shopping is advised. (And, the insurance is somewhat cheap, if it is insured as a "Collector Car" on an agreed-value policy.)
tostapchuk Ok thanks
Boston Strong!!
Let's Go Red Sox!
Never eaten there... And I've been gong to LRP for more than 27 years.
@Scourgeandmephiles93 Expensive is a relative term. When this car was new (And I was a child) it cost more than my childhood home. Today, it's a little bit more reasonable to buy a car like this Ferrari, so long as you do your homework. (And budget for the maintenance.) By today's standards, they're inexpensive to buy, and simple to maintain. They are, however, still Ferraris. Parts, especially proprietary parts, will be expensive.
so whats deal is this thing fast?
I absolutely LOVE the Red/Bordeaux interior on 308's!!!
Join our group facebook.com/groups/EuroClassics/
Flat plane crankshaft. Sounds like a Porsche 944. Performs like one too-
And this is why I hate hero cams. Everyone that watches this otherwise awesome video of this amazing car is ROBBED of 80% of what makes the experience special. The sound!!!!
Agreed. These diminutive V8s sound somewhat pedestrian at idle, but SING at seven-thousand RPM. The Hero doesn't do it any justice at all.
I can't, for the life of me, understand why the new ones are only available with flappy-paddle gearboxes. It's just fundamentally all wrong!
@becauseicare2 I'm just about 6'2" and 205lbs.
I just bort a 308 1970 gts very practebel
Magnum PI
I'm not sure what you're referring to.
tostapchuk
Your obviously not familiar with the show. There's a car just like this one that Tom Sellek did a lot of action scene's through out the series in.
Uncle Buck wasn't that a Testarossa?
Nope, it was this exact model right here. That was just for the 1st season though then for the 2nd & 3rd season they switch to the 1980 308 GTSi. And then for the rest of the series he drove around in a 1984 308 GTSi Quattrovalvole.
Beautiful, the 308 GTS is the only one of that series that sounds nice, 308 GTSi sounds terrible, 308 GTSi QV only silighly better, 328s terrible
By modern standards, no.