This year, we look back on half a century of fascination: the Ferrari 308 GTB – first unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1975 – celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The 308 GTB marked a decisive step for Ferrari. With its wedge-shaped, modern design by Pininfarina, it combined elegant styling with sporty performance, setting standards for future mid-engine sports cars.

Its construction was unusual: the first versions had a fibreglass body, except for the front aluminium panelling. Under the bonnet was a 2.9-litre V8 engine that delivered around 255 hp, depending on the model year and variant, and enabled a top speed of around 252 km/h.

From production car to cult object

The 308 quickly became more than just a sports car: it became part of pop culture. Particularly well-known is the Targa version 308 GTS, which gained worldwide fame through the US television series ‘Magnum’ starring Tom Selleck.

Parallel to the road version, the 308 GTB was also adapted for motorsport – mainly by Michelotto in Padua. Among private racing drivers, it achieved success in the Tour de France Auto and the Targa Florio in the early 1980s.