Representing the second generation of Ferrari's V8-engined road cars, the entirely new 308 GTB debuted at the Paris Salon in 1975. This particular model line had begun in 1973 with the Dino-badged 308 GT4 2+2, which took over from the preceding V6-engined Dino 246GT.

The newcomer's wedge-shaped styling - by Bertone rather than the customary Pininfarina - was not universally well received but the performance of the amidships-mounted, double-overhead-camshaft 3.0-litre V8 certainly was, and a dry-sump version of the same power unit was used for the 308 GT4's two-seat successor.

Built on a shorter wheelbase, the stunningly beautiful 308 GTB marked a welcome return to Pininfarina styling. Further developments included the introduction in 1977 of an open-top GTS version with Targa-style removable roof, the adoption of Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection and, finally, revised cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder.

The 308 was superseded by the mechanically similar but larger engined 328 GTB in 1985. By increasing both bore and stroke, the quattrovalvole engine's capacity was raised to 3.186 [cc] which, together with a higher compression ratio, revised pistons and an improved Marelli engine management system, lifted maximum power to 270 [bhp] at 7.000 [rpm].

Top speed was raised to within a whisker of 260 [km/h] with the sprint to 100 covered in 5.7 seconds.

On the outside, the elegant simplicity of Pininfarina's original 308 had been diluted somewhat by the addition of Testarossa-style moulded bumpers incorporating both sidelights and indicators, deeper rear valance and an unobtrusive roof spoiler.

Its underlying beauty though, could not be disguised. If the sublime purity of the original shape has been corrupted, its striking appearance has not, declared Motor magazine. In our book, this is still the most beautiful of all contemporary exotics - a gorgeous looking car.

Beneath the skin the tubular steel chassis remained much as before, with all-round independent suspension by double wishbones, four-wheel servo-assisted disc brakes and aluminium-alloy wheels, though the latter were increased in size.

The interior too had come in for subtle revision and now featured improved instruments switchgear and heating. The 328 GTB/GTS continued in production until 1989, by which time almost 22.000 308/328s of all types had been sold, making the model the most commercially successful Ferrari of all time.

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