FERRARI

The 308 range continued to be a real commercial success for Ferrari, since by the end of 1981, production of the 308 after 8 years had exceeded production of all the V12s produced in 38 years! However, a sizeable rival, albeit a little less prestigious, came to tease the Ferrari 308 in terms of performance and power: Porsche and its 911, whose forthcoming Carrera 3.2 was to become the culmination of a lineage. Ferrari took over and reinvigorated its V8 engines powering the 308 and Mondial. In October 1982, at the Paris Motor Show, Ferrari proudly displayed the latest evolution of its 3-litre V8. Two new cylinder heads, each with 16 valves, topped the V8, giving it the name ‘Quatrovalvolve’.

Performance levels, although still slightly lower than those of the first 308 GTB polyester cars, have returned to acceptable levels for GTs bearing the Cavallino Rampante. It’s not just the powertrain that has changed on the 308 QV. The radiator grille has been redesigned to match the new bumper and features two integrated indicator lights and a chrome ‘Cavallino’ in a central position. The Nardi steering wheel is replaced by a new Momo steering wheel with T-shaped spokes, and the original TRX wheels are polished and buffed. The front bonnet grille comes from the ‘Mille Chiodi’ prototype, as does the optional roof spoiler (similar to the one on the BBs) and the front spoiler mated to the sports suspension.

In the spring of 1982, Ferrari produced a 208 GTB and GTS Turbo. To the two-litre V8, the Maranello technicians grafted a KKK turbo blowing at 0.6 bar. The engine now produced 220 bhp, and performance was once again at the forefront. All models combined, almost 3,100 Ferrari 208s were sold between 1980 and 1986.

In the spring of 1982, Ferrari produced a 208 GTB and GTS Turbo. To the two-litre V8, the Maranello technicians added a KKK turbo blowing at 0.6 bar. The engine now produced 220 bhp, and performance was once again at the forefront. All models combined, almost 3,100 Ferrari 208s were sold between 1980 and 1986.

Sales did not increase until 1983 with the launch of the Mondial QV Cabriolet. The absence of a roof was of great benefit to the overall shape, which was intended to be very similar to that of the coupé with the soft top in place. The tubular chassis limited the increase in weight to 55 kg. The Mondial Cabriolet was a huge success, especially in the United States, which absorbed 80% of production. The Mondial Cabriolet was the first convertible Ferrari since the Daytona Spider of the 1970s.

Low and wide, the Testarossa is the work of Pinifarina, the brand’s almost exclusive designer since 1952. Pinifarina’s talent is unquestionable, but once again his magic pencil has produced a line that is as aggressive as it is sleek and fluid. A stroke of genius capable of visually making people forget the impressive proportions of the Ferrari Testarossa (2 m wide!). The wide rear end is led by sides that are pierced and profiled along their entire length, giving the profile incredible dynamics. Its aerodynamic striations are sure to inspire many designers of body kits, although they are often less graceful… True to the concept that the function creates the organ, Pininfarina supplies fresh air to the two side radiators of the large 12-cylinder flat engine, positioned longitudinally in the rear centre position.

1984 saw the launch of the 288, the second ‘GTO’ of the name. This was the road version of the 288 “Gran Turismo Omologata”, whose production was intended to enable it to be homologated for Group B rallies. Against all expectations, all the models were sold out well before production began in July 1984! Only 20 of the cars were delivered in France to importer Charles Pozzi. It was therefore decided to extend production by 72 models in order to satisfy part of the international demand for this beautiful car. At the time, the 288 GTO’s impressive lap times once again demonstrated the efficiency of the turbocharger and, above all, the Cavalino firm’s mastery of this technology.

Finally, the latest model in the series is called the 412i. To make up for the power lost through fuel injection, Ferrari had no choice but to increase the engine’s displacement. The design was updated and it became the first Maranello to be fitted with ABS as an option.

While the first Ferrari Mondial 8s were a pale shadow with their three-litre V8 producing just 214 bhp, the Mondial saga was significantly improved to reach 270 bhp with the 3.2 litres and the increase in cubic capacity. Power that’s finally ‘respectable’ enough to keep the Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 and the 964 C2 in check. Let’s not forget that its German rival had (and still has) a solid and enviable image, a 2+2 concept, equally good performance and, above all, a more affordable price. Granted, not everyone is a Ferrari, but such a prestigious name has to compete with the best.

In 1985, the Mondial Coupé and Cabriolet evolved both aesthetically and mechanically, to follow closely the evolution of the brand’s line of 2-seater V8 saloons dictated by the 328. The changes to the bodywork were more extensive than in the transition from the Mondial 8 to the QV, and mainly concerned the front end, with perfectly integrated bumpers in the same colour as the bodywork, in imitation of the 328. On the mechanical side, the engine was increased to 3,185 cm³ and 270 bhp, giving the car performance worthy of a real Ferrari in the eyes of buyers.