For the last couple weeks I have had some lower-back issues that have kept me out of our long-term Ferrari 308, which is akin to getting into a kayak or bathtub. This weekend, bright with So Cal sunshine, I was feeling good enough to drive it again, and my love continues to grow. I'm over the whole, "Oh my god. I'm driving a Ferrari!!!" Now I just appreciate it as a spectacular car...
Many of its earlier problems have been fixed either by mechanic Antonio, or editor in chief Scott Oldhamonio, so it's running like a top. Fires right up, everything on it works (well, didn't try the heat this weekend) and I even enjoyed hand-washing it for a Monday-morning video shoot. Only problem I really have is that step-down height. I'm over 200 pounds and 6'1.
Other than that, it's really a fantastic car. SO much fun to drive. Fast, handles great, good strong shifting, absolutely sticks to the road. Not even traffic can tear the smile from my face.
Doug Lloyd, Senior Copy Editor @ 51,634 miles
firstwagon says:
06:15 PM, 02/11/08
Nice picture.
It's amazing that any car from the dark days of the 80's could still look so good.
louiswei says:
07:01 PM, 02/11/08
Daily driver? The first sentence seems like a good answer to that question:
"For the last couple weeks I have had some lower-back issues that have kept me out of our long-term Ferrari 308, which is akin to getting into a kayak or bathtub."
firstwagon says:
07:05 PM, 02/11/08
I don't have back problems, can I borrow it?
altimadude00 says:
07:46 PM, 02/11/08
Hurray at seeing the signal light intact!
I think it can be said that most Ferarris look good, no matter what decade they come from.
This is going to spark another 50 comment post...but...
Going back to the Camry vs. Ferrari debate....as a daily driver...I'd have to go with the Camry. The Ferrari is nice an all...but it's a toy.
firstwagon says:
08:26 PM, 02/11/08
"I'd have to go with the Camry"
Not me, I'd be happy to put up with some minor problems in exchange for driving something special.
Camry's are public transportation. Gets you around but when you arrive you don't remember how you got there.
patrickinny says:
09:04 PM, 02/11/08
Yay! Nice to be seeing the love again, and knowing that it's healthier. Road trip time coming up?
Oh and remember, folks: This may be an '84, but the design was laid down during the latter days of the Nixon administration. (This may also explain some of the [ahem] quirky ergonomics.) Leonardo Fioravanti carries his homeland's tradition of fine sculpture quite nicely.
I still want it.
daveflores says:
08:30 AM, 02/12/08
Actually, firstwagon, the 308 was designed about 1975.
And it still continues to be the most beautiful automotive design ever, perfect in every dimension, visually seductive, sophisticated, elegant and eternally graceful.
aps2 says:
09:22 AM, 02/12/08
Rather than continually rotating the car among the staff. One of the writers/editors (preferably one that actually likes the car) should drive it daily (as their only car) for 2 weeks or a month and describe the experience.
It would provide a useful image of what the car is like in daily use.
automaton says:
09:48 AM, 02/12/08
I second this suggestion:
"Rather than continually rotating the car among the staff. One of the writers/editors (preferably one that actually likes the car) should drive it daily (as their only car) for 2 weeks or a month and describe the experience.
It would provide a useful image of what the car is like in daily use."
funkymunky says:
10:55 AM, 02/12/08
Love the suggestion, aps2. The car does seem to actually like some of us more than others. As much as I adore it, I would not be able to use it on a daily basis since I have musical gear to carry around (keyboards, amps, etc.), and the Ferrari (like a 911 or Lotus or any two-seat roadster) is definitely not practical for that.
billymay says:
10:39 AM, 02/14/08
Quote: "Actually, firstwagon, the 308 was designed about 1975.
And it still continues to be the most beautiful automotive design ever, perfect in every dimension, visually seductive, sophisticated, elegant and eternally graceful."
They still do look great. I saw one in La Jolla last weekend parked over at Symbolic Motors. The modern cars got bulkier -- the F430 looks like a truck next to the 308.
As far as the design, the 308 was done by Fioravanti (who also did the Daytona), but both the 308 and Boxer took a lot of cues from from the Dino 206/246 by Bravarone (sp?)
wildbill6 says:
08:12 AM, 08/ 9/08
I bought an '83 Nero 308 GTS qv three years ago. (I live in England). I'd loved the looks for years. Who hasn't? What decided it for me was the widened rear end. My Black Shark is shod with 245/50ZR16 tyres, instead of the usual 205/55ZR16s, giving a muscular look and phenomenal roadholding. The rear is approximately 6 inches wider than standard, beautifully finished in a mix of fibreglass and steel.
When I take her out I am often mobbed. At a restaurant I had eleven people queuing to take photos. Do any of you guys and gals find it almost embarrassing how people stare and pass comments? One guy screamed at me: "Magnum's a poof!" Anytime I park outside a shop or garage I'll be kept talking for maybe half an hour. Perhaps it's different out there in sunny California.
A final question: does anyone out there have one of the "fat ass" 308s? According to the FOC they are extremely rare. They know of only one other, and that's in Austria. I'd love to hear from anyone else who has one.