Description
The Ferrari 308 GTB Vetroresina, introduced in 1975, was the very first version of the 308 GTB and holds a special place in Ferrari history as the company’s first production road car to feature a fiberglass (vetroresina in Italian) body. Developed to replace the Dino 246 GT, the 308 GTB combined Pininfarina’s striking new wedge-shaped design with Ferrari’s proven mid-mounted V8 layout, creating a car that would become one of the brand’s most iconic models of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The use of fiberglass for the bodywork was a bold move for Ferrari, aimed at reducing weight and improving performance. Built by Scaglietti, the lightweight body panels gave the car a kerb weight of around 1,050 kg, making it noticeably lighter and more agile than the later steel-bodied versions. The design retained Pininfarina’s crisp lines, deep front spoiler, pop-up headlights, and classic side air intakes that would define the 308 family for years.
Power came from a 2,926 cc 90-degree V8 with four twin-choke Weber carburetors, producing around 255 horsepower in European specification. Coupled with a five-speed manual gearbox, this allowed the Vetroresina to reach 0 to 100 km/h in under 6.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of approximately 250 km/h. The mid-engined layout and fully independent suspension, combined with ventilated disc brakes, gave the car sharp handling and strong stopping power, characteristics that would make it popular with both road drivers and rally teams.
Inside, the cabin was simple but purposeful, with leather-trimmed sports seats, a distinctive gated shifter, and clear instrumentation. The driving position was low and engaging, emphasizing the car’s sporting character. While not designed as a luxury GT, the 308 GTB offered enough comfort for spirited touring, and the compact interior contributed to the sense of connection between driver and machine.
Ferrari produced the 308 GTB Vetroresina for only about two years before switching to steel body construction in 1977. The change was driven by production efficiency and durability concerns, but it came at the cost of a notable increase in weight. Around 712 fiberglass-bodied examples were built, making them relatively rare today and highly prized by collectors for their purity, lightness, and performance edge over the steel-bodied cars.
The 308 GTB Vetroresina remains an important model in Ferrari’s evolution, representing the intersection of innovative materials, timeless design, and the mechanical spirit of the brand’s mid-engined V8 lineage. Its rarity, distinctive feel, and connection to Ferrari’s motorsport-inspired engineering make it one of the most sought-after variants of the 308 family.