Ferrari’s 2025 celebration of the 308 GTB’s 50th anniversary wasn’t just a nostalgic nod, it was a cinematic blend of past and future, honoring the car that defined a generation while unveiling the technology that will shape the next. From its debut at the 1975 Paris Motor Show to its pop culture fame in Magnum P.I., the 308 GTB remains one of Ferrari’s most emotionally resonant creations. And now, as Ferrari prepares to launch its first fully electric model, the Elettrica, the brand is proving that soul and innovation can share the same chassis.
The 308 GTB: A Mid-Engined Masterpiece
Launched in 1975, the Ferrari 308 GTB was the first road car to feature a mid-mounted V8 engine, a 3.0L powerhouse producing 255 horsepower, capable of hitting 247 km/h and accelerating from 0-100 km/h in just 7 seconds. Designed by Pininfarina and built with a lightweight fiberglass body in its earliest versions, the GTB set a new standard for performance and aesthetics.
By 1976, Ferrari introduced the 308 GTS, a targa-top variant that would become a pop culture icon thanks to Tom Selleck’s portrayal of Thomas Magnum in Magnum P.I… The red 308 GTS was a character, embodying freedom, charisma, and the thrill of the chase.
Only 712 units of the original fiberglass GTB were produced, making it one of the most collectible Ferraris to date. Its gated shifter, pop-up headlights, and unmistakable silhouette remain etched in automotive history.
50 Years Later: A Global Tribute
In 2025, Ferrari marked the 50th anniversary of the 308 GTB with events across Europe and North America. A standout celebration at the Royal Automobile Club in London featured legendary designer Leonardo Fioravanti, who shared behind-the-scenes stories of crafting the GTB’s timeless lines.
Collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts gathered to showcase pristine examples of the GTB and GTS, while Ferrari’s official magazine published retrospectives that honored the car’s legacy and emotional impact.
Ferrari Elettrica: The Future Begins
While the 308 GTB represents Ferrari’s past, the Elettrica is its bold leap into the future. Revealed at Ferrari’s Capital Markets Day, the Elettrica is the brand’s first fully electric vehicle, developed in-house after 20 years of electrification research rooted in Formula 1.
Key highlights of the Elettrica include:
- All-wheel drive with individually controlled torque vectoring
- Class-leading battery energy density of 195 Wh/kg and 800V architecture
- 75% recycled aluminum chassis and body for sustainability and stiffness
- Third-generation active suspension and rear steering for dynamic precision
- Natural electric motor acoustics, enhanced without artificial soundtracks
Ferrari’s engineers have patented over 60 new technologies, ensuring that the Elettrica delivers not just performance, but an authentic Ferrari driving experience. The battery placement lowers the center of gravity by 80mm, mimicking the balance of a mid-engined supercar, an homage to the 308 GTB’s layout.
Legacy Meets Innovation
The juxtaposition of the 308 GTB’s 50th anniversary with the Elettrica’s debut isn’t accidental, it’s Ferrari’s way of saying that emotion, design, and performance are timeless. Whether it’s the roar of a V8 or the whisper of electric torque, Ferrari remains committed to crafting machines that move both body and soul.
For Gen Z dreamers and vintage lovers alike, this moment is a reminder: heritage isn’t static.. it evolves. And Ferrari, true to form, is driving that evolution with elegance, fire, and heart.
