Guide: Ferrari 308 GTB Pininfarina Millechiodi
Background
17 months after the 308 GTB had been introduced, Pininfarina unveiled a styling concept that adopted a number of new features. The idea was to showcase how the 308 could incorporate the latest tyre and aerodynamic technology in a sportier, more aggressive looking package.
Since the 308 had taken its bow at the Paris Motor Show in October 1975, technological advancements had been rapid. Performance car manufacturers were adopting increasingly wide tyres with low profile sidewalls. Bodywork was often becoming more bulbous in order that such features could be accommodated.
Likewise, the more widespread use of wind tunnels had proved the popular wedge design language to be lacking in terms of downforce and efficiency.
At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1977, Pininfarina unveiled an experimental design study that looked to address these issues. Dubbed 308 GTB Millechiodi (one thousand rivets), it introduced a number of details that subsequently made it into production, both on 308s and other models.
Built on chassis 23611, this was otherwise a mechanically standard 308 GTB with the recently introduced steel instead of fibreglass bodywork. The car also featured a number of interior enhancements to improve ergonomics and driveability.
Bodywork
Wholesale changes to Pininfarina's gorgeous 308 GTB were deemed unnecessary as the car was already considered among the most handsome on the market and had no underlying problem areas. Instead, subtle tweaks were made all round the car, most of which were left in unpainted metal to contrast against the Rosso Corsa paint.
At the front, Pininfarina added a deep front spoiler and small quarter bumpers instead of the standard full width item. Rectangular spot lights were incorporated to the nose aperture and a rectangular bank of radiator cooling vents were added to the front lid.
Down each flank, all four fenders were subtly flared to accommodate new wheels shod with the latest Michelin TRX low profile tyres.
The engine cover was given a more pronounced central power bulge and the cooling vents on either side were re-shaped.
Behind the trailing edge of the roof was a basket handle rear aerofoil attached to the flying buttress sail panels.
The tail was modified to incorporate a more dramatic spoiler and the rear apron was reprofiled to accommodate a four outlet exhaust system instead of the existing single pipe arrangement.
Overall, these changes combined to give the Millechiodi a more more purposeful stance than the original. The majority of new features were riveted in place hence the car's unusual moniker.
Interior
Inside, the Millechiodi’s cockpit was further enhanced with a special dash, transmission tunnel, seats and door panels.
The instrument binnacle was sourced from a 512 BB. This was further modified to incorporate an additional gauge at either end, each of which was angled inwards towards the driver. Compared to the standard 308, the Millechiodi binnacle was boxier, had a satin black fascia and recessed gauges set within individual shrouds.
The leather-rimmed steering wheel was given three black instead of natural alloy spokes.
Lightweight door panels featured smaller storage bins and shortened armrests.
Bucket seats were trimmed in black leather and accessorised with a red vertical insert.
Chassis
Under the skin, the Millechiodi was left mechanically standard.
It was built on the 308’s Tipo F106 AB 100 tubular steel chassis which had a wheelbase of 2340mm. The floorpan, inner arches and front bulkhead were formed in glass-reinforced-plastic (GRP).
Suspension was fully independent with unequal length wishbones, coil springs and telescopic Koni dampers. Anti-roll bars were fitted at either end.
Twin fuel tanks with an overall capacity of 80-litres were mounted either side of the engine, up against the rear bulkhead.
Ventilated disc brakes were fitted all round.
Engine / Gearbox
The dry-sumped Tipo F106 AB engine was an all-alloy 90° V8 positioned mid-transversely in the chassis. It displaced 2926cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 81mm and 71mm respectively.
Belt-driven dual overhead camshafts were fitted along with two valves per cylinder. Ignition was via twin Marelli distributors and a single spark plug per cylinder.
Compression was set at 8.8:1 and four Weber 40 DCNF downdraught carburettors were installed.
In this configuration, the 308 GTB produced a peak output of 255bhp at 7700rpm and 210lb-ft at 5000rpm.
Transmission was through a five-speed gearbox, a singe-plate clutch and limited-slip differential. Like the 308 GT4, the gearbox was located below the engine and to the rear of the sump.
Legacy
A number of the Millechiodi’s special features later found their way into production.
The deep front spoiler soon became an optional extra on the standard 308 GTB.
The re-profiled rear apron and four outlet exhaust was made standard in January 1978.
Michelin TRX tyres and metric-sized wheels were introduced on the fuel-injected 308 in 1980.
The rectangular bank of radiator cooling vents were brought in with the 308 Quattrovalvole of 1982. At the same time, the basket handle rear aerofoil was added to the options list.
Subsequent History
For may years, chassis 23611 languished outside in a yard at the Ferrari factory before it was saved and restored by a private collector.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Ferrari - https://www.ferrari.com
