1977 Ferrari 308 GTB: Drawn To Drive - Petrolicious

Steve Bolton is a child of the ‘80s, so the fact that he was influenced by a certain Hawaiian detective TV show is no surprise. The allure of the Pininfarina-styled body and the distinctive roar of the V-8 is a combination that’s hard to resist, no matter your age. The Ferrari 308 came after the unloved Bertone 308GT4, and many felt this was finally a worthy successor to the voluptuous curves of the Dino a few years prior. The 1977 Ferrari 308 was also the first year of steel-bodied cars, instead of fiberglass, plus it had the desirable carbureted engine. Not many people get the chance to drive their childhood dreams, but in today’s film, this is precisely what happens. Even though this particular model is a GTB, versus the famous GTS, the emotion, and sound, is just as exciting.
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Always Drive Tastefully®

[@MrNew122]

I really respect people who aren't afraid to drive their exotic cars!!

[@Musique61414]

When they don't, it's called idle worship.

[@WayneDavisDA_ILLESTalive14]

Tbh that’s not even exotic that’s a damn piece

[@pappyodanial]

Can hardly call a car you can buy cheaper than an Accord an exotic.

[@d.s.v.6404]

Will Mac Check recent 308 values....

[@g1g3l]

@@pappyodanial From searching the internet. The lowest price I saw is 5 figures. At 43k GBP. Now, please show me an Accord that beats that price.

[@damienmills293]

It's reliable because you drive it. Good for you Dude! I have 2 Alfas from that era. Drive it. Drive it hard and often. If you let it sit it will hate you and then you will hate it. Drive it!!!

[@MrNew122]

Amen!!

[@garya3056]

Damien Mills Alfas!👍

[@CanadianGearhead]

Absolutely right, good call!

[@SonyToprano1908]

Very well said!

[@vtr0104]

I don't know who you are, but I like you.

[@KUROSHURA]

This video is perfect, the sound, the car, the owner, the roads, the presentation. Very top notch

[@panchonorthmann6408]

Man, I came looking for my weekly dose of "I don't own the car, I'm just the caretaker, a steward, if you will..." and the obligatory Montana license plate tax dodge. I was PLEASANTLY disappointed! This guys seems extra cool and appears to wear modest wealth very comfortably and presentably. Many thumbs up! I know cool cars don't necessarily come with cool owners, but I do appreciate these productions soo much more with a likeable human story.

[@tomokokishi3066]

Don’t forget. This car is OVER 40 YEARS OLD.

[@spartanp2064]

1954telecaster. The car is actually excellent to drive. I drive mine almost every weekend.

[@ex3221]

1954telecaster but u can’t afford it😉

[@truantray]

@@1954telecaster I drove one for years, they were very easy to drive and pretty reliable.

[@Bojanmarsetic]

@@1954telecaster This car is actually the same magic to drive as the old Fender guitars are to play. You have to adapt and it will adapt to you - if you want to feel the vibe - if you don't, don't even bother. If you are a guitarist you know what I am talking about. If you are not, then you shouldn't have your channel's name telecaster in the first place.

[@bngr_bngr]

Tomoko Kishi does his house not have a garage?

[@PuraCarsDetail]

I love when he's driving and the hair is in front of his face... but he doesn't care, just enjoying the sweet V8!

[@buzzedo1]

His comments really resonate with me. I own a carby 308 and can't walk away from it without looking back. I also daily it..rain hail or shine. You hear..smell..feel everything. Typical Ferrari..deceptively simple. I love it.

[@truantray]

Typical pre 80s Ferrari. After that, the cheese grater aesthetic took over and the cars just got more complex, heavier and powerful.

[@bngr_bngr]

buzzedo1 do those thing pass a Smog test?

[@buzzedo1]

@@bngr_bngr I'm in Australia so I could not say in other countries. Although it had cats even back in late 70s in the USA.

[@mholland888]

I you have to look back at it every time you park it, you definitely bought the right car.

[@tysonthewolfe93]

They made the Ferrari 308 in 10 years they built em until 1985 and being replaced to the 328 1986-1989 and also replaced to the 348 in 1989.

[@GianniKnowsBest]

Idk why but I feel really proud of this dude... I dont even know the guy but the fact that he drives the Ferrari like it's meant to makes me feel really proud of him.

[@jacquesraymond6892]

Leonardo Fioravanti was a genius. He's the father of the 308, 512BB, 365 DAYTONA and others. Just like Marcello gandini (Lamborghini countach and Miura) he left a fingerprint that will stand for eternity in the automotive history.

[@davidcantrell5098]

The new Ferrari's are unrecognizable to me. THE 70's, 80's, and some 90's ones I love.. I'd take a 308,348 in a heartbeat. And I would DRIVE IT!!!

[@karlx19]

Despite the more 'iconic' or 'special' Ferraris - the 308/328s are still the sweetest shape to me

[@xavierortiz2690]

288 gto

[@karlx19]

@@xavierortiz2690 yeah but based on the 308

[@xavierortiz2690]

@@karlx19 yes it is

[@EnglishroG]

I agree. In fact I believe the 308 and it's predecessor the Dino are the two most beautiful cars ever made.

[@SteveLowtwait]

I too am a cartoonist who lost my classic Porsche daily driver in an accident. I've been saving for my next classic, though not a Ferrari. This is an inspiring story.

[@jareknowak8712]

What car You are planing to buy?

[@SteveLowtwait]

@@jareknowak8712 I have my sights set on a first gen BMW M6.

[@kevinauyong3129]

I had a 1978 308 GTS and drove it to work, the gym, the store, and weekend roadtrips. Good times.

[@BrennanMcKissick]

I've always really loved the design of Ferraris from the 70s and 80s. I love the shapes and angles. Great film.

[@timpurcell6931]

This guy gets it!! I have a 92 348 and totally understand, and love, the visceral experience of driving it. Nothing beats the whir of the cams right behind you, the clack of the gated shifter, the exhaust bark, and the non-assisted steering telling you exactly what the tires are doing.

[@thorandmoljnir]

This car is a great example of good design. It looks just as fantastic today as when it was first released. Just gorgeous!

[@definitelymiamiexperience]

"A car to me should be something you enjoy looking at, driving, it’s something you can get a joy out of by not going anywhere" - Steve Bolton

[@u3b93]

Its not just a car but rather an object of art.

[@austinramsay]

Massive respect for driving this as much as he does. No point of having a car like this to let it sit!! Loved the comment about the windshield wipers, that's awesome

[@keithclayton1271]

Petrolicious always showcase the joy and spirit of driving like no one else. :)

[@flying0graysons]

"The most electric thing is the windows. And they work, when they want to" haha

[@Lavaman3682]

"if things go wrong, that's part of the story." MUCH respect from one owner (TR & 328) to another.

[@NeoNeko99]

Love the single slow pop-up headlight and the one broken tail light bulb, just adds to the character :)

[@jimpern]

Steve's car is the best-looking version of the 308-328 series: Berlinetta, Euro bumpers, small front spoiler, no rear wing. As the owner of a 328 GTS, I know exactly how he feels. I will also drive mine in the rain (though mine used galvanized steel, which his didn't) and I also don't work on the car myself. But I average 4000 miles a year, and the car likes that! Enzo himself said, "My cars were meant to be driven!"

[@lindacourtney2169]

My Hubbie not only drives his 77 '308 GT4 in the rain, he drove it from Toronto, Canada to College Station Texas, and home again, for the unveiling of the Ferrari F40 in the 90's. It was late in the year with very cold roads making for a harder ride then usual. He watched the Speedometer roll past 99,999 miles and start all over again. At the College Station track he road his car hard for 3 days. Luckily they only used part of the oval and had a portion with twisty infield. The long wheelbase makes this car a sleeper on the curves. But only after removing the A/C and adding 5 gal dry sump instead. He also has a sunroof which helps on those hot days.!

[@AndyFromBeaverton]

The best thing my dad did to this exact year Ferrari was gut the muffler. We shoved a 70 SS 350 Camaro exhaust within the existing muffler shell. It made a massive difference. On Ferrari track days before, the 12 cylinders would pull away on the straights from him. Afterwards, he kept up just fine. Even sounded better.

[@themessenger5868]

It's true, owning a Ferrari is a relationship no doubt...I don't really know what it is, the history, the legend, or that there seems to be a supernatural presence in the car's DNA. I like to think of it as, the spirit of Enzo. Michael Schumacher once said, when he jumped in to the Ferrari F1, something magical happened and the car seemed to drive itself. Buy a classic Ferrari, drive it, work on it and live it, and you'll know what I mean. Whenever I drive mine, I always feel like I'm part of something just a little bit special. I admit it, I do talk to my car sometimes, it seems to run better. Forza Ferrari !

[@TheRedRocket]

When people ask me what it's like living with a Ferrari, I tell them, "It's like living with an Italian super model: She's very beautiful and everyone looks at her. She doesn't always feel well and she's almost always moody; you can't rush her. When things do go bad, they really go bad. But when things are good . . . they're very, very good!" Forza Ferrari!

[@themessenger5868]

@@TheRedRocket I'll never be divorcing my supermodel, no matter how bad she treats me.

[@logarithm0]

@@TheRedRocket all italian girls are like this actually haha jk

[@darrellsimpson6966]

Good on you.

[@gmain1977]

Ferrari is the greatest name in Motorsport and cars in general a scaled down version of God

[@sdingeswho]

Love the 308 - not the fastest, most expensive, or most exclusive Ferrari, but instantly recognizable and FUN! Yours is a stunner, in black - glad to hear that it’s your daily driver, not a garage-queen! Enzo himself was known to state that his cars were meant to be driven, not to be kept under glass. Bravo!

[@mx19idlewilder]

That's what I respect - a man with a real love for his car. And it doesn't matter if it's 106 GTI or 458 Speciale.

[@DT-of5qq]

Those lines. Timeless beauty.

[@vmlelectronics]

One of the most beautiful Ferraris and my preferred one!

[@ISpinUWin]

Thumbs up to this guy. Exactly how I would feel about and use that beautiful car if I could own it.

[@TheKillWizard]

One of the most iconic cars, unmistakably Ferrari. Great video

[@FranF40]

I just love these kind of stories. They reach my heart and clean my soul

[@Britishshooter]

Great car the 308. I drove 128,000 miles in mine without a single breakdown and having warned it up carefully, I thrashed the ass off it every single day like it was one of my bikes. Most reliable car I have ever owned.

[@Kizzle001]

I have a new respect for the 308, looks so sick in black.... Reminds me of the chase in Against All Odds

[@harrisonhunter7512]

One of my favourite cars out of the 1970's, beautiful example.

[@tonypitsacota2513]

Wow. 308 is in my top 5 of most beautiful designs. Enzo's taste was legendary.

[@StevenVanLoven]

Again a perfect movie ... great balance of music , motor sound and images . And a true car guy.

[@defmarco]

Another petrolicious masterpiece of filming and putting this beautiful 308 GTB into scene. And yes, definitely a big regular investment to maintain the baby.

[@quietenglishman4179]

Lovely car; lovely film. A driver who understands what it's all about.

[@sarahdell4042]

These have aged incredibly well. I remember hating these, and now I’m here looking at for sale ads.

[@crsantin]

There’s no shame in not being able to work on your own car. Not everyone knows how. It doesn’t make you less of a car guy. Beautiful car and I’m happy he drives it regularly, which is how all sports cars should be treated.

[@garya3056]

Carlo Santin agree, although wiper replacement is something my 7 year old grandson does for my wife’s concours Bianchina lol.

[@garya3056]

American Citizen you might be surprised...Trico sells them and they’re a snap to install.

[@skuzzyj]

@@garya3056 It wasn't replacing them so much as getting the parts. He said his mechanic didn't keep them stocked

[@okeyezeilo6187]

Arguably the most beautiful Ferrari of all...

[@danielzychniewicz2633]

uh lol...

[@bradray3764]

It's #2 for me. 288 GTO👌

[@casualobserver77]

I've always loved Ferrari for as long as I can remember, and the fact that this example is from the year of my birth - is certainly deserving of a thumbs up...

[@deanflegel5732]

I’m interested in how many miles the car has. Huge respect to him for not being afraid to get it dirty or drive it in the rain.

[@MrDanty64]

It would be too killer if Petro could do a vid in the rain with a car like this

[@Sunedosa]

As a bike rider i can relate to this. The mind wanders, it's difficult to not sound like a hippie when describing parts of the experience.

[@leslieyuen5980]

Very nice video, love it ! I have a 1976 308 GTB sibling, same colors.

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

It's probably more reliable Because he keeps driving it.

[@1st_Gen_Life]

Love the fact that this guy actually drives it. Older cars need to be driven otherwise things tend to brake on them more often.

[@Guireles2007]

The Ferrari GTB is like the Rolex Submariner, it a must have if you are a car enthusiast. It's not the best, but it says Ferrari all over it, totally beautiful. My respects to this man and his desire to USE the car, deffinitely a wise and tasteful man. Also, the right tail light doesn't work propperly ;-)

[@jaydunluan7095]

My first love, 308, 328, anytime. And yes grew up watching Magnum PI, always want to get a glimpse of that red car with Tom Selleck's head sticking out of his GTS, lol.

[@Nick992]

One of the best you guys did. And that story about Ferraris in the rain!

[@MrDanty64]

Now you KNOW you want to see one driven on that same road in the rain.

[@chriskappert1365]

In 1990 at the Italia a Zandvoort event , I outcornered these 308s with my Alfa GTV 2.0 ! Can you imagine how great I felt in my humble Alfa ? Okay , at the end of the straight at the Tarzancurve they catched up on power , but then the fun started all over again ! Happy days !

[@gregmayled]

Living in California and driving a car like that on a quiet road is my dream

[@jareknowak8712]

+1 here!

[@aimhii]

Great Vid...I just got a 1982 308 GTSi (yours sounds waaaay better with the Carbs!).....luv it, except its like my ex wife....High Maintenance! I like you drive it, track it enjoy the hell out of it...Just wish I can drive it on the roads in California Like you!!! Good on You!! You live as much as you can, you only die once, and you can't take it with you! ;)

[@larrysorenson4789]

In an effort to drive the costs of survivor '77 308 GTB fiberglass Ferrari's up, in the '80's we bought one and chopped it up making a full race GT-2 racer out of it. The engine and transmission work was done by the legendary Bob Wallace here in Phoenix. All other work was done locally and we campaigned it with some success for a couple of years. In full race form it was a formidable adversary in the GT-2 field. We had the pleasure of racing at Riverside prior to its 1989 closure. What a time it was. What a car it was. And the sound. Magnificent.

[@stormwater6580]

I was fortunate enough to drive a 308 a few times. It’s a bucket list item I didn’t know I had until I drove it.

[@EnglishroG]

Lovely car and a great owner. I love the way he's kept it original, and that it hasn't been resprayed 'retail red.'

[@alphaetomega]

Drove a 328 across the US and I was nearly deaf by the time I got home. Can't imagine the 308 is much different.

[@mg_streetkandi]

Probably one of the best videos I've seen from Petrolicious..Very inspirational

[@maseraticc2834]

Thank you guys this is a great video, and Steve and his 308 are brilliant material! I have a 328 GTB (so not dissimilar at all just a few years younger) and this really resonates with me, the thrill of driving a car made to just drive with no modern day gadgets is a wonderful thing. Love the fact Steve uses regularly but clearly cares for it. The old school sound is just fabulous! :-)

[@rodsalvador3608]

LOVE THIS. My 911 sits outside. Both that and my Lotus get driven hard. Kudos!! And btw, I do love those Bertone 308GT4's too!

[@jstorey6226]

Rod Salvador I drive the shit out of my Lotus as well lol

[@deldridg]

Why oh why did I go all 'suburbanised' and sell my beautiful 964. She had all those wonderful quirky qualities, just a different badge. She was my daily driver too and never let me down - other than that $5k oil leak, the $3k engine tune, the $8k clutch... :-) How I loved her. Another wonderful car experience from you guys. Many thanks and cheers from Sydney - Dave

[@cowtownq2204]

Saw this car twice on the PCH last week, so cool, love to see that its driven often. And zero shame on not wrenching on it yourself....

[@roundlake96]

A wonderful man with an goddess of a car. One have to respect and love that. And once again Petrolicious, you make amazing conent and please never stop captureing stories like this

[@DizGuys]

Not a car person, but this is a true thing of beauty!

[@MyCarFilm]

Another great therapy video from petrolicious and as others have said, no pretentious look at me vibe. Engine overrun sounds amazing! Loads of toggle switches and dials too, what a great interior with the Ferrari gated gear selector. I think that's where restomods have it over new cars, same reliability and performance but more dials and switches. But still there's a charm to the unmolested classic where the boot smells of engine oil and you still have to keep an eye on that temp gauge........however you wouldn't leave that car outside in the UK, unless you like moss growing in your window tracks.

[@alexschmidt3692]

The sound when he lifts off is glorious!

[@jz8638]

The car is straight out gorgeous! That spec though... Beautiful camera work from u guys as well :)

[@paullundgren6319]

The great appeal of cars, to me, is the total combination - the design, the engineering, the sound. Looks AND function, if you take away one of them it’s no longer a car. Without drivning they’re pure pieces of art, sculptures. Which is fine. I like sculptures, but I love cars... That’s also why I have trouble getting excited about pre-war, or even 40-50’s cars often - you can’t really use them, which is half the allure... This guy certainly uses his Ferrari - good for him!

[@blainekelley816]

nice snarly exhaust note! love the story and it doesn't matter that you aren't doing the mechanical work yourself. glad to see one driven for pure enjoyment ... I opted for an NA1 NSX because I was afraid of the 308, but applaud you for living out your dream. well done!

[@rogerkastoun3143]

Great video! Having grown up watching Magnum pi i can totally relate. Also my dream Ferrari! Thanks for sharing your experience!!

[@nigel.w]

Another great video of a great car and a great owner loving and enjoying his car. My only plea is for Mr. Bolton to at least build a carport for his baby.

[@dlwst44]

Nigel W I couldn’t imagine not keeping that in a garage and keeping it waxed or ceramic coated at all times.

[@marcscordato4385]

Ahh the Ferrari’s of my youth , such a lovely car. back in the day performance cars had stick shifts the way God intended it to be.

[@samtaherian122]

The best-kept secret in cool-looking, fun-to-drive, affordable cares are the Ferrari 308s and Mondials. You can pick one up for $30 to $80K, they perform reasonably well (given that they are 30+ years old) and maintenance costs are modest, because they are analog cars, and by today's standard, not particularly complicated.

[@calanico11]

Amazing sound and style. Dio, è bella!

[@MattBoyd308]

As a fellow owner (admittedly of the less desirable fuel-injected version), I loved seeing this video on one of my favorite cars ever. I did kind of wonder though why they showed the A/C controls right at the moment he said that the car has no A/C. :-)

[@berndbornhauser1423]

Awesome! Happy for the guy living his dream !

[@ivanb8126]

As much as I desire a Ferrari car and realizing that I will never be able to afford one, I feel good when people who are lucky to have one really appreciate its beauty and quality.

[@searaydrivingguy]

i owned a 1981 gtsi for 5 years i put 22000 miles it was red i loved it the attention was over the top somebody screamed Magnum at me every time i drove it what it lacked in power made up in beauty and handling the car gave me a special feeling i have yet to get from any other car and i have had many since sold it in 2004 for $35,500

[@tiagojoaoollo5703]

That OCD kicking when that rear light just half lit.

[@chillyfingers123]

I noticed it immediately and I hate it

[@nachiketa22]

These videos are more of a therapy for me, like medidation, calm and peaceful and soothing!

[@gimmigota1]

It's always a pleasure to watch Petrolicious videos.

[@en.gine.st.art7]

Grazie per avermi regalato queste emozioni! Grazie!

[@mootsym]

This guy was born to own this car.

[@SkarnDeBrax]

Love this episode, reminds me of the begining of the channel, and love the story. Thanks !

[@jasonjcr_cars819]

Made me laugh about putting anything in the trunk. It’s exactly what will happen in mine.. Super heated and smell like gas... Although any passenger that’s been with me, is having a great time..well, except my wife!! Can attest to everything you said. Great video I was waiting for this

[@EnglishroG]

My Fiat X1/9 (don't laugh) had a rear boot that did exactly the same - we used to call it the pizza oven.

[@jasonjcr_cars819]

EnglishroG it’s the Italian way of thinking! Gotta love it though

[@garya3056]

I’m glad he’s enjoying his car and drives it. I’ve had a series of 328s, and most certainly enjoyed them as well although never drove them in the rain. It seemed like he was inferring that it wasn’t garaged? He “left it outside”? If so, that’s worth discussion. In any event, a nice 👍 for sharing his car with us. I will say that the back pressure from the exhaust system (older Borlas maybe?) does not quite seem right. Surprised no comments about that. Back pressure is not good long term for the motor.

[@jareknowak8712]

Early models had glassfiber body?

[@garya3056]

Jarek Nowak 75-77 models. ✔️

[@vincedova2177]

I didn't realize 308's needed to have special order wiper blades. I've just been buying mine from O'Reilly's for years, and they seem to fit just fine. My car must hate me. But she gets over it, because I drive her--like this guy does. Cars belong on the road.

[@glenn9k]

"there's no air conditioning", he says proudly, as the camera swoops by the A/C knob/button thingy.

[@viktorjohansson86]

So the button is air condition?

[@michaelcarusone631]

Not a troll , or a hater, I actually owned an 81 GTB I bought off consignment at F40 motor sports in Portland, CT. I want to say around 1999-2000. Anyway, I was like this guy, I fell in love with the aura, prestige and mystique. I was young , in my 20’s. In actuality, the car was a dog speed wise. Had to get new tires and alignment. The second gear synchro went. And last but not least, I discovered rust and rot in the very bottom of the doors and quarter panels, which I was never told about. I eventually sold it 2-3 years later for $15,000...half what I paid for it. Moral of the story, these cars can be like relationships. This guy had like at least a dozen negative comments, but STILL loves the car !!! It’s only a machine, don’t be afraid to let go and cut your losses !! Anyone remember pet rocks ?

[@imbluz]

Very cool car. Sounds good and looks awesome. Must be a thrill to drive,

[@shankarbalan3813]

Drive it and enjoy it mate. That’s what these cars were built for. Poor things must be feeling horrible when they are treated as garage queens.

[@alejandroramirezmartinez3676]

He don´t think it´s a relationship... but plan to keep the car forever? Accept it mister Bolton, you are full in love!

[@gamby16a]

I wish there were a shot of his house. I could tell it was modernist from the couple of shots that were featured. Brilliant film as usual.

[@Whiters8]

It’s a car, so he’s using and enjoying it , come rain or shine. Top man 👍🏻

[@johnforeman634]

After all these years and all the different designs of cars this is still one of the most beautiful looking and sounding cars ever built.

[@returnofthestrangers]

This guy is living his dream, God bless

[@noelht1]

Congrats on owning that. It’s a fine fine example. Looks phenomenal in Black.