Ferrari GTB Turbo

Why it matters

Introduced in 1986 for the Italian market, where engines above two liters attracted punitive taxation, the GTB Turbo succeeded the earlier 208 GTB Turbo with comprehensive advances. Its 1,991 cc transverse V8 gained an IHI turbocharger, Behr intercooler, Bosch K-Jetronic injection and Marelli electronic ignition, producing 254 hp at 6,500 rpm—more output per liter than Ferrari's contemporary naturally aspirated 328. Power flowed through a five-speed gated manual transaxle. The fixed-roof Pininfarina body adopted the 328's integrated bumpers and cleaner forms but added dedicated cooling ducts, a more heavily ventilated engine cover and a subtle black roof spoiler to manage the turbocharged powertrain's heat and aerodynamics. Only 308 examples were produced through 1989, making the GTB Turbo substantially rarer than the 328 GTB and an important bridge between Ferrari's early turbo experiments and its later forced-induction road cars.