The Ferrari 308 is getting a modern tribute, and this one comes from a company with some serious motorsport history behind it.
Italian racing specialist Michelotto has teamed up with AC Motorsport to create the Gruppo Four Tributo, a lightweight, V8-powered sports car inspired by the Ferrari 308 GTB Group 4 rally car.
It might look like a classic Ferrari, but this isn’t a restored 308 with a few modern upgrades. It’s an entirely new car built around a tubular chassis, with carbon composite bodywork and a naturally aspirated V8.
Michelotto knows the original 308 rather well. The Italian company has spent more than 50 years preparing Ferraris for competition, including the legendary F40 LM and the 308 Group 4 rally cars. Its work on the latter helped Ferrari secure its only podium finish in the World Rally Championship.
The Gruppo Four Tributo takes inspiration from those rally machines, although this time the focus is firmly on driving on tarmac.
Power comes from a 3.4-litre naturally aspirated V8 producing 380bhp at 8,250rpm, paired with a five-speed dogleg manual gearbox. That means first gear sits down to the left, leaving the other four gears arranged for quick changes while driving.
There’s no turbocharging or hybrid assistance here. Just a high-revving V8, a proper manual gearbox and rear-wheel-drive character inspired by an era when sports cars were much simpler.
Weight is another big part of the appeal. Thanks to its carbon composite panels and lightweight construction, Michelotto claims the Gruppo Four Tributo weighs just 950kg (2,094lb).
That’s remarkably light for a V8-powered sports car. With 380bhp available, it works out at around 400bhp per tonne, although official acceleration and top-speed figures haven’t been detailed in the supplied information.
The styling stays close to the original 308 GTB, with its familiar wedge-shaped body, low nose and pop-up headlights. There’s also a built-in roll cage, giving the car a clear connection to Michelotto’s competition background.
Unlike many modern restomods, the Gruppo Four Tributo doesn’t rely on updating an existing Ferrari. It’s a newly constructed tribute that draws on the design and engineering of Michelotto’s historic rally cars, without wearing Ferrari badges.
Pricing and production numbers haven’t been confirmed in the available details, although this is unlikely to be an affordable way into classic Italian motoring.
For enthusiasts who prefer lightweight construction, naturally aspirated engines and manual gearboxes, the Michelotto Gruppo Four Tributo has plenty going for it.
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