John’s Weekly Prize Focus: 1981 Ferrari 308 GTBi
A classic Ferrari is about more than speed: it is the shape, the sound and the sense of occasion every time you get behind the wheel.
Who wouldn’t want that buzz of driving a classic Ferrari? That is the simple reason I have chosen this 1981 Ferrari 308 GTBi as my Editor’s Focus this week. Some cars are impressive on paper, but a Ferrari like this promises something more immediate: the excitement starts before you have even turned the key.
The 308 is one of those shapes that looks unmistakably Italian from every angle. Its low nose, sharp lines and compact proportions give it the presence of a proper poster car without making it feel like a modern supercar that would be too intimidating to enjoy. This GTBi comes from the fuel-injected generation of the 308, with the mid-mounted V8 and two-seat layout that helped define Ferrari’s road cars of the period.
What appeals to me most is the sense of occasion. You would not need to be chasing lap times or making a long journey to enjoy it. Opening the garage, seeing the Ferrari badge and settling into a classic cabin would make an ordinary drive feel special. Even a short Sunday run or a trip for coffee would come with that noise, attention and anticipation that only a car like this can create.
There is also something refreshing about its scale and character. Modern performance cars are incredibly capable, but they can isolate you from the experience. A classic 308 asks more of its driver and gives more back in return. It is the kind of car you would learn gradually, enjoy at sensible speeds and probably spend almost as much time looking at as driving.
Entry is listed at £9.99 per ticket and the competition is due to close on 2 October 2026. As always, only enter if the ticket price is comfortable for you. For me, though, the appeal of the prize is obvious: it is the chance to experience the sound, style and unmistakable buzz of driving a classic Ferrari.