308/328 book? | FerrariChat

308/328 book?

Discussion in '308/328' started by piloti, Aug 20, 2020.

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  1. piloti

    piloti Formula 3
    Honorary

    Jul 11, 2004
    1,710
    England
    Full Name:
    Nathan Beehl
    It’s been suggested that there’s a market for a book on the 308/328 series, and I’m wondering what fellow Fchatters think? Will it sell?
    Should it include the 308 GT4, 288, race &rally version, Koenig and other specials?
    Please let me know what you think. Thanks
    Nathan
     
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  2. Rosey

    Rosey F1 Rookie

    Nov 5, 2015
    3,587
    Australia
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    Mark R
    Well since I was the one suggesting it I'd better put my vote in for YES, I would definatley buy a copy. :)

    I personally would include the bulk of the content on the 308/328 GTB/S and the 308 GT4 with country specification variations and any specials.

    There are a few notable books already on the 288 and a separate book on 308 GTB rally cars so I don't think that is as critical.

    I think to cover the 308/328/GT4 topics in great detail would be enough content for a substantial reference book and one worth buying for any owner (of which there are many worldwide) and any fans of the "Magnum" series of Ferrari.
     
  3. johnny308

    johnny308 Karting

    Dec 3, 2011
    151
    Greenfield, MA. USA
    Hello,

    Why not strike a deal to reprint/update the Ferrari V8 Bluemel book?
     
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  4. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 22, 2004
    69,048
    Moot Pointe

    If you look at Nathan’s book on the 550/575, as well as his other works, you’ll probably agree that what he does goes far, far beyond Bluemel’s book.

    I would certainly purchase any book on the 308GT4 through 328GTB/S series that Nathan produces.
     
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  5. Brian A

    Brian A F1 Rookie

    Dec 21, 2012
    3,079
    SanFrancisco BayArea
    Full Name:
    1983 US 308 GTS QV
    If you mean by the word “marketable” that such a book would be profitable, I would wager that it would be very unlikely to be profitable. There are many great books by famous photographers or famous drivers that barely sell.

    If you simply mean “interesting”, there is interest in 308 books since it is such a famous and beloved car. There is much of the 308 story which has not been told; famous owners, famous tuners, cultural impact etc. This human side of ownership has never been told.

    The dry documentation of what the car looks like has been told in many places (e.g. Bluemel) as has the story of its genesis (e.g. Fioravanti).

    The car is also missing books that are in-depth technical repair manuals. There are books for other cars out there that set the standard such as the BMW E30 Service Manual by Robert Bentley Publishers. That book is a masterpiece.
     
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  6. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
    12,282
    South East
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    Jimmie
    Yeah but there were 2.5 million E30s - a slightly larger potential market............
     
  7. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 22, 2004
    69,048
    Moot Pointe
    Somebody must be making money because there is no shortage of new automotive themed books constantly coming onto market, mostly from European publishers, but also from American houses like Dalton Watson.
     
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  8. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 4, 2001
    35,283
    Birmingham, AL
    Full Name:
    Tommy
    Funny timing

    I was laying in bed last night watching a show that made me think of this very project. Probably nothing exists that I have more innate passion for than the 308 Ferrari. On my nightstand is that book on Enzo that is as thick as a 70's New York phone book. On a shelf on the other side of the room is my collection of every book on the 308 I have been able to find over the past almost 40 years - not very many and they are all kind small (some literally).

    So I started wondering about a life project where I just start putting down in writing everything about that model like nothing seen before in print and detailed like that foot thick Enzo book. Full color covering everything. The kind of book that we reach for as the Bible to settle an argument over the knobs on the battery cover, that sort of thing. In the back I want every known chassis number and whatever is known about that car. As much as I love the GT4 and the 328's - I would leave them out only for the room to be hyper specialized on the 308.

    How cool would that be?
     
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  9. bertrand328

    bertrand328 Formula 3

    Jun 1, 2015
    1,477
    France
    Full Name:
    Bertrand
    #9 bertrand328, Aug 20, 2020
    Last edited: Aug 20, 2020
    I think @Albert-LP has point of view and above all an experience. IMHO it dépends on the content. There is no real good and interesting book concerning 3x8. The Bluemel is the only book where you find some few information
     
  10. bertrand328

    bertrand328 Formula 3

    Jun 1, 2015
    1,477
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    Bertrand
  11. Martin308GTB

    Martin308GTB F1 Rookie

    Jan 22, 2003
    4,212
    Black Forest Germany
    Full Name:
    Martin N.
    I plan doing it after I have retired. The Dino Compendium would be the benchmark.
    And today with all the network like here on FChat, I think, it would be a win-win situation to make a cooperation project out of it rather than being the one and only lonesome author.

    Best from Germany
    Martin
     
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  12. jtremlett

    jtremlett F1 Rookie

    Feb 18, 2004
    4,696
    Hi Nathan,

    I think I would be a little more hesitant than on your Boxer and 550/575 books in that there are a number already that cover some of the ground you mention. Off the top of my head:
    Original Ferrari V8 by Keith Bluemel
    Ferrari V8 by Beki Adam
    Ferrari The Turbo Eight Cylinders by Alberto Mantovani
    Ferrari 308, 328 and 348: The Complete Story by Robert Foskett
    Ferrari 308, 328 and Mondial by Wallace A Wyss
    Ferrari 308, 328, Mondial by Geoff Willoughby
    Ferrari Dino, 308 and 328 by Alan Henry

    Also Automobilia did a book on the 328 and there are various volumes of magazine article reprints. There's also a book on the Michelotto 308s but I can't immediately recall the title and don't have it to hand.
     
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  13. mike996

    mike996 F1 Veteran

    Jun 14, 2008
    6,685
    Full Name:
    Mike 996
    I don't know if there would be much interest - at least enough interest to justify the work unless it's totally a labor of love and hang the expense!

    I guess I say that based on my own feeling about it...Heck I've been a Ferrari fan since I was 14 but despite being a fan for so long and owning a 328, I don't own a single book or other piece of Ferrari-related merchandise. The only thing I own that says "Ferrari" anywhere on it is my 328. I WOULD like to see a good maintenance manual and if that shows up, I would definitely buy that. I read the Bluemel book, owned by a friend, and I was shocked at the errors. It's not worth the paper its printed on as far as a reference book though I realize some people will pay a lot of money for it. I'm still trying to find the hydraulic clutch reservoir he says my car has... ;)
     
  14. jtremlett

    jtremlett F1 Rookie

    Feb 18, 2004
    4,696
    I forgot to add that there are also several books specifically on the 288 that I haven't mentioned above.
     
  15. Rosey

    Rosey F1 Rookie

    Nov 5, 2015
    3,587
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    Mark R
    I own every one of those books mentioned above in my collection.
    Keith's book is filled with errors both in text and in photos (I'm surprised it is consisted as well regarded as it is quite frankly) and by covering so many other V8 models doesn't go into much real detail on the 308/ 328 series to be a definitive guide.

    The Automobila book is such lazy journalism whereby nearly every photo is just taken out of the 328 and Mondial brochures and owners manuals with a road test at the end.

    Alberto's book is great but only really deals with the Turbo models which were rare at best in the model range.

    Otherwise the other books are thin, small books that give overviews of the models mentioned, mostly have black and white photographs and are hardly a definitive guide like the Dino Compendium or anything like it in terms of options, colours, chassis number changes, technical specs, etc.

    I personally think it's a book crying out to be made.
     
  16. Martin308GTB

    Martin308GTB F1 Rookie

    Jan 22, 2003
    4,212
    Black Forest Germany
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    Martin N.
    One thing is clear. We don't need the next book focussing on the history, styling and rattling off the Ferrari myth.
    What I imagine is a work with deep technical insights, aiming at the DIY-home mechanic, addressing correct original details (308-328.com is the benchmark). And for the entertaining part, stories from long time owners and their personal experiences.
    Like found here on FChat. Therefore I want to repeat. It should be a co-operation project.

    Best from Germany
    Martin
     
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  17. 4right

    4right F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    That's funny, I have that same book on my nightstand as well. Have you read the entire book yet. That will take a while to digest, can you imagine the length of time that it took to write that? Amazing.

    I agree with most of what has been said about the need for reference material concerning our cars. It would be great to create a single source of truth. Although, I would miss all of the debates that we constantly have related to what came on the car original, from the dealer, from the factory, what year had 16" wheels, radios, color combinations, exhaust options, etc.

    Don't forget the GTO Evoluzione!
     
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  18. Gary Sandberg

    Gary Sandberg Formula Junior

    I'm currently reading Robert Foskett's book: "Ferrari 308, 328 and 348: the complete story". Much in the book regarding the 308GT4 and progressing to the 308 GTB/GTS models (those two are the main focus).

    Not too sure how much more can be added to make for a marketable new book.
     
  19. Casino Square

    Casino Square Formula 3
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    Apr 21, 2004
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    Hong Kong / USA
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    Andrew
    I'm in for one if published !
     
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  20. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 4, 2001
    35,283
    Birmingham, AL
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    Tommy
    Plenty

    But the point with me and my efforts would not be to market anything specifically for income.

    It would be a project for the enjoyment. Mostly to satisfy me and a hobby.

    Limited quantities.
     
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  21. Gary Sandberg

    Gary Sandberg Formula Junior

    Not being critical. Just thinking of your time spent to research, etc. If some new twist, revelation, etc. is presented, then I would also consider a purchase.
     
  22. Rosey

    Rosey F1 Rookie

    Nov 5, 2015
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    Mark R
    Plenty +1
     
  23. Albert-LP

    Albert-LP F1 Veteran
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    Sep 1, 2010
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    around Modena, Italy
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    Alberto Mantovani
    #23 Albert-LP, Aug 21, 2020
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2020

    If you want to know tech details about your 308 or 328, there are only two books you should have: the owner's manual and the workshop manual. They cover every tech detail you are looking for.

    If you are looking for chassis numbers, the only good book is Ferrarichat.

    If you are looking for the story of our cars, my book is not bad for the purpose and it tributes 308 the importance it deserves as the most important model in Ferrari history. A whole chapter is about 308. And it's (by far) the best book about the 208 turbo and "328" turbo, that belongs to the 3x8 family but were never analyzed so deeply before. And last but not least, it tells the 288 GTO and F40 story, as the 308 is the mother of both: not bad for this 308.


    ciao
     
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  24. mike996

    mike996 F1 Veteran

    Jun 14, 2008
    6,685
    Full Name:
    Mike 996
    Yes, I have both the original owners manual and the worship manual. I agree they are extremely valuable but the English translations are confusing sometimes! Heck, in 12 years with my 328, I still haven't figured out how the headlight stalk works! :) That might say more about my learning ability than it does about the owners manual... ;)
     
  25. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 4, 2001
    35,283
    Birmingham, AL
    Full Name:
    Tommy

    It would be a hobby project. For the enjoyment of the task.

    Impossible to do for a profit.
     
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