This race-prepared Ferrari 308 beat an F40 by 2.9 seconds... but a rule change robbed it of everything.

Preparation is the domain of Huffaker Engineering, a competition engine specialist that has been operating in the USA for half a century. According to their records, their engines have won 35 SCCA titles and numerous Trans Am championships, the American equivalent of the DTM. The list of legendary drivers who have piloted Huffaker-designed cars includes such prestigious names as Bobby Unser, Pedro Rodiguez and Dan Gurney. Huffaker has tackled numerous models and even Ferrari, In the early 90s, Michelotto built three 308 models for I.M.S.A. competition in the GTU category. Michelotto, Ferrari's «unofficial» racing workshop, had already built 11 examples of the Ferrari 308 for use in the Group 4 category.

A Ferrari 308 with stock-car looks

In this MSA GTU class, steering, braking, transmission and suspension were left to the manufacturer's discretion. Larger, more powerful engines were permitted under homologation rules. There were no restrictions on body materials, with most teams favoring easily-repaired, removable fiberglass. On the outside, this 308 GTU seems to blend perfectly Ferrari's Latin aggressiveness with the massive, muscular look of American race cars, such as Transam or NASCAR. The fenders are widened and accentuated by skirts and spoilers.

That's the case with these Ferrari “Huffaker” models, which use a 288 GTO and engines 308 prepared for racing. The chassis is a tubular frame with inboard rocker arm suspension and F1-style integrated springs and dampers. This reduces unsprung weight and makes spring changes and ride height adjustment very easy. Brakes use Alcon calipers with 13″ discs supplied by Coleman Racing Products. Wheels are 16’ BBS with three center blocks, 10’ wide at the front and 12’ at the rear.

A transformed engine

The engine was modified and mounted longitudinally in the chassis, connected to an Indy-car-style Hewland transaxle. It was prepared by Bill Pound Automotive (who we spoke to very recently about the 308 GTS Hillclimb special) with significant modifications compared to the original. The front of the engine was shortened by 9 centimetres to fit the wheelbase and longitudinally with the Hewland gearbox. The water pump has been relocated and the camshaft drive system modified, as has the front cover. The engine uses TestaRossa timing belts, while camshafts and pistons are custom-designed with special bores. The cylinder heads are fed by custom valves with titanium retainers. The electronic fuel injection system is supplied by Hillborn Fuel Injection. Injection and ignition are managed by an EFI Technology ECU. Bill Pound Automotive's heavily modified 308 GTB engine was claimed to produce 390 bhp at 9600 rpm for a curb weight of just 900 kilos.

Bad timing

But by the time the cars were completed in 1990, a rule change had been made, allowing bodywork only within 3 years of actual production. So it was all over for these 308s, which dated back to the late 70s! There was also the loss of a sponsorship package. The cars never competed in the major IMSA championship.

This particular car has only been driven in a handful of track events, including a Ferrari Club of America track day, two SCCA regional races and a private track day. The car has been in a private collection since 1995. At a Ferrari Club of America national meeting at Summit Point Raceway, one of the cars beat the best F40 entered by 2.9 seconds! More recently, the 308 Huffaker has been lined up for historic events, including Classic Days 2019.