Race Retro 2008 will see the first appearance of the very rare Michelotto-prepared Ferrari 308GTB QV Group B cars of the 1983 season, which have never been seen outside mainland Europe.

The cars deemed too fast to race, the exhilarating Group B Rally cars, will be wowing the crowds at Race Retro 2008, the international historic motorsport show. Held from 14th to 16th March at Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry, the cars are being brought to the show by the Slowly Sideways Group GB and will roar along the three-quarter-mile asphalt rally demonstration stage on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th March.

Star billing at Race Retro 2008 will be the first appearance of the very rare Michelotto-prepared Ferrari 308GTB QV Group B cars of the 1983 season, which have never been seen outside mainland Europe.

The Ferrari 308 GTB is one of the most famous of the many sportscars models ever to come out of the Maranello factory, its distinct, slippery shape is familiar with automotive enthusiasts the world over, and it soon became a staple in Hollywood movies. Just like every Ferrari ever built it was born to race and it enjoyed much success on the race tracks.

However what Ferrari didn't envision was it being used in anger on the rally tracks; however during the late 1970s and early 1980s Michelotto, under pressure from its customers, turned its attention to creating rally versions and a model was developed to the FIA Gp4 specifications. New engine internals raised power output to over 310 bhp, an impressive 300 kg was shaved off the standard car's weight by gutting the interior and using aluminium wherever possible, while typical rally car changes included adjustable suspension and roll bars, a roll cage and bigger wheel arches. Most famously it was rallied in the blue 'Pioneer' colours of legendary French Ferrari importer Charles Pozzi.

When the FIA introduced for the 1982 season the GpB regulations that spawned the fearsome breed of monster rallycars that have earned their place in history, Michelotto swiftly responded. Unable to find enough customers to justify a full GpB build run, nevertheless Michelotto was able to make certain changes from the road car that allowed it to fall into the category. In went the 310 bhp 'Quattrovalvole' engine and a race derived 'non-syncro' gearbox, while the suspension was upgraded and larger 4-pot Brembo brakes were fitted.

Just four cars were built, and they were used primarily by the private team Pro Motor Sport in European rallies. Results were pretty good, the 308 GTB GpB won the Marca Trevigiani and Città de Bassano Rallies in 1984 while taking second place finishes on the Targa Florio, Isola d'Elba and the Príncipe de Asturias Rallies.

The Ferrari 308 GTB will line up alongside an array of other GpB machines at Race Retro 2008, including the most spectacular Audi rally car of all, the hugely be-winged 600 bhp E2 Quattro. It will be joined by examples of the MG Metro 6R4, Renault Maxi Turbo, Audi Quattro and Ford RS200.

A selection of Group B monsters with African rallying history will also be in action, headed by the 1988 Juha Kankkunen Paris Dakar winning Peugeot 405 Turbo 16, recently released from the Peugeot factory collection and thought to be appearing in public for the first time since its glory days in Africa. Also in action will be four former Safari Rally cars, including an ex-works Peugeot 205 Turbo 16, ex-works Opel Manta 400s in both Rothmans and Marlboro colours, and an ex-works Lancia 037 Rally in Martini colours. To round off the African theme, these will be joined by an ex-works Toyota Celica Turbo from the Bandama Rally, in the familiar Marlboro livery.

To add to the celebration of 40 years of the Ford Escort in competition, the Slowly Sideways GB Group B cars will be joined by three rally-winning ex-works examples of Escort Mk1, Escort Mk2, and Escort RS Cosworth machines. All these impressive vehicles will be driven on the live action rally stage by celebrity drivers from the original Ford works rally squad. With informed live commentary provided by Tony Mason, 1972 RAC Rally winning co-driver with Roger Clark in an Escort Mk1 and former Ford works team rally manager, the live action rally stage demonstrations are not to be missed by thrill-seeking spectators. Entrance to the live stage is included free in the ticket price for Race Retro 2008.

Other features include a replica Ace Cafe & Fire Engine Bar, informative seminars, celebrity autograph signings and photo opportunities. There is also the Bonhams Classic & Historic Motorsport Auction, as well as the opportunity to conduct private car sales and test drives. With demonstrations of historic kart racing (a popular and growing discipline) and championship-level autotests (showcasing expert car control), as well as the vintage "Wall of Death" (a great travelling live show featuring Indian V-Twin motorcycles), visitors will have plenty to keep them entertained.