An American decided to travel to the Arctic with his Ferrari 308 GTSi from 1982, specially equipped for this epic.
Generally, when we go on a trip, we choose a suitable and most comfortable means of transport possible. Plane, train, the choice is wide, especially if it is a question of discovering a distant country known for its particularly difficult climatic conditions. Obviously, Brian Whalen is not really of this opinion. And for good reason, this American has quite simply decided to explore the Arctic at the wheel of a model not quite like the others. Because instead of choosing a 4X4 backpacker or pick-up, this astonishing adventurer has found no better than to use his Ferrari 308 GTSi from 1982. A rather astonishing choice, which will not have failed to make the buzz across the whole world, and a journey full of rebounding, punctuated and especially prolonged by the health crisis, while it was to last only a few short weeks.
The story goes back to 2019, when Brian Whalen bought an Ferrari 308 GTSi during an auction. Registered in 1982, it already had no less than 80,000 kilometers on the odometer, which then seemed a lot to its owner, who finally decided to buy a less mileage one. But after a few weeks of reflection, he therefore kept his sport with the prancing horse, and even decided to go on a trip with it for a few weeks. A trip finally disrupted by the health crisis, which pushed our astonishing adventurer to extend it, going to Banff National Park, in Alberta, in Canada. But it was still not enough. While he was looking for an idea to end his epic on a high note, Whalen decided to take his valiant Ferrari to Prudhoe Bay, in Alaska, located above the Arctic Circle. A small excursion of more than 3,700 kilometers, which will not frighten our traveler and his mount.
A specially equipped car
If this Ferrari 308 GTSi retains all its original mechanics, namely a 3.0-liter V8 of 214 horses, it has however benefited from some improvements to be able to face the inhospitable climate of the Arctic. Brian Whalen installed new Pirelli K4 tires, usually used in rallying, fitted to specific rims. A luggage rack has been set up at the rear, accommodating our traveller’s belongings, as well as two spare wheels, while a large antenna allows him to communicate with other motorists passing nearby. No major damage or breakdown was to be deplored during this journey on bumpy roads and generally used by specially equipped trucks. To refuel, Whalen had to fill cans, and reduce his cruising speed, in order to limit consumption, while he was crossing wild areas, devoid of any gas station.
Photo : briansquestionabledecisions / Instagram
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An American decided to travel to the Arctic with his Ferrari 308 GTSi from 1982, specially equipped for this epic.
Generally, when we go on a trip, we choose a suitable and most comfortable means of transport possible. Plane, train, the choice is wide, especially if it is a question of discovering a distant country known for its particularly difficult climatic conditions. Obviously, Brian Whalen is not really of this opinion. And for good reason, this American has quite simply decided to explore the Arctic at the wheel of a model not quite like the others. Because instead of choosing a 4X4 backpacker or pick-up, this astonishing adventurer has found no better than to use his Ferrari 308 GTSi from 1982. A rather astonishing choice, which will not have failed to make the buzz across the whole world, and a journey full of rebounding, punctuated and especially prolonged by the health crisis, while it was to last only a few short weeks.
The story goes back to 2019, when Brian Whalen bought an Ferrari 308 GTSi during an auction. Registered in 1982, it already had no less than 80,000 kilometers on the odometer, which then seemed a lot to its owner, who finally decided to buy a less mileage one. But after a few weeks of reflection, he therefore kept his sport with the prancing horse, and even decided to go on a trip with it for a few weeks. A trip finally disrupted by the health crisis, which pushed our astonishing adventurer to extend it, going to Banff National Park, in Alberta, in Canada. But it was still not enough. While he was looking for an idea to end his epic on a high note, Whalen decided to take his valiant Ferrari to Prudhoe Bay, in Alaska, located above the Arctic Circle. A small excursion of more than 3,700 kilometers, which will not frighten our traveler and his mount.
A specially equipped car
If this Ferrari 308 GTSi retains all its original mechanics, namely a 3.0-liter V8 of 214 horses, it has however benefited from some improvements to be able to face the inhospitable climate of the Arctic. Brian Whalen installed new Pirelli K4 tires, usually used in rallying, fitted to specific rims. A luggage rack has been set up at the rear, accommodating our traveller’s belongings, as well as two spare wheels, while a large antenna allows him to communicate with other motorists passing nearby. No major damage or breakdown was to be deplored during this journey on bumpy roads and generally used by specially equipped trucks. To refuel, Whalen had to fill cans, and reduce his cruising speed, in order to limit consumption, while he was crossing wild areas, devoid of any gas station.
Photo : briansquestionabledecisions / Instagram
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
Could this be the best video of a Ferrari F40?
Do you know a nicer parking lot than this Ferrari F1 line-up?
Ferrari Portofino test: at the wheel of the M version