Hailing from Ferrari’s second year of 308 GT4 productions, this example coming to auction has quite a fascinating story behind it – but more on that later. The 308 GT4 itself uniquely stands among other Ferrari’s as the first to venture into the application of a V8 mounted mid-engine and its radical styling coming from Bertone’s Marcello Gandini. Aside from some notable “firsts,” the 308 GT4 is a comfortable grand touring car with a high redline, sublime weight distribution, and pure seventies-supercar aesthetics. The car due to auction has even extensively toured the Italian countryside, possibly making it more of a purebred stallion than the regular American imports – you can decide.
Painted in metallic silver, Gandini’s “folded-paper” bodywork is unique to the 308 GT4 since Ferrari traditionally commissioned Pininfarina for design work. Short front and rear overhangs with a long wheelbase allowed for an overall compact shape that affords seating positions for four. The silver paint is in good condition and still uses the U.S.-mandated bumper equipment and lighting. The factory-supplied 14” six-spoke Cromodora wheels, with colored Dino center caps, are currently wearing newer Pirelli Cinturato tires. The original California-issued blue license plate is still valid and attached.
Complimenting the sterling exterior is a rich, red leather adorned interior. Reupholstered in 2005, the front seat leather is still supple and smooth. Accompanying the leather exchange, the previous owner had the rear seats, door panels, and center console leather all re-dyed to match. Furthermore, the original carpeting was replaced by a set that contributed thicker insulation qualities and could be affixed to the floorboards. Adjacent to the metal-gated shifter is an aftermarket radio and the air conditioning controls. In 2017, the air conditioning system was recharged and currently blows cold.
The original instruments, by Veglia, can still be found in the brushed aluminum gauge cluster. Highlighted among these gauges are a 180 mph speedometer residing by a 10,000 rpm redline tachometer. Several auxiliary dials accompany them, providing temperature and fluid level readings. The panel’s toggle switches and sliders work as expected. In total, some 51,000 miles have been accrued on the odometer, which is commensurate to the engine and chassis use.
As previously written about, the 308 GT4 was Ferrari’s first production car with a V8 mounted midship. Paired to a five-speed manual transmission, the motor’s 240 horsepower was initially supplied to the rear wheels. Service records included detail a history of regular maintenance and care. During September of 2018, an engine-out service was performed to replace the timing belt, two head studs, install a new water pump, replace worn head gaskets, a new fuel pump, transmission oil change, the clutch was adjusted, bearings replaced, and several other items were exchanged. Installed in 2017 was a new radiator, current front shock absorbers, the steering rack was restored, and carburetor diagphrams were changed. Before that, in 2016 and 2006, timing belt services were also undertaken; further demonstrating the past owner’s commitment to preservation.
Delivery of this 308 GT4 was taken by the first owner in Maranello, Italy during 1975. He kept the Ferrari in-country until 1981, finally having it transported to California that year. In 2014, he sold the car to the current owner. Provided along with it were service records and literature dating back to its time in Italy. The factory-supplied tool kit is still present; however, several of the tools inside are not original. A clean California title is guaranteed with the sale.
