(For sale, if interested contact us)
First produced by Ferrari in 1975, and initially known as the Dino, the 308 GT4 slots itself in a particular time for the Maranello sports car company. 308 GT4 were the first exercise attempt by Ferrari at a mid-engine V8, and the Marcello Gandini with Bertone designed body is unusually rare looking among their typically Pininfarina coachwork cars. Utilizing the earlier Dino 246 chassis, the 308 grew eight inches in length which provided rear seat accommodations for two additional passengers. Submitted on auction now is an early model year example that was delivered new in Italy, driven extensively in-country, and later exported to the United States by the same owner.
Initially finished in silver paint, the exterior color has been reapplied and still appears remarkably well-kept. Upon its arrival to the United States, the 308 GT4 was fitted with the U.S.-mandated bumper safety equipment and lighting, which it currently wears. A repair to the body was performed at one point as evidence of a welded panel, approximately 1” in diameter, can be found adjacent to the passenger-side headlight. However, the reasoning for the repair is a mystery. The original 14” six-spoke Cromodora wheels are still attached and wear period-correct Dino center caps with new (2016 date code) Pirelli Cinturato CN36 tires. Still attached and valid is the original California-issued six-digit blue license plate from the 1980s.
Enzo Ferrari himself was an integral part of the interior design and layout of the 308 GT4; having several steering wheels and seats fitted inside of a mock-up model to test driver position. New vibrant red leather covers the front seats, and these were applied in 2005. At the same time, the leather on the rear seats, door panels, and center transmission console was dyed to resemble the front seats. To coordinate beside the leather, plush red pile carpeting constructed with jute backing attaches to the floorboards. Set inside of the center console are an aftermarket radio, air conditioning controls (A/C was recharged in 2017), and the standard metal-gated shifter.
The factory-original black-leather rimmed steering wheel, complete with the Dino horn button remains attached. Behind it, is the conventional 308 GT4 instrumentation, which always appears to be pulled directly from a Cessna. Toggle switches, slider controls, and obsessively-detailed Veglia instrumentation all dwell inside of a brushed aluminum gauge block. Among them is a 180-mph speedometer, a tachometer with 7,600 rpm redline, an analog clock, oil temperature, oil pressure, water temperature, and fuel level gauge. Fifty-one thousand miles sits on the odometer and the second, and current owner reports the addition of 2,000 miles since they purchased the 308 GT4 in 2014.
For Ferrari, the 308 GT4 established the precedent for their future entry-level offerings; a mid-mounted V8 engine combined with equipoise handling chassis. In the 308 GT4, the motor displaced three liters and produced 240 horsepower due to its quad-cam design when brand-new. Married to the engine is a five-speed manual transmission that commands the power sent outback. In 2018, the V8 was pulled out and a timing belt service was performed alongside the replacement of two head studs. Also during this operation: the water pump was changed, new engine gaskets fitted, a fuel pump exchanged, the clutch was adjusted, and fresh bearings were put in place. A year prior, the radiator fans and the carburetor diaphragms were all renewed.
Possessing a near 50-50 weight distribution, the 308 GT4 is fundamentally engaging and relaxed – even at limits. Double wishbone suspension out front and a fully-independent arrangement all-around helps make this dream set-up possible. Recently – on our example – the rear axle seals, the power steering rack, and front shock absorbers were restored. Some degradation is present amongst the drivetrain forming small holes within the muffler and the transmission nose cone.
Records from its initial purchase in Italy are supplied in a binder with the purchase. Along with the car is the tool kit kept inside the blue checkered trunk, although it is not entirely authentic. A clean California title is guaranteed with the purchase.
