NO RESERVE - 1979 Ferrari 308 GT4
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Highlights
- Rare Right-Hand drive example
- Excellent, factory specification throughout
- Comprehensive history and service record
- Major service with cambelts in 2021
- Engine rebuild by Superformance c.16,000 miles ago
- Gorgeous Bertone styling
The Appeal
The Dino 308 GT4 was a game changer for Ferrari, the first mid-engined V8 car and more significantly the first to use Bertone designed bodywork as opposed to Pininfarina. The styling may have proved controversial at the time, but looking back it’s clear to see the 308 was setting the trend for supercar styling. But the 308 GT4 offers a lot more than historical interest, a fantastic looking car in its own right and with the superb 2,926cc V8 in the rear it’s everything you could want in a classic Ferrari.
This particular 308 GT4 has been extensively restored by the current owner and meticulously maintained to the highest standard. It’s in fantastic condition inside and out, and with a recent tune up it’s a classic that begs to be driven and enjoyed even if it is extremely collectible. A perfect blend of performance and the bold aesthetics the Italian marque is known for, this 308 GT4 is not to be missed.
The History and Paperwork
- V5 Present and correct
- Registered as a historic vehicle - tax and MOT exempt
- Letter from Charles Hurst Ltd (official Ferrari dealer) on 8th May 2009 confirms the car was built between October and November in 1978
- The car was delivered to Maranello Concessionaires (UK) in December 1978
- First registered in January 1979 to Connolly Brothers Couriers of London
- A letter from 1988 suggests the car may have been used as an official Ferrari demonstrator, as photographs of the car were sent to a contemporary car magazine direct from the manufacturer/concessionaire
- An invoice dated 2008 from Superformance for a full engine rebuild at 75,000 miles that includes a full set of high compression pistons alongside many new internal engine components
- Extensive MOT and invoice history documents the mileage
- An invoice dated 2020 from Airey Tuning Co for carburettor tuning and balancing followed by a rolling road test where the car is putting out 280 bhp at 6,500 rpm
- An invoice dated 2018 from Emblem Sportscars for a range of minor mechanical work alongside a full cambelt change
- An invoice dated 2020 from Emblem Sportscars for new spark plugs, brake pads and rear exhaust box and manifold amongst a host of other mechanical work
- An invoice dated 2021 from Emblem Sportscars that includes new cambelts, auxiliary belt, oil and filter change, brake rebuild and fluid change, new brake servo/master cylinder, full lubrication of door, locks and latches
The Interior
- Excellent condition throughout
- Black Connelly hide seats with matching carpeting all in very good condition with minimal signs of wear and only the lightest patina
- Fluted headlining presents very well
- Fantastic 70’s wrap-around dashboard is in superb condition
- Air conditioning system removed by a previous owner, but all of the dashboard controls are present
- Door cards, centre console and trim all present very well
Sliding down behind the wheel into the deep black Connelly hide bucket seat of the 308 GT4 it’s hard not to fall in love with the 308, the low-slung position, wrap-around dashboard and short bonnet make for a fantastic driving experience that is everything you could want from a Ferrari.
The interior is in excellent condition throughout and it’s clear to see that this car has been very well cared for. The black Connelly hide seats show little sign of wear and the matching carpeting is in a similarly good condition. Both door cards present very well and the headlining looks superb along with the dials, centre console, dashboard and trim.
The Exterior
- Excellent condition
- Finished in Rosso Corsa (Italian racing red)
- Fantastic classic Italian styling
- Complete with Dino badging on the rear panel
- Period correct Compomotive split-rim wheels all present excellently
- Windows, trim, light lenses and badges are all in very good condition
The bold angular styling from Bertone looks as good today as it did when it launched fifty years ago. From every angle this 308 GT4 is a fantastic looking car and has the instantly recognisable Ferrari aesthetic. Finished in the only appropriate colour this is the epitome of Italian style and is sure to attract attention wherever it goes.
The overall condition is very good; the paintwork presents very well with a deep lustre and only light signs of use in the form of some light stone chipping in the usual places, the period correct Compomotive split-rim aftermarket alloy wheels are all in great condition and compliment the styling of the 308 GT4 beautifully. All of the light lenses, trim, badges, windows and door handles present very well and the overall impression this car makes is very good indeed.
The Mechanics
- Starts easily and idles smoothly
- Occasional misfire when cold, the vendor informs us this clears up when the engine is warm
- The 2,926cc V8 sounds fantastic with no unwanted noises
- Full engine rebuild at 75,000 miles
- High compression pistons
- Rolling road tuned by Airey Tuning Co to 280 bhp at 6,500 rpm
- Superformance exhaust manifold and back box
- The current owner informs us that the car has had a lower half strip to bare metal and respray
- Maintained to the highest standard by the current owner
- Engine bay and underside present superbly
- The current owner reports that it drives brilliantly; accelerating well, shifting smoothly and stopping quickly
Even a cursory glance at the engine bay and extensive selection of invoices tells you a lot about the mechanical condition of this car; it has wanted for nothing. With a full engine rebuild at 75,000 miles just prior to the current owner acquiring the vehicle and with extensive mechanical work carried out since, it’s in fantastic condition. The 2,926cc V8 sounds fantastic through the Superformance exhaust and is more than enough to quicken the pulse of any petrolhead.
With a cambelt change, full fluid change and a rebuild of the braking system by specialists Emblem Sportscars in 2021 this 308 GT4 is mechanically as good as they come and ready for the road.
Summary
The 308 GT4 is everything a classic Ferrari should be; bold Italian styling, a lively V8 and an interior focused on providing a thrilling driving experience.
With the exceptional service history and work recently carried out this 308 GT4 presents very well both aesthetically and mechanically; ready to drive and enjoy, this is one not to be missed.
With the exceptional service history and work recently carried out this 308 GT4 presents very well both aesthetically and mechanically; ready to drive and enjoy, this is one not to be missed.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1979
- Make Ferrari
- Model 308 GT4 Dino
- Colour Red
- Odometer 90,928 Miles
- Engine size 2926
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Lyndhurst
- Location Hampshire
- Country United Kingdom
207
bids
- ma•••• £40,500 12/02/23
- St•••• £40,250 12/02/23
- ma•••• £40,000 12/02/23
- pe•••• £39,750 12/02/23
- ma•••• £39,500 12/02/23
- pe•••• £39,250 12/02/23
- ma•••• £39,000 12/02/23
- pe•••• £38,750 12/02/23
- ma•••• £38,500 12/02/23
- pe•••• £38,250 12/02/23
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