Extensive history file including information right back to its registration
One of only 547 RHD examples
The Appeal
In the early 70s Italian supercar makers seem to have had a momentarily wobble where practical considerations intruded upon the otherwise singular task of producing superlative sports cars.
The result was a flux of 2+2 cars providing transport not just for driver and co-pilot but family and friends too. Ferrari’s foray into this area was the Dino 308GT4, which otherwise broke with tradition by being designed by Bertone. Naturally, being a Ferrari it blended those practical considerations with a mid-engined layout that provided superb weight distribution and a new V8 version of the venerable Dino engine to deliver suitable heft. The pretty Bertone bodywork also introduced a new and modern style.
Like its predecessor the 246, with which it shared architecture, the new car was initially badged as a Dino. Ferrari badging only arrived with the Series 2 cars in 1976.
The new model was a success, 2,826 leaving the factory over eight years. Just 547 of those were supplied in RHD like this UK market car.
Specified with desirable options like air conditioning and electric windows, this car began life painted in two tone red and black like a Ferrari Boxer. Now finished in Ferrari red and with a recent engine overhaul it presents as a very usable example of this sought-after classic - and practical - Ferrari. 83kBjxCxiexvg1Zx0ui84WC01IKmUGR8OUZEeuHt.jpg693.17 KB
The History and Paperwork
First UK registered on 25th April 1977
One of the first Ferrari-badged Dino 308 GT4s
The original two-tone red and black ‘Boxer’ paintwork appears to have been changed on 11th December 1986
Thick history file including notes from a previous owner on the car’s history
Invoice from 2020 for engine overhaul and refit totalling £12,000
We are unable to verify if the invoice relates to reconditioning the existing engine or replacing it with another unit
Unfortunately we do not know when this car was last serviced
MOT expired on 17th March 2022 with one minor advisory for a front wheel bearing
The car has covered less than 400 miles since the last MOT and is tax and MOT exempt
Current owner since 20th April 2023
V5c in vendor’s name but has been lost and is currently being re-applied for
Very original interior with stylish 308GT4 features like the wrap-around dashboard and curved seats
Rare electric windows and air conditioning factory options
Aluminium-trimmed dashboard was very advanced for its time
The switchgear is cleverly arranged to be within easy reach of the driver
The cabin’s originality is surely a key part of this car’s appeal
There is room for gradual improvement as required
The seats appear to be originally trimmed and in good general condition
The rear seats are in very good condition, with minimal fabric fade,
The fronts show some fade to the backrest central trim
Headlining in good and apparently original condition with only light marks visible
Original factory steering wheel with some light deterioration notable on one spoke
Door cards appear original and presentable
Passenger side door trim may need re-affixed
The 308GT4 may have borrowed its underpinnings from the preceding 246 but inside it was all new. The clean-sheet approach is reflected in the very space-age design - the car was launched shortly after the Moon landings - which informs the wrap-around dashboard and curved seats.
This car is in very original condition, which is likely part of its appeal. There is scope to improve and it may benefit from a professional valet but none of the fixtures and fittings particularly detract from the period charm. The front seat backrests have faded fabric inserts but otherwise appear to be in good condition, the backs appearing virtually unused.
The door cards follow a similar theme, although the passenger side may need attention to reaffix it to the door. Elsewhere the dashboard is uncracked and unmarked and the fascia bezel in good, presentable condition with original switchgear showing clean decals.
Ferrari red paintwork appears to be a relatively recent restoration
The paintwork is in good condition with no visible chips or marks detracting and good colour depth
Localised areas indicating that the badging and trim was kept on the car when it was resprayed
Refurbished Cromodora factory alloy wheels in good condition with Fulda tyres
Underside has been undersealed and looks presentable and solid, showing only surface rust
Factory space saver alloy wheel
Original fittings and trim
The 308 GT4 was Ferrari’s first 2+2, which may explain why it handed the design task to Bertone rather than its carrozzeria of choice, Pininfarina. The result is a particularly striking design that cleverly hides the necessary lengthening of the 246 chassis to accommodate the extra seats. It is angular in the manner of 70s designs like the Lotus Esprit.
It is also a design that has increasingly been embraced by Ferrari cognoscenti, which accounts for the continued rise in values of these cars. No doubt the lovely pop-up headlamps help here.
This car was originally specified in two-tone red and black, like the contemporary Ferrari Boxer, but appears to have been changed to a single hue of Ferrari red in 1986. The photographs suggest that it has subsequently been resprayed and perhaps lightly restored since. The paintwork presents as very fresh and with good, even finish showing none of the dings and chips and scuffs you might expect from an older restoration.
There are localised areas where the paint is less good, such as round the bonnet and boot release handle in the B pillar, but these are hard to spot and do not detract from the overall finish. The decals and trim, such as the door handles, appear to be original and carry a light patina of age.
The car sits on pretty refurbished Cromodora factory alloys with Fulda tyres. The last MOT expired on 17th March 2022 and the car has only covered a few hundred miles since. However it is of course MOT and tax exempt.
We are told that a dyno read out dated 2008 for this car shows 248bhp
0-60mph in 6.7secs
Invoice for an engine overhaul in 2020 for £12,000
We are unclear at the time of writing if the invoice relates to the original engine or a replacement
The new Dino heralded a series of firsts for Ferrari, of which the introduction of a V8 accompanied the 2+2 configuration. An evolution of the Dino V6 that had underpinned Ferraris since the late 1950s and would continue to do so into the 1990s, the new engine was mid-mounted to give the new car near perfect weight distribution. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via 5spd gearbox.
This car comes equipped with a thick history file attesting to careful, enthusiastic owners. This includes an intriguing invoice from Ferrari specialist Migliore Cars dated 21st December 2020 referring to overhauling and refitting engine number 02016. Unfortunately we were unable to check the engine number for this car via DVLA or photographic records.CCS9vqOgsuOJa5NQuWyjNQUtMqbEtswpYJhRccVO.jpg783.64 KB
Summary
The Dino 308GT4 eventually earned ‘proper’ Ferrari badging but it didn’t really need that confirmation: with near perfect weight distribution, a new V8 engine and beautifully detailed interior, this practical 2+2 was always every inch a product of Maranello.
This well loved example comes with a thick history file and evidence of recent bodywork and mechanical investment. It looks ready to simply enjoy or there is scope to use and gradually improve.
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.*
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