Highlights
- Original interior
- £10k recommission by specialist Rardley Motors in 2018/19
- Featured on TV programmes and pop videos (Daecolm - Hot Topic)
The Appeal
When first launched in 1973, the 308 GT4 was badged under Ferrari’s Dino brand in a bid to make it seem more attainable than the company’s V12 exotica. Intended as a 2+2 variant of the iconic, gorgeous Dino 246 GT it was a first in many respects – not least that it was the first Ferrari designed by Bertone (rather than Pininfarina). It was also the first to feature the mid-engined V8 layout that would become the company’s benchmark in following years. Ferrari badging appeared in 1976 and the model continued until 1980 when it was superseded by the Mondial 8, by which time some 2,826 examples had been produced.
KKR 67 V is a 1980 308 GT4 in Rosso Corsa. It is understood to have been completed in June 1979, finished in dark metallic grey (Grigio Scuro) with rosso hide with black cloth inserts. It was additionally optioned with air-conditioning and 7 ½” wide wheels.
The History and Paperwork
- TV (Celebrity Antiques Roadtrip) and pop video history
- Current V5
- MoT- and tax-exempt
- Previous MoTs
- Historic invoices
- Thick file of paperwork
- Recent invoices from Rardley Motors
KKR 67 V was imported into the UK in February 1980 by Maranello Concessionaires (one of 582 to have been officially imported and registered), for use as their own demonstrator. The vendor acquired the car in 2008. It’s had an interesting life under his tenure, having been featured on TV’s Celebrity Antiques Roadtrip on two occasions: Series 2 Episode 9 (with Craig Charles and Robert Llewelyn from Red Dwarf), and Series 10 Episode 11 (with Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp and his wife Shirley). Both episodes can be viewed on the BBC iPlayer. It’s also been featured in a hip-hop video – Hot Topic by Daecolm – look it up on YouTube!
The car comes with a sizeable file of paperwork, including the original owners’ manual and service book, lots of previous invoices and MoT certificates, and recent invoices for recommissioning work at specialist Rardley Motors. The vendor has reluctantly decided to part with the car as he feels that he doesn’t use it enough and he has other car projects in need of attention and funds.
The Interior
- Lovely original interior
- Supportive sports seats
- Rear ‘+2’ seats
- Leather-trimmed dash, door cards and centre-console
- Good visibility
- Stereo with detachable front and case
- Smart cream roof lining
- Spacious boot
Open the doors, and it’s immediately obvious that the interior of the car is beautifully original, with the patina on the seats, door-cards and centre-console giving the car a real authenticity. It’s clearly been well cared-for, with minor damage to the speaker vent on the nearside door-card the only obvious negative.The leather-trimmed Ferrari steering wheel also has some patina but still looks the part.
As you’d expect, the seating position is low-slung but with sound support from the sports seats and good visibility, and the black cloth inserts on the seats have held up remarkably well considering they are more than forty years old. The stereo radio/cassette player has a detachable front and this comes with its case, although we weren’t able to verify the operation of the radio. Considering the car has its engine in the middle, the boot is pretty spacious compared to many of its contemporary rivals. The boot’s carpet lining is a bit grubby but undamaged, while the two carpet-liner panels for the underside of the boot are currently detached but the vendor will resolve this before sale.
Under the bonnet is a spare wheel and tyre in very good condition, and a substantial modern battery.
The Exterior
- Bare-metal 2007 respray
- Rosso Corsa paintwork in excellent condition
- Sound wheels and tyres
- Good badges and brightwork
At the time of its launch, the 308 GT4 attracted criticism for looking too much like Bertone’s other designs – the Lancia Stratos and Maserati Khamsin. Harsh, to say the least! Those sleek lines still shout ‘Ferrari’ and still turn heads; it didn’t take long for an envious teenager to come and admire this car during our photo shoot. Bertone’s designers knew their stuff and the car looks every inch a supercar.
KKR 67 V was subject to a bare-metal respray in 2007, after which the car spent most of its time as a centre-piece in a car showroom before being acquired by the vendor in March 2008. The Rosso Corsa paintwork has clearly been well looked-after, although the paint on the bonnet has some cracks, and there are some minor cracks on the fuel-filler cover. Otherwise, there are virtually no chips or blemishes, and it still looks good.
All four wheels are pretty good, with only minor scuffs on the rims, while all the tyres (including the spare) have plenty of good tread. The pop-up headlights operate well although there is some corrosion on the lamp surrounds, while the rear lights are clean with no cracks or damage. Badges on both front and back of the car look good, as does the front grille.
The Mechanics
- 2.9-litre (2,926cc) DOHC V8 engine
- Factory rated at 252bhp, capable of 155mph
- 5-speed manual gearbox
- Drives and handles beautifully
- Clean and tidy engine bay
- No visible issues underneath
It became clear, even on the short drive to our photo location, that this 308 GT4 drives and handles as well as one would expect. The vendor assures us that it performs beautifully, and having driven it to the location he was rueing his decision to sell! The car starts on first turn of the key, and idles well.
The current odometer shows 28,000 miles; however, the previous speedometer was replaced in October 1989 at 45,000 miles (documented) so in total the car has covered around 73,000 miles.
In the engine bay, everything appears to be in good order, and there are no visible issues under the car.
Summary
Historically something of a slow-burner on the classic scene, 308 GT4s have become more and more sought-after in recent years, and the car has a reputation as a practical proposition for aspiring Ferrari owners. Consequently, values have been steadily rising. This one comes with an interesting history, thanks to those TV appearances, and has clearly been cherished by successive owners. If you’ve always wanted a Ferrari, this one has to be worthy of serious consideration.
And has also featured in two Episodes of BBC Celebrity Antiques Roadtrip
Series 10 – Episode 11 (with Martin Kemp and Shirley Kemp of Spandau Ballet and Wham!)
and Series 9 – Episode 2 (with Craig Charles and Robert Llewellyn of Red Dwarf)
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