Early chassis number retaining its original Dino badging
Matching numbers and colours
In the same family for 44 years prior to current ownership
Comprehensively re-commissioned over two years with all invoices available
The Appeal
It's a touch ironic that of all countries, Italy should have been the one to tax big engines. Italy has always loved the motor car, the more powerful the better, so its hefty levy on powerplants larger than 2.0 litres has baffled enthusiasts for decades. Fortunately, Italy's carmakers found a way around the problem, producing cars with big power but small engines. The Dino 208 GT4 was among them. Penned by Bertone rather than Pininfarina, and powered by a jewel-like 2.0-litre V8, it was the first mid-engined production Ferrari to offer 2+2 seating. With only 840 examples built, it has long been overshadowed by its larger-capacity 308 GT4 sibling, yet its rarity and the purity of its high-revving engine have earned it a devoted following among those who appreciate the finer points of Ferrari's back catalogue.
Our car is an early-chassis example, notable for retaining its original Dino badging, although it has also gained Ferrari script to leave onlookers in no doubt as to its Maranello origins. It spent a remarkable 44 years in the same family before being acquired by the current owner at auction in St Tropez in the summer of 2024. Having been stored unused for a decade, it was then subjected to a thorough two-year re-commissioning programme carried out by the owner alongside his son, a mechanic, and a close friend who is a former Le Mans race team mechanic. The scope of work was extensive, covering the ignition system, cooling system, brakes, timing belts, carburettors, and much more, all documented with receipts from respected specialists including Superperformance UK and Maranello Classic Parts.
Finished in its Nocciola Metallic (Metallic Hazelnut), the car retains its original interior colours. The vendor describes it as a true delight to drive, with a wonderful engine and rewarding road manners. With a technical inspection valid to August 2027, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a carefully preserved and freshly re-commissioned 208 GT4 in a fabulous spec and with strong provenance.image.png1.67 MB
History and Paperwork
Chassis No. 11706, Motor No. 415
In the same family for 44 years before being sold at auction in St Tropez in July 2024
Stored unused for 10 years prior to purchase by the current owner
Re-commissioned over two years by the owner, his son (a mechanic), and a close friend (a former Le Mans race team mechanic)
Copies of all invoices for re-commissioning work available, with parts sourced from Superperformance UK and Maranello Classic Parts
Original green warranty book present
Original blue spare parts catalogue present
Original jack and tools present
CT valid to August 2027
45,455 km (indicated); believed accurate by the vendor based on known history
Finished in Nocciola Metallic (Metallic Hazelnut), Ferrari Paint Code 106-M-27 — an older repaint which the vendor describes as presenting well
New tyres fitted along with replacement Dino badges and original-style rear Ferrari badge
French yellow tinted headlamps
Described by the vendor as an original, untouched, low-mileage 208 GT4, this is a survivor car rather than an overly restored one. The vendor describes the overall condition as very good, including the underside, noting that the older respray in its original (and devilishly handsome) Nocciola Metallic continues to present exceedingly well. Study the photographs carefully, and you'll see the car has a gentle patina of use while still looking exceedingly smart. While divisive at times, that Bertone styling has never looked so good, especially in this colour. The vendor states the interior is in very good order, in original matching colours. We adore the two-tone seats, Veglia instrumentation and the evocative sight of an open gated shifter. All looks to be in very good condition, as the photographs attest.
Matching numbers engine in factory-standard specification, per the vendor
Comprehensive re-commissioning work carried out, including new oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, timing belts with tensioner springs and bearings, water pump belt, air-con belt, coolant hoses, water pipe, and fresh coolant
Ignition system rebuilt with two new distributor caps, ignition coils, rotor arms, condensers, points, distributor shaft oil seals, HT leads, connectors, and spark plugs
Carburettors stripped and cleaned with idle jets upgraded from 45 to 50
New A/C condenser and two new blower fans fitted
New front brake discs and pads, plus new handbrake cables
LHD heater water control tap fitted
As listed above, this Dino has undergone a comprehensive program of recommissioning works, with a focus on usability. These cars are meant to be driven after all, so the new owner will have the reassurance of an extensive mechanical overhaul, giving them the confidence to exercise this capable sports car in the manner that its makers originally intended. Mounted amidships for excellent weight distribution, the exquisite 2.0-litre V8 sits slightly ahead of the rear luggage compartment, but still presents very well, reflecting the level of mechanical attention the car has recently received. The Dino is offered with valid CT and is reported to drive very well.image.png1.21 MB BEFORE YOU BUY
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