1976 FERRARI DINO 308 GT4

This Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 is a smart example of an enjoyable classic sports car. The GT4 was Ferrari’s first V8 production car, and was given its unmistakable ‘wedge’ styling by Marcello Gandini at Bertone. Its engine is the flat-plane crank 2.9-litre F106AL V8, producing around 250bhp, driven through the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer is currently inoperative, but the correct figure is believed to be approximately 90,000 miles from new.

Built in 1976, this original UK-market 308 GT4 has nine previous keepers on the log book. The current owner acquired the car around one year ago.

There is no known prior damage to any of the bodywork, and the vendor reports that the paint has recently been completely refreshed during his ownership at a dedicated body shop in Norwich. Its black finish is described as being in excellent condition, with no chips or scratches anywhere around the car. The body trims and light lenses are all present and correct, though the bumper inserts are slightly scuffed and faded, commensurate with the car’s age and mileage. The 14-inch alloy wheels are in generally good order, with only some minor chips and paint blemishes around the rims.

Inside, the seats and door panels are upholstered in black leather, which remains in fair order, with some evident wear and discolouration on the material that is consistent with the age and use, though nothing that could not be considerably improved with professional re-connolising. At some point in the car’s past, it has been converted to the ‘2+0’ seating layout with the rear seats removed, and with an extra space for luggage in their place. The carpeted floor piece also lifts up to provide a hidden storage section. The manually operated sunroof is currently inoperative, and requires new plastic clips for the runners. All of the electrics are reportedly working correctly, and there are no warning lights on the dashboard.

Its last scheduled maintenance was in May 2020, when Ferrari specialist Keys Motorsport carried out an annual service and inspection. The latter identified an oil leak from the left-hand side of the engine, and an exhaust blow from the manifolds. The blowing from the exhaust has now been rectified, though there is still an oil leak present – as identified in the June 2020 MOT. The video of the car running below was taken after this work was completed.

The previous service carried out in August 2017 at Keys Motorsport included replacement of the cambelts and tensioner bearings, water pump and water pipes. The cam cover gaskets were renewed, and the cam covers, belt covers and air box were refinished. The alternator was also replaced, along with the oil filter and air filter, fuel filter and the nearside rear wheel bearings. The gearbox oil was also changed, and new flexible brake lines were fitted, as well as front and rear brake pads, upgraded rear anti-roll bar bushes and clamps.

The last MOT test was carried out on 25 June 2020, which resulted in a first-time pass with the tester noting only a slight oil leak, a noisy exhaust, and some wear in the front suspension arm bushes. The wheels are fitted with period-correct Michelin XWX tyres, which have a good level of tread, but are dated to 2001 and are showing some cracking in the sidewalls – so would benefit from replacement.

While no handbooks or tools are present, there is a very good history file of numerous invoices and nearly two dozen old MOT certificates, dating back as early as 1977. There are also two sets of keys.

Andrew Frankel recently revisited the 308 GT4 model for Enzo magazine, and concluded: “If, like me, you believe the amount of fun a car provides is calculated by how enjoyable it is to drive multiplied by the number of times it makes you feel inclined to drive it, the 308 GT4 remains one of the most underrated Ferraris of all”.

This Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 is a smart example of a 1970s ‘wedge’ style sports car, boasting strong mechanicals and a significant amount of work within the last few years to improve its reliability and performance on the road. While the original interior trim would benefit from some refurbishment in due course, this is an eminently usable example of Ferrari’s first V8 production car, and one that will no doubt prove great fun to drive whenever the next owner gets behind the wheel.

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