1977 FERRARI DINO 308 GT4

This Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 is a superb 1970s 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 indicates 66,466 miles from new.

An original 1977 model built in right-hand drive and supplied to the UK, it left the factory finished in Grigio Ferro, with vinyl and cloth upholstery and Bruciato carpet, as well as air-conditioning. It was first registered on 1 August 1977, and has been with the current owner since January 2014.

The bodywork of this GT4 presents well, with good shut lines and panel gaps all around the car. While it left the factory painted in a metallic grey, like many classic Ferraris of its era it was later resprayed in a more popular red. The clear HPI report with the car shows a colour change from red to black recorded in 2010, which is understood to be when the car was professionally repainted in the current hue.

Today, the finish remains in excellent condition, with a glossy appearance around the body. There are a few minor blemishes and small stone chips in places, but in general the car looks impressive. The door jambs, bonnet and boot shuts are in good order, though there are some more noticeable chips in the paint around the metal sill covers.

Its brightwork is in great shape, the door and window seals are sound, and the light lenses are all present and correct. The car is also fitted with an original ANSA exhaust. The factory-fit wheels were the wider 14-inch items, but they have since been upgraded to genuine 16-inch alloys that were available in period on the 308 GTB and GTS models.

In the cabin, the beige vinyl with brown cloth upholstery looks superb, and may well have been re-trimmed in the past. There are no rips or tears in the seat panels or stitching seams, and only minor discolouration and wear on the driver’s side bolster. The rear seats can accommodate smaller children, or can of course be used as additional luggage space for touring. Ahead of the driver is a smartly trimmed Momo Prototipo steering wheel, while all of the other controls appear to be original.

It was put through an MOT test on 1 April 2020 at 66,467 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. An anti-roll bar link and driver’s seat fixing were attended to the day before. At the same time as the MOT test, the car was given a full service with replacement of the cam belts.

The car has been driven sparingly over the last eight years, and the previous cam belt service was in March 2012 at Ferrari specialist Barkaways in Kent, at 62,249 miles. During this service, the tensioners were also renewed, and the fuel tank was refurbished. In October 2012, the front and rear suspension was stripped and all bushes and bearings replaced, and components were powder-coated. The brake calipers were overhauled, as was the starter motor and the steering rack.

Its carburettor diaphragms were replaced at 60,340 miles, and they were balanced and adjusted as needed. The complete clutch assembly was renewed in 2011 at approximately 61,000 miles, along with the coolant header tank.

The alloy wheels are fitted with 205/55 ZR16 Pirelli P Zero Nero tyres at the front, and 225/50 R16 Pirelli P7 tyres at the rear. While the front tyres might benefit from replacement on the basis of age soon, all of the rubber is in good condition, and they have plenty of tread remaining.

Accompanying the car is the original handbook, as well as the stamped guarantee and maintenance record. The stamped book shows the comprehensive servicing up to the late 1980s, while there is also a detailed history file with invoices and receipts covering the last 20 years of the car’s life.

Just 547 examples of the 308 GT4 are understood to have been built in right-hand drive, which makes it almost as rare in this configuration as the Dino 246 GT. While the Bertone styling marked a stark contrast to Pininfarina models in period, it is rightly regarded today as a bold and well-packaged 1970s design.

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 characterful 1970s coupe, presented in a handsome colour scheme, and fresh from a full service and cambelt replacement. These mid-engined V8s are great fun to drive, and this car should prove to be a reliable and thoroughly enjoyable classic for its next owner.