1978 FERRARI DINO 308 GT4

This Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 is a race-prepared version of the marque’s first V8 production car, benefiting from a recent full engine rebuild, and with a long history of racing in the Pirelli Ferrari Formula Classic series. Under the engine cover is a 2.9-litre F106AL flat-plane-crank V8, producing up to 250bhp, driving the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.

An original UK-market car first registered in January 1978, chassis 13552 is understood to have been converted to racing specifications in the early 1990s, with continual improvements over the years, and regular use on track over a period of nearly 20 years.

The car could be used on any number of private track days, but is also eligible for the likes of the Pirelli Ferrari Formula Classic series, the AMOC Intermarque championship, CSCC’s Future Classics series, and the HSCC 70s Road Sports championship.

Its bodywork and paint are described as being in fair condition, having been resprayed in 2013 to its current red and white livery. During this work, the rear body was completely media-blasted, new arches were fitted, and any corrosion was cut out. This work was undertaken by RnR Performance Cars in Kent, with photos on file. It is also believed that other panels have either been replaced or repaired in the past, commensurate with its racing history. There are now some stone chips around the front end, but overall it still looks smart for a 42-year-old classic. It rides on the period-correct 16-inch alloys, a recognised fitment for the GT4, which are in good order.

Inside, the trim has been partially stripped out to lower the weight. The dashboard and door panels remain in place, but the front seats have been swapped to Sparco buckets with four-point TRS harnesses, and the rear seats and rear quarter panels have been completely removed. The carpets have also been taken out, and a half roll cage has been installed, along with a plumbed-in fire extinguisher.

Modified to full ‘fast road/race’ specification, the car has been fitted with double adjustable shock absorbers, and benefits from a total engine rebuild carried out in 2018. This included fitment of new oversized high-compression pistons, a new crankshaft, main and big end bearings, small end bushes, and new aluminium cam pulleys. The carburettors and the alternator were rebuilt, and the gearbox was also stripped down and reassembled with new synchro rings on all gears, and new fifth gear dog rings. It is fresh from a major cambelt service completed at RnR Performance Cars in September 2020, which also included checks and adjustment of the valve clearances.

It is assumed that the next owner would probably wish to continue using this as a track car, but nevertheless its last MOT test was on 25 July 2017 at 30,768 miles, when it passed with no advisories or defects noted - and it has covered less than 100 miles since then. The wheels are fitted with racing Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres, which are date-coded to 2015 and remain in good condition.

Accompanying the car is a very good history file dating back to the 1980s, which provides a raft of detail on previous owners, the initial racing conversion, and subsequent upgrades and improvements over the years. It is a well-known car in the Ferrari club series, and a familiar sight on track.

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”.

While this Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 is no longer in full road trim, it is arguably even more exciting, retaining the original character while delivering enhanced performance. This era of Ferrari V8 is known as being a robust engine, and with the recent rebuild to ensure this one is running sweetly, this 308 GT4 should prove to be a reliable entrant, and could be a great introduction to classic circuit racing, or even hill climbs and sprints.

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