1974 Ferrari 308 GT4 Dino

Ferrari had established an incomparable reputation for fabulous sports and GT cars with front mounted V12s during the 50's and 60's, but were a little nervous of introducing a smaller road car that didn't quite fit into the 12 cylinder, Grand Touring mould. Despite the best efforts of the marketing men who knew that simply having the name Ferrari on the new car would guarantee worldwide sales, senior management at Maranello were not convinced and decreed that their new baby should display to the world that it was a 308 GT4, at least until 1975. This new model was always destined to raise eyebrows, with its transverse V8, pair of rear seats and looks that divided families. As is often the way, Bertone's styling effort probably looks better now than it ever has, but at the time the proportions gave traditionalists an attack of the vapours. For all this the car was a huge success being bigger and more usable than any other mid-engine car had managed or would manage for a while. More than 3,600 were sold, dwarfing sales of V12 models and showing Ferrari the way forward. Today, these '70s Ferraris have come of age with their classic looks and brilliant handling and are as fast as you are ever going to need in the real world, with a top speed of over 150mph and a 0-60mph acceleration time of 6.4 seconds. So what's not to like? Particularly when you consider that a decent example will cost no more than a moderately sized new family car which will continue to shed value faster than yesterday's newspapers.We understand this to be one of 547 right hand drive cars supplied to the UK market. Between February, 1996 and October, 1997 the car had a comprehensive body restoration with the panel fit and Rosso Corsa paintwork remaining in excellent condition to this day (except for one recent scratch on the offside rear wing and a loose driver's door lower window channel). The underneath of the car is also in excellent condition and invites inspection and to our mind corroborates the cars stated mileage being in the realms of 65,000miles.We have previously been informed that whilst in earlier ownership the engine was rebuilt in 1992 by Ferrari specialist, Rosneath Engineering, at a cost of some £5,000, and recent mechanical expenditure includes replacement rear shock absorbers, replacement cambelt, new clutch, new fuel sender unit and professional tune-up. When warmed through both the engine and gearbox perform exactly as you would expect from a very well cared for example such as this and the car drives without fault. Obviously previous owners have maintained this Ferrari in a manner befitting the marque and this is evident.The 308 GT4 has been an underdog for many years but, as a drivers' car, is superb in every way and has earned the right to call itself "A Ferrari". Recent months have witnessed a lift in prices as the collector car world wakes up to the potential of these cars. Unlike many Ferraris the GT4 is practical and with a decent sized boot and near proper rear seats. Engines are tough by supercar standards and it drives beautifully. Supplied with UK V5C, MoT to November 2015 this is an investment to watch...