1976 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4

Introduced at the 1973 Paris Motor Show, the Dino 308 GT4 was a significant departure for Ferrari in several ways. It was the first production car from Modena to feature a mid-engined V8, a layout that would become common to their core range for decades to come, along with the first production model to feature Bertone styling rather than Pininfarina bodywork. The chassis was based on the Dino 246 but was stretched to make space for a 2+2 configuration and the 255bhp, 3-litre V8 was integrally joined with the gearbox and featured an alloy block and heads with dual overhead camshafts fed through four Weber 40 DCNF carburettors.

The styling was controversial at the time, with some journalists comparing it to the Bertone-designed Lancia Stratos and Lamborghini Urraco, and the proportions gave traditionalists an attack of the vapours but, as is often the way, Bertone's styling effort probably looks better now than it ever has. 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 1970s 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.

This Dino GT4 is finished in its original factory shade of Rosso Corsa with a Crema interior and sits on a set of smart Cromodora 5-Star alloys. It's covered just 67,617 miles from new and has recently benefitted from a full cambelt service at Foskers Ferrari. Dating from early 1976, it still displays the desirable original 'Dino' badging prior to the arrival of the 'Prancing Horse' badgework in May 1976, making it quite rare as many of the early cars were rebadged as Ferraris by owners for whatever reason. It remains in lovely condition and is a splendid example of the model.

The 308 GT4 has been a bit of an underdog for many years but, as a drivers' car, it's superb in every way, and has earned the right to call itself a 'Ferrari'. Recent results have witnessed a lift in values as the collectors' car world wakes up to the potential of these great little Ferraris.