1978 Ferrari 308 GT4 Dino

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 3.0-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 '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.

Delivered new in May 1978 by H.R.Owen, this exceptional Ferrari Dino 308/GT4 has covered only 12,947 miles in the hands of its only owner. Purchased new by his Mayfair-based PR company for his private use, it was subsequently transferred to him personally in June 1985 and has formed part of a small exclusive collection for the last 44 years. Complete with its original owner's handbooks and service book corroborating the very low mileage. It has a full service record and a belt change 120 miles ago in 2017 and is supplied with a spare rear light cluster and various front bumper parts. It's finished in Argento Anteuil, which makes a refreshing change from the normal red, yellow or blue and the interior is in grey leather. The whole car is in lovely condition and is ready for a new owner to enjoy this versatile and practical Ferrari which has been cherished by its one enthusiast owner.

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 prices as the collectors' car world wakes up to the potential of these great little Ferraris.