1979 Ferrari 308 GT4

• Current 'Classiche Certification' from Ferrari since 2009
• From 34 years of devoted privateer ownership
• Meticulous maintenance, extensive history records & verifiable mileage
• One of only 547 right-hand drive UK-delivered examples
• The first Bertone-designed production Ferrari
• The first mid-engined V8 production Ferrari

After a hugely successful 20-year exclusive partnership with Pininfarina, Ferrari turned to Bertone to design its first production mid-engined V8, the Dino 308 GT4. The decision was made to mount the engine transversely to allow for 2+2 seating, which would complement the 246 GT/GTS in the Dino lineage. The Dino name was retained until the end of 1976 when it was re-badged as a Ferrari to accommodate popular demand.

Although the newcomer's wedge-shaped styling was initially controversial - penned by Marcello Gandini who also designed the Lamborghini Miura and Countach, plus the Lancia Stratos, of which the 308 GT4 was aesthetically compared - the performance of its quad-cam 2,927cc DOHC, 16-valve, 90-degree aluminium-alloy V8 engine with four Weber 40 DCNF carburettors, coupled to a five-speed manual transaxle, did not disappoint; the former's 255bhp proving sufficient to propel the 308 past 150 mph, with 60 mph coming up in under seven seconds. With the addition of front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers, coil springs, anti-roll bars, and four-wheel disc brakes, the handling and road holding were all that you could hope for in a Ferrari.

During the development of the GT4, Ferrari engineers even worked with the late Nikki Lauda for several months of testing and research. Road & Track magazine was most impressed by the 308 GT4's blend of speed and civility when they tested one in 1974: ''Apart from the performance, which you take for granted in a Ferrari, and the aforementioned remarkable flexibility of the engine, perhaps the most outstanding feature of the Dino 308 is the excellent ride it provides. The progress, compared to earlier Ferraris, is enormous.''

The car presented here is a right-hand drive, UK-supplied 1979 Ferrari 308 GT4 which was subjected to a Classiche evaluation by Ferrari in 2009, and ever since has the rarefied accolade of having Classiche Certification. In 2005 the company gave birth to Ferrari Classiche, a department of excellence that offers owners an exclusive service. This unique provision is very important for owners, as only Ferrari Classiche can release an official document confirming the full authenticity of a car. Only fully functioning cars can receive the Ferrari Certificate of Authenticity; because to ensure the vehicle's conformity to the original design - and therefore maximum driving safety - all parts need to be authentic. Chassis, engine, gearbox and transmission, suspension, brakes, wheels, bodywork, and interior, are all rigorously examined by the Ferrari Classiche group of experts.

Since our vendor bought this 308 in 1985, he has ensured that Graypaul Ferrari of Nottingham - one of the few original UK Ferrari mail dealers authorised as 'Officina' (Italian for workshop) and able to implement the Ferrari Classiche Certification process and ensure the correct maintenance and/or repair of Ferrari cars over 20 years old – have cared for his car continuously, ensuring its ongoing status as a Ferrari Classiche Certified vehicle. Doing even more than this to ensure the highest of standards, our vendor bestowed on the car a full engine & gearbox rebuild (and clutch replacement) within the last three years, plus a bare metal respray of the roof in 2016. This is easily one of the best 308 GT4s available to buy currently anywhere in the world. It's provenance, history and mileage (62,000) are without question – a truly exceptional and reassuring honour amongst classic cars. This is a rare and special opportunity to own a Classiche Certificated Ferrari, believed to be the only such 308 GT4 in the UK. Undoubtedly a 'Best of Breed'.

(The original 14'' alloy wheels are boxed and will accompany the car)