1979 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 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 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds.

Classically presented in Rosso Corsa with a contrasting black interior, this example was UK-supplied in right-hand drive by Maranello Concessionaires on March 29th 1979 and is offered fresh to market from eleven years with its current owner. For most of this period it has been diligently cared for by the respected team at ‘QV London’ and serviced annually as required with the last service carried out at 40,652 miles (current indicated mileage 40,955) at which time the cam belt, tensioner and cam belt pulley were replaced. The history file contains almost every MOT Certificate issued since the date of original registration, including the current one valid until June 2025, and the documented service history is stamped by notable names including Maranello, JR Etheridge, John Pogson at Autosport Italia and latterly, QV.

With regards to the car’s overall condition, the external paintwork has clearly been refinished at some time but still retains a deep lustre with the interior thought to be as it left the factory, presenting extremely well with the odd blemish that could be very easily enhanced if required, however, an air of originality is not always a bad thing providing a nod of approval to the years of enjoyable miles covered by previous custodians. It’s supplied with the original document wallet, service book and Ziebart Rust Proofing documentation and pleasingly, its original toolkit and an original spare wheel sitting snugly in their dedicated slots.

If you are looking for an extremely honest and useable GT4 then we recommend your early inspection to fully appreciate the opportunity on offer.