1980 Ferrari 308 GT4

UK-supplied, right-hand drive, late-production, Series 2 with an indicated 54,000 miles

Finished in Argento Auteuil with Mid-blue leather and Royal Blue carpets

Well maintained, recent belt Service by marque specialist and much recent expenditure

Vehicle suffered some accident damage in 1998 and was shown on the condition register as Category C, subsequently inspected by Autoline and reclassified on HPI (a copy of the HPI certificate is available).

Ferrari had established an incomparable reputation for fabulous sports and GT cars with front mounted V12s during the '50s and '60s 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 simply 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.

However, the GT4's 2+2 layout makes this a very practical and comfortable Ferrari, with longer front-seat adjustment than the two-seaters. By placing the front seats well forward, Bertone made room for two children (or one sideways-seated adult) in the rear, while the compact engine/transaxle package left space behind the engine bay for a luggage compartment.

Four twin-choke Webers make starting unforgettable too. Well, it is a Ferrari, after all. As Ferraris go, then, the 308 GT4 is surprisingly practical, while its classic status is growing and you'd have to be mad to argue with that 3.0-litre, quad-cam, all-alloy V8 punching out 250bhp. It gives this 1,326kg four-seater a fair turn of speed and handling, on the all-independent suspension, is perfectly respectable with a longer wheelbase than the two-seater cars calming the potential for those scary mid-engined, mid-corner moments. Whatever your views on the looks, you can't argue with the power, the noise, the handling, or the heritage.

This 1980, right-hand drive, Series 2 308 GT4 is smartly finished in Argento Auteuil with a mid-blue leather interior and was purchased by its current owner from Foskers in 2013. He raced motorcycles as a sidecar passenger for 25 years competing in multiple Isle of Man TTs and at many of Europe's race circuits and, after retiring from racing, he wanted a slightly more sedate pastime. He chose the 308 GT4 because of its true GT status and used the car to tour France, to go to regular classic events, and for the odd blast through Wales. He even had a run up Prescott hill climb recently.With the current owner's motorsport background, he has fastidiously maintained the car with service work being carried out from 2013 -18 by marque specialists Auto Italia. Recent works include; a full cambelt service, brake pipes, brake pads, new alternator, ignition timing and carburettor set up 150 miles ago. Other works have been carried out on cooling, the fuel system, suspension, undertrays, and chassis rustproofing. A genuine Ferrari handbook and copies of many invoices come with the car. We believe the Dino was first registered new to Maranello Concessionaires on 10th July 1980, and the V5 now shows 8 former keepers. Acquired in November 1998 by a Mr McNally, the vehicle suffered some accident damage, which was shown on the condition register as Category C. The current owner has subsequently had the car inspected by Autoline and reclassified on HPI (a copy of the HPI certificate is available).As is often the way, Bertone's styling effort probably looks better now than it ever has, and today these '70s Ferraris have come of age with their practicality and brilliant handling and are as fast as you are ever going to need in the real world. This is a lovely, driveable little GT and is the perfect entry into Ferrari ownership.