The 308 GT4 2+2
The 308 GT4 2+2 was a groundbreaking model for Ferrari in several ways: It was the first production Ferrari to feature the mid-engined V8 layout that would become the bulk of the company's business in the succeeding decades.
The 308 GT4 2+2 was the first production Ferrari to feature Bertone (rather than Pininfarina) bodywork. Pininfarina was upset by the decision to give cross-town rival Bertone the design, considering all they had done for Ferrari.
The Dino 308 GT4 was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in November 1973 and featured angular lines entirely different from its curvaceous 2-seater brother, the Dino 246, and later brother, the GTB & GTS. The styling was controversial at the time, with some journalists comparing it to the Bertone-designed Lancia Stratos and Lamborghini Urraco. The 308 GT4 finally gained the "Prancing Horse" badge in May 1976, which replaced the Dino badges on the hood, wheels, and the steering wheel.
The chassis was based on the Dino 246 but was stretched for a 2,550 mm (100.4 in) wheelbase to make room for the second row of seats. The suspension was fully-independent and the V8 was mounted transversely.
The 3.0 L (2927 cc) V8 was integrally joined with the gearbox and produced 250 hp (186 kW) in the European version and 230 hp (172 kW) in the American; it had an alloy block and heads with a dual overhead camshaft. The induction system had 4 Weber 40 DCNF carburetors.
The 308 GT4 had a total length of 170.1 inches and a wheelbase of 100.4 inches and weighed 2535 pounds; height was 46.5 inches and width was 70.9 inches
2,826 308 GT4 coupes were produced between 1973-1980. There were 2 series of GT4. The earlier cars featured a twin distributor engine and fog lamps mounted in the front valance. Later cars had a single distributor engine, with fog lamps mounted behind the front grille.
Today it is relatively easy to acquire one of these cars with examples priced at the same level as a new low-end sports car. Nevertheless, due to the quality of its ride (better than the other 308's) and the fact that its edgy design has aged very well, these cars are getting to be true collector items. Perhaps the most outstanding feature of the Dino 308 is the excellent ride it provides. There is no low-speed harshness and at speed the road irregularities are beautifully smoothed out. You can find Dino 308,s on the market from £10000 for a high mileage Restoration project to £30000 for a Concours show winning condition car.
We spotted this car, which must be the best 308 GT4 on the market.Its currently for sale by dk engineering:
Dino 308 GT4
£28,995
Delivered in July 1975 chassis 10020 was first registered as KHP 79N and presented in Rosso Chiaro over black with Nero Cloth and Vinyl interior and cost approximately £13,500. Chassis 10020 passed through a number of owners during its early life in February 1979 the registration “OO 4171” was applied to the car which is retained with the vehicle to this day. It was with this registration the car was wearing when it was made for ever famous by featuring extensively in Keith Bluemels book, “The Original Ferrari V8”.
Peter Stubbings, the then owner of the car, held on to the car for a number of years storing it on his farm. In the early 1990’s Peter contacted Kevin O’Rourke with a view to re commissioning the car is it had stood for a number of years. Kevin inspected the car and deduced that it was in need of total restoration but was in remarkable original condition right down to all the hose clips being the original factory items. Kevin O’Rourke in fact purchased the car for a sum of £16,000. Following this a complete restoration was carried out involving over 1600 man hours of work alone! This restoration was completed in August 1996 at 57,258 miles indicated on the speedo and was carried out at no expense spared.
Since its restoration the car has passed through a number of owners and was indeed sold to one of these by ourselves in 1999. The car has been continuously maintained at no expense spared since its restoration and even had the comfort of air conditioning fitted in 2003. The speedo currently reads 69,000 indicated miles and the car is presented in as restored condition. A wealth of invoices, MOT’s and photos accompany the car and are contained within its expansive history file justifying the huge investment that has been put into this vehicle that is perfectly reflected by its stunning “just serviced, ready to use and enjoy” condition – the vehicle is offered at a fraction of the price it would cost to get another 308 GT4 to the same level of condition.
Visit www.dkeng.com for more info or call them direct on +44 (0)1923 287687