Lot 181: 1979 Ferrari 308GT4

Ferrari’s family of immensely successful V8 road cars began in 1973 with the 308GT4, a model badged until 1977 as a Dino, thereafter as a Ferrari. The Maranello factory’s first V8-engined road car and first mid-engined 2+2, the 308GT4 was the work of Bertone rather than the customary Pininfarina. By placing the front seats well forward Bertone made room within the 100” wheelbase 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 5cu ft luggage compartment. Although the newcomer’s wedge-shaped styling was controversial, the performance of its quad-cam 3-litre V8 did not disappoint, the latter’s 255bhp (DINh) proving sufficient to propel the 308 past 150mph, with 60mph coming up in under 7 seconds. All-round independent suspension ensured that the handling was what one would expect from a Ferrari. Road & Track magazine was most impressed by the 308GT4’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.”

This Ferrari 308GT4 was delivered new to France and has been in the vendor’s hands since July 1992, prior to which it had enjoyed only two owners. The car has been regularly maintained by recognised Ferrari specialists, covering approximately 39,000 kilometres since a total engine rebuild. Invoices totalling 40,000 Euros come with it. The car is offered with car cover, owner’s manual, French Carte Grise and valid Contrôle Technique.


Cette Ferrari 308 GT4, livrée neuve en France, appartient au propriétaire actuel depuis juillet 1992 après avoir fait le bonheur de deux amateurs précédents. La voiture, qui a fait l'objet d'un entretien constant par des spécialistes Ferrari reconnus, a parcouru environ 39,000 km depuis la reconstruction totale du moteur. Outre un dossier de factures s'élevant à 40 000 euros, la voiture sera livrée avec une housse, le manuel de l'utilisateur, la carte grise française et un contrôle technique en cours de validité.