Description

1975 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4

No Reserve

In the current ownership since 1988; for restoration; engine and gearbox included along with various other parts; no interior; ideal basis for a race car or even an electric drivetrain perhaps? 

Introduced at the Paris Motor Show in November 1973, the 308 GT4 Dino broke new ground for Ferrari in several ways. The first production Ferrari to feature the mid-engined V8 layout that would become the mainstay of the range in succeeding decades, it was also the first production Ferrari to feature Bertone (rather than Pininfarina) bodywork, the young Marcello Gandini doing the actual design.
The angular 2+2 styling got mixed reactions at the time, with some journalists saying it owed more to the Bertone-designed Lancia Stratos and Lamborghini Urraco than to a traditional Ferrari, but it is now widely considered to be a classic in its own right. Badged as a Dino to begin with, it finally got the famous Prancing Horse badge in 1976.
The chassis was based on the Dino 246 but slightly stretched to make room for a second row of seats. Power came from a 3-litre V8 integrally joined with the gearbox and featuring a dual overhead camshaft with quad Weber 40 DCNF carburettors to produce a healthy 250bhp. Performance was suitably brisk with 60 coming up in 6.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 155mph. With a low centre of gravity, a stiff frame and double wishbone suspension all round, the handling was well up to the job and was widely praised. Just 2,826 GT4s were made before it gave way to the Mondial 8 in 1980.
First registered in January 1975, this 308 GT4 was acquired by our vendor from Ferrari specialists DK Engineering of Watford in January 1988. As the purchase invoice shows, it cost £9,500 and was bought in exactly the same condition as you see it today – a rolling shell with the engine/gearbox assembly supplied separately along with various other parts to assist in returning it to roadworthy condition.
Our vendor had planned to turn it into a race car but now, over 30 years later, he has realised that he will never get round to the task so has decided to pass it on to someone with more time and enthusiasm to complete the job. Ferrari projects are few and far between these days and an adventurous new owner may even consider installing an electric drivetrain in this car and using the V8 in a special.
Being sold here strictly on a ‘what-you-see-is-what-you-get’ basis, it is obviously lacking interior elements like the seats, door cards and carpets, and the bonnet and bumpers have also gone astray, but there will no doubt be various other bits missing so bidders are urged to come and inspect it for themselves. Documentation includes a V5, older V5, purchase invoice and correspondence with DK Engineering.

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com