1979 Ferrari 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 styling was controversial at the time, with some journalists comparing it to the Bertone-designed Lancia Stratos and Lamborghini Urraco. The chassis was based on the Dino 246 but was stretched to make space for a 2+2 configuration. The 3.0-litre V8 was integrally joined with the gearbox and had an alloy block and heads with dual overhead camshafts fed through 4 Weber 40 DCNF carburettors.

This UK, RHD 308 GT4 was sold to its first owner in May 1979, and according to the UK V5C, has had a total of eight former keepers from new and been with our vendor since 2007. Having been manufactured in 1979, it"s the Series 3 model and comes with the desirable sunroof, correct 'prancing horse' shields and more modern technology compared to the Dino-badged, Series 1 models of the early seventies. Details of the service history are contained within the original owner"s book pack, and since 2007, our vendor has used renowned Ferrari specialist Keys Motorsport to look after the car to their normal high standards. Keys have recently changed the cam belts and the front suspension was replaced in 2011. Indeed, chassis "14816" is being taken to Keys Motorsport in July, just before the Silverstone Classic auction, to get it completely prepared for sale.

The 308 GT4 has been a bit of an underdog for many years but, as a drivers' car, is superb in every way and has earned the right to call itself "A Ferrari". Recent results have witnessed a lift in prices as the collectors car world wakes up to the potential of these cars.