Description
In the early 1970s, Ferrari is working on a successor to the Dino 246. The beautiful, Pininfarina-designed, compact two-seater with mid-engine has been overtaken in design by the competition, which is massively going for straight lines in this period. And so the project has to take a completely different approach. Bertone is invited to Ferrari’s headquarters and the new project is quickly drawn up.
Gandini, then working at Bertone, draws the 308 GT4. No line is the same as its predecessor, but the concept remains the same: a compact sports car with a mid-engine. Where the 206 and 246 Dino have a six-cylinder, the 308 GT4 and later 208 GT4 have an eight-cylinder behind the four seats.
Initially, the model bears the Dino logo and the prancing horse is not on the car, but from 1976 the two-plus-two-seater is finally sold as Ferrari, with Ferrari logos on the body, wheels and steering wheel.
For years the 208 GT4 and 308 GT4 have been undervalued, but in recent years that has changed completely. More and more enthusiasts appreciate the value of the beautiful Gandini creation, which translates into a growing appreciation of the model.
New in our stock is this very nice 208 GT4, in the colour Azzurro with a stylish natural-coloured interior with blue details. The car was delivered in June 1976, so this is a version that originally already bears the Ferrari logo. The car is in a very neat condition, partly due to the fact that the car has already been completely restored and overhauled in the past. After that, the car was cherished and used only selectively, so that the condition can still be described as ‘very nice’.
The body of the Dino is neatly painted, with a nice deep shine and little to no signs of wear. The doors close neatly and fittings are all very neat. The body seams are also all nice and straight. Chrome work is in excellent condition and the same also applies to the beautiful alloy wheels that have no damage.
A look into the interior does not provide unpleasant surprises. The upholstery is largely original and in good condition, with the blue centre parts of the seats matching the original blue floor covering. A look that fits perfectly with the 1970s. The seats are neat and pleasantly enclosing.
The dashboard is fully functional and also very beautiful with a large amount of meters and instruments. The controls also work properly, with a large part housed on the dashboard and a part, which Ferrari did not could fit there, in the centre tunnel. The original factory-supplied Borletti air conditioning can also be found there.
This Dino is equipped with the V8 with only 1, 990 cc capacity. A version that was introduced especially for the Italian market, because of the tax system that did not work out favourably for engines with a capacity of more than 2 litres. With 180 hp it may not be the fastest Ferrari ever, the handling and experience are of an unprecedented level. A Dino GT4 drives exceptionally well and this 208 is no exception. The 208 is still a very smooth car due to its low weight, but the performance is simply surpassed by the driving pleasure.
After the restoration, the Ferrari has always had the maintenance it deserves. As a result, the 208 GT4 is in excellent technical condition and there are no significant matters that require attention. After decades of being the neglected child, it is now up to the Dino to be the centre of attention: that certainly applies to this very fresh 208 GT4!
