1976 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4

Registration No: RKV 155R
Chassis No: 12642
MOT: Exempt

• Original British-specification, right-hand drive car
• The subject of previous extensive restorative works to the body and mechanicals
• Previously the property of well-known Formula One mechanic Kerry Adams

Launched at the 1973 Paris Salon, the Dino 308 GT4 was a seminal model for Maranello. The first V8-powered Ferrari, it was also the marque’s first non-Pininfarina-styled production car. The work of Marcello Gandini at Bertone (whose other 1970s credits included the Lamborghini Countach and Lancia Stratos), its angular lines were in stark contrast to those of the outgoing Dino 246 GT. Enzo Ferrari personally oversaw the newcomer’s ergonomics, while multiple F1 World Champion Niki Lauda is said to have honed its driving dynamics. A two-plus-two underpinned by a tubular steel spaceframe chassis featuring all-round independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, front and rear anti-roll bars and rack-and-pinion steering, the 308 GT4 was judged faster and better handling than its predecessor by the contemporary motoring press. The overall cockpit design was considered futuristic matched by the external aerodynamic bodywork. The desirability levels of these Ferraris are quietly ballooning with prices, quite rightly, following suit.

An exceptionally well-provenanced example, ‘RKV 155R’ is a genuine British-market Dino likely supplied new through Maranello Concessionaires of Thorpe, Surrey. Its history begins in 1986 when it was acquired by the well-known Formula One mechanic Kerry Adams of Windsor. Adams worked during the 1970s and ’80s for Williams, Brabham and McLaren, before founding his own historic racing preparation business Adams McCall Racing. In 2014 he was the subject of a Motor Sport article.

Adams wrote a brief history of the Ferrari during his ownership, noting that it was originally metallic light blue with a blue part-vinyl, part-velour interior. He bought it with half the engine dismantled as it had dropped a valve. He recorded: “I stripped it down to the bare bones and cut out the rotten bits, including the rear wheel arches, floors and roof. I rebuilt all the suspension… [and] rebuilt the engine myself. New pistons and rings, valves, valve springs, all-new bearings and two new cams went in. The gearbox was rebuilt by a Ferrari specialist. I supplied all-new bearings and synchro rings. The upholstery was done by Moto Trim. All this was over a 20-year period.”

Adams only parted with the Dino when he retired to southern France in 2014. The next owner retained it until 2021, and in the course of his ownership subjected it to two cambelt services. The second of these was completed by Ferrari specialist Bob Houghton for a cost of almost £6400, the work also including some wider servicing and engine fettling. The owner also corrected some paint defects and fitted the genuine narrower Dino 246 wheels, which he felt provided better handling.

The car’s late recent owner owned it from 2021, undertaking some light refurbishment upon purchase. Used very sparingly since Adams’s tenure, it is offered with the current V5C, an original owner’s manual, a workshop manual (both manuals are in Italian and English), a 1970s Maranello Concessionaires brochure and a copy of the October, 1985, Classic & Sports Car.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430