1975 Ferrari Dino 208 GT4

Registration No: 229 LOM
Chassis No: 11378
MOT: Exempt

• Despatched to S.V.E.A. SpA of Bari, Italy, in September, 1975
• Displayed an unwarranted but highly credible 37,236km when entrusted to Modena Classic Works in 2016 for a comprehensive restoration (now showing 40,000km/25,000 miles)
• Finished in Azzuro with Blu cloth upholstery as per its initial build specification
• Retains much of its original upholstery and correct-type 'Dino' space saver spare wheel

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 2+2 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 Dino range was bolstered in spring, 1975, by the arrival of a two-litre version, the 208. Intended for the Italian market where cars over 2,000cc were heavily taxed, the smaller capacity GT4 was powered by a 1,991cc quad-cam V8 allied with five-speed manual transmission. With a quoted 170bhp and 137lb ft of torque on tap, the Dino 208 GT4 was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds and 137mph. Only in production from 1975 to 1980, just 840 were made.

Rarely encountered in Britain, this marvellous Dino 208 GT4 has seen very little use following a substantial overhaul by Modena Classic Works (MCW) in 2016. Originally finished in Azzuro with a Blu interior, chassis 11378 is understood to have been sold new through S.V.E.A. SpA in Bari, Italy, and some Italian insurance documents dated 1986 and 1989 suggest it remained in use during that period. The 40,000km (25,000 miles) now shown on the odometer is very likely genuine.

When it arrived at MCW in April, 2015, it sported the Perugia (PG) registration ‘418661’ and was described as being “in fair condition, although it had not been turned over for a long time.” The body was stripped and repainted in the original Azzuro, while the engine, suspension and gearbox were refurbished and the original interior was refreshed, with the work totalling some €29,165. Concerning the engine, Modena noted: “The set of bolts has undergone a yellow galvanising process used on the ’60s and ’70s Ferraris.”

Completed in July, 2016, the Ferrari was then imported into England, where it has had only two owners (the first registered keeper was the transport company). The first drove the Dino until 2019, spending over £3000 on further improvements and maintenance by Italian car specialists during 2017, including the reconditioning of the steering rack by W.A.D. Auto Developments and a clutch overhaul by Migliore Cars. The vendor, an enthusiastic and discerning collector, bought it in 2021 and brought it up to an even higher standard, purchasing new brake and clutch pedal rubbers before presenting the Dino to Ferrari specialist Kent High Performance Cars in October, 2022, to have a full service and further works carried out including the replacement of the thermostat, cam seals, cam belts, rear main oil seal and petrol pump.

Now surplus to the vendor's requirements, the 208 is offered with the V5C, assorted invoices, an original 208 GT4 brochure and a presentation folder from MCW including a photographic record of the 2016 overhaul.

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