Ferrari is a legendary brand with a rich history that inherently evokes images of opulent, potent, and magnificent cars. Despite Ferrari's renowned prominence, the "Dino" nameplate, which was more affordable but formidable and with smaller engines, was born in late 1956. One such iconic Ferrari Dino model was the 308 GT4, which made its debut in 1973, stood out right away and demonstrated the vehicle's distinct personality and readiness for exploration.
The sports car was in a league of its own and broke Ferrari's mold in terms of design, aesthetics, and power. The 308 GT4 was a true performance monster of its time with an advanced cockpit interior. It undoubtedly transformed Ferrari, elevating it to the forefront of exotic cars for all time. This made it a collectible and valuable Ferrari.
Sadly, the Ferrari Mondial model replaced it after a seven-year production run that ended in 1980. However, there are some interesting facts that many people don't know about the Ferrari Dino 308 GT4.
10 Named In Honor Of Enzo Ferrari's Son
Behind many successful stories lurks a tragedy. The passing of Enzo's adored son Alfredo (nicknamed Alfredino or Dino) was the catalyst in the case of Ferrari. Enzo groomed his oldest son to be his heir apparent from an early age. Alfredo actively took part once he joined his father's company after completing his engineering studies.
Unfortunately, his life was cut short when, at the age of 24, he succumbed to muscular dystrophy following a lifetime of ill health. The car that was equipped with the engine that Alfredo was working on at the time of his death was given the name "Dino" by Enzo Ferrari in memory of his son. The 308 GT4 was one of a few cars with engines smaller than 12 cylinders to bear the honorary moniker Dino at that time.
9 First Introduced At Paris Motor Show In 1973
In several aspects, Ferrari’s Dino 308 GT4 was a revolutionary model. When Ferrari unveiled the 308 GT4 for the first time at the Paris Auto Show in October 1973, it was a startling revelation of transition.
Despite being overshadowed by its 308 GTB and GTS siblings. It was frequently regarded as the invincible Dino 246 GT's replacement and even bore that name. Given that this particular model had been connected to rounded two-seaters, Pininfarina's 246, this car was a striking departure from anything Ferrari had ever created before.
8 It Was Only Offered For Sale With "Dino" Badging Until Mid-1976
The classic Italian sports car has earned its place in the spotlight of collectors' garages as they have finally come to appreciate its historical significance. However, many people would find it hard to comprehend that the 308 GT4 did not wear a "Prancing Horse" insignia originally despite possessing Ferrari DNA.
Initially, the 308 GT4 sported a "Dino" badge. This was somewhat unconventional, and Ferrari ultimately decided to rebrand in May 1976 for 308s to feature Ferrari's authentic "Prancing Horse" badge. This replaced the Dino badges on the hood, back panel, wheels, and steering wheel while keeping the Dino 308 GT4 logo on the rear boot lid.
7 First Ferrari With Bertone Designed Bodywork
Before the 308 GT4, Pininfarina had been developing designs for Ferrari, and at the time, Pininfarina was well known as Bertone's main competitor. After working exclusively with Pininfarina for 20 years, Ferrari opted for the Bertone studio to design the 308 GT4, which shocked the Italian design world. It became the first Ferrari model with Bertone-styled bodywork.
Enzo Ferrari, who was intrigued by Bertone's design and development of Fiat's Dino 2+2, was referred to Bertone by Fiat. The Ferrari factory was where some of these Fiats were put together. Bertone’s Marcello Gandini was the architect behind this ground-breaking model's angular, wedge-shaped design.
6 Enzo Ferrari Personally Played A Significant Part In Its Creation
Numerous auto enthusiasts criticized the 308 GT4 styling, claiming that it did not fit the character of a Ferrari and that it was a contentious design for a Prancing Horse. Many of Bertone Studio's designs were for Lamborghini, and some Ferrari devotees thought the sports car bore an excessive amount of Lamborghini influence.
However, the truth is that Enzo Ferrari himself played a prominent part in this car's design, particularly the interior and pedal position. The origins of the Dino line were very dear to Enzo. Therefore, he made sure the 308 GT4 had a classic appearance and ample space with Ferrari heritage.
5 US Dealer’s Retrofitted “Prancing Horse” Badge
The 308 GT4 was the only model in the Dino line when the 246 GT and 246 GTS models went out of production in 1974. Due to the 365 GT BB and GT4 2+2 models' lack of homologation for the American market, it was the only model that Ferrari dealers there could offer their customers. Unfortunately, the sole Ferrari they had for sale lacked a Ferrari badge. Additionally, worsening the situation, performance was also a little bit muted as a result of the emission control equipment.
Car collectors, aficionados, and reviewers were very perplexed at the time, and many refused to purchase such an expensive car that did not feature Ferrari’s famous logo. As a result, in the mid-1975, the factory instructed US dealers to retrofit "Prancing Horse" badges to the existing stock until they first officially began to appear with Ferrari logos. Plus, at the same time, bumper modifications were also available in that market.
4 First Mid-engine V8 Ferrari
Another factor rendered the Dino 308 GT4 revolutionary for Ferrari. The 308 GT4 was the first Ferrari to incorporate a mid-engine V8 into production. The new V8 engine in the GT4 was different from the Dino V6 since it had larger displacement, two additional cylinders, and a 90-degree angle between the cylinder banks vis-à-vis a 65-degree angle.
The 2.9-liter V8 engine was mounted transversally behind the cabin, coupled to a five-speed manual transaxle, which in turn drives the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential. The potent V8 generated a solid 255 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, albeit for US imports, and during the duration of the vehicle's existence, those numbers dropped slightly.
3 It’s A 2+2 Coupe
The Dino 308 GT4 is undoubtedly distinctive among Ferrari models. The 308 GT4 from the Italian behemoth was the first mid-engine 2+2 coupe. Yes, the rare beastie was a 2+2 coupe with room for an additional two seats behind the driver and passenger.
The Bertone studio had to modify the Dino 246-based tubular space frame chassis in order to accommodate the extra seats behind. With only a 21 cm longer wheelbase than the Dino 246, it managed to squeeze an additional pair of seats. Furthermore, the GT4 was the only 2+2 Ferrari officially raced with factory support, giving the car an added collectability edge over its more curvaceous sibling, the GTB and GTS.
2 Is Not Exactly A GTB Or GTS
There is a common misconception among many auto enthusiasts that the GT4 shares the same chassis and frame as the GTB and GTS versions, but this is untrue. Although it shared the same mechanical features and sported similar four Weber 40 DCNF carburetors, the four-seater classic was quite different from the GTB/S.
The distinction between a GTB/S is noticeable from a single glance at the GT4. The 308 GT4 was a sharply angular car with outstanding visibility, all thanks to its trapezoidal design. It also possessed a feature that the GTB/S lacked: a real trunk. In contrast to the GTB/S, the engine was also easily accessible, allowing for quicker and less expensive maintenance. Interestingly, the GT4 was the only 2+2 Ferrari that was officially raced with factory support, making it more collectible than the GTB and GTS.
1 Hailed As An Excellent Handling And Performance Car By Motor Racing Drivers
It is plausible that when the Ferrari 308 GT4 debuted, car fanatics and Ferrari devotees who bemoaned the absence of the more ferocious V12 weren't really moved by the car. However, Ferrari didn't forgo its performance and handling when it debuted with its brand-new V8 engine. This Ferrari received widespread praise for its driving performance and handling by many motor racing drivers, and is still nothing short of fantastic today.
Emerson Fittipaldi, a former F1 champion, had the opportunity to test drive the GT4 and did so on Italy's Quattroroute, where he hailed it as one of the best GTs. In addition, Le Mans winner Paul Frere also said, although it only has eight cylinders, it is a Ferrari by all other standards. It could sprint to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. The 308 GT4's development was heavily influenced by F1 icon Niki Lauda, who was then driving for the Italian racing team and had tuned the chassis. So it’s no wonder why it excels in driving characteristics.