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 chassis was based on the Dino 246 but was stretched to make space for a 2+2 configuration and the 3.0-litre V8 was integrally joined with the gearbox and featured an alloy block and heads with dual overhead camshafts fed through four Weber 40 DCNF carburettors.
The styling was controversial at the time, with some journalists comparing it to the Bertone-designed Lancia Stratos and Lamborghini Urraco, and the proportions gave traditionalists an attack of the vapours but, as is often the way, Bertone's styling effort probably looks better now than it ever has. For all this, the car was a huge success being bigger and more usable than any other mid-engine car had managed or would manage for a while. More than 3,600 were sold, dwarfing sales of V12 models and showing Ferrari the way forward. Today, these '70s Ferraris have come of age with their classic looks and brilliant handling and are as fast as you are ever going to need in the real world, with a top speed of over 150mph and 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds.
Chris Rea, the singer, songwriter, and musician has an enduring passion for Ferrari with many finding their way through his hands over the years, however, one particular model has been a constant within his stable, that being the Dino GT4 appearing in many guises, from out and out race versions which have been spiritedly campaigned by him over the years through to superb road-going examples such as this particular steed, the latest to have received the Rea touch. Purchased some years ago in need of a little TLC, the decision was taken to entrust Ferrari specialists QV of London, with whom Chris has a longstanding relationship, to fully recommission his latest acquisition to ensure longevity and reliability wherever possible. As is often the case, the timescale to complete the restoration became elongated as the list of desired works steadily increased, resulting in the bodywork being refinished, the engine being fully rebuilt and enhanced, the interior being fully refreshed and the running gear totally overhauled. Looking deeper into the schedule of recommissioning and the associated invoices, it's noted that the engine now has fully balanced internals including the high-compression pistons and polished crank, the running gear was totally removed and stripped prior to being totally overhauled, re-bushed and powder coated as required but not before the decision was taken to fit uprated springs and dampers, new brake calipers - front and rear, stainless brake hoses, a new steering rack and much more.
The 308 GT4 is one of the few small Ferraris that suit a two-tone colour scheme, Chris' own Ferrari Pirelli Challenge car was red and gold, but in this case he chose to finish it in (we understand) a very stylish Grigio Ferro over Blu Dino Scurro. The Bordeaux Red seating and carpets present beautifully and the refurbished Cromodora alloys are as you would expect from a quality recommission. Unusually, it's one of the very rare cars with 'factory' rear seats 'delete' which may seem strange as the GT4's raison d'etre was the extra seating, however, luggage space in the 308GTB was minimal so as a 'touring' car it made sense.
With the recent in depth recommissioning, Ferrari aficionado ownership, celebrity provenance and magazine featured, this is one GT4 that will enhance any Prancing Horse collection and is ready to be enjoyed as intended when it rolled off the production line almost 45 years ago.. It should also be noted that so fresh is the build that a period of running in is still required. Your early inspection is welcomed and encouraged to fully appreciate the opportunity on offer.
