This 1975 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 is a nicely preserved original car with under 30,000 miles. There was a time when a model like this wasn’t exceedingly desirable, but that’s all changed now as Ferraris of seemingly every vintage are on the upswing. This 308 GT4 is one of the earlier models that still wore the Dino nameplate (as opposed to just the standard Ferrari badge) and it’s also a factory radio delete car. The 308 GT4 opened the door for Ferraris with mid-engined V8s to become mainstream, and it also offered seating for four – which is likely why this model has languished for so many years on the backburner for Italian car collectors. That matters less now, hence why this low mileage example is offered here on craigslist for $67,500.
The Dino 308 GT4 stands out for another reason, which is that it was styled by Bertone rather than Pininfarina. In the world of Ferrari, this was a major shakeup at the time. The shame of it is that this was a very pretty design unfortunately marred by the awful U.S. safety bumpers, which as you can see here, are hanging off the car slightly askew. If you happen to see the European-market cars with their slim chrome bumpers, you’d be amazed at what a difference it makes visually. The seller reports that this example retains its original books, tools, jack kit, jack bag, manual, and records, which unfortunately did not include any evidence of a belt service and carb adjustment.
The interior remains in excellent condition, with beautiful black leather seats with red piping. The seller reports that the next owner shouldn’t get too comfortable in these seats before finding time for the must-do belt service, which reminds you quickly that even a cheap Ferrari is extremely expensive to maintain. As much as I like the idea of one of these or a Mondial, the cost to maintain one is really no different than one of the truly valuable Ferraris. The interior appears to remain bone stock with no signs of aftermarket stereo installations or in-period modifications like aftermarket steering wheels or shift knobs. The car was apparently purchased out of long-term storage as part of a collection.
The Dino really was a significant car for Ferrari, given it was the first production model in the company’s history to feature a mid-engined V8. The heart of the beast looks quite clean and nicely detailed, but that won’t prevent it from being removed for a proper service and condition assessment. The seller reports that it goes into gear and runs smoothly, even when cold, so even with the looming belt replacement service, you could at least be starting with a sound example. Still, the crooked bumper is one of those details you hate to see on a collector car, and it could make an in-person inspection necessary to ensure there are no other loose ends to be tightened up. Would you pay the money for an emerging Ferrari model like this?
A very, VERY underrated car! At least in my experience — I’ve driven four of them over the years — the 308 GT4 may be the best way to own a Ferriari and enjoy the pleasures of same without paying a stratospheric price. The looks have only improved with age (minus the awful U.S.-spec bumpers) and performance and handling are both strong pluses; like all great Ferraris, the harder you drive one, the crisper and more satisfying the response. And the sound of the little V8 is, well, unearthly….
Jeff, I’m not entirely sure the bumper misalignment isn’t camera distortion, though I rip those things off and replace them with the proper Euro parts in any case. A good project to take on while getting the belt service done!
Yo, Santa: I’ve been a good boy this year (for once), so how about it?
Nice try, Ray, but that appeal didn’t work for Marilyn Monroe either…😆
Car is listed in West Hollywood, California. I challenge the seller’s assertion that it’s “smog exempt”, at least if he’s referring to California. 1974 and older are exempt, 1975 and newer are not. That may be why it’s wearing Colorado plates.
1975 and earlier are smog exempt in California.
I stand corrected, you are right.
Exempting 1975s(1st year for cats) was a C.A.R.B. oversight.
When you remove the cat converter from a ’75, you have a much dirtier exhaust than from a ’74(that had to meet tough emissions without a cat).
Installing a back seat here with no leg room, & also in a 3000gt or even a modern camaro or mustang just never made any sense to me.
I dont know what choir ur preaching to, but here in the real world, 67k is an astronomical amount of money for a 1975 vehicle that requires its entire engine removed and dissasembled because the italians cant design an engine that lasts more then 10k miles only to need rebuilt….lather rinse repeat…at 15k dollars a pop…sounds like the boat is the better deal…
Oh but its got a pony on it….yeah, so does the pinto, and it can go more than 10k without a rebuild
I just did a 308 GT4 belt service.
Parts cost for the timing belt kit was 250 bucks.
It took me about 4 hours to change the belt and engine stays in on all 308 series cars. It is the later V8 series cars that the engine comes out and those are easier.
Mileage on this car was 117k and I don’t think the engine has ever been out.
My old 308 GT4 had close to 95k mileage when I purchased it and over 150k when I sold it. I did a valve job @ about 125k and still left the short block in the car.
I think these things are pricey now but please have a clue about actual service cost and needs.
Kevin – thanks for actual facts and not spouting nonsense. It gets old seeing clueless idiots spout shite over and over on here.
“did not include any evidence of a belt service”
I read that as “bell” service and wondered what that might be. It all became clearer to me as “belt” service was mentioned a couple more times and I read it as “belt” both times. As I get older I sometimes find myself not being as sharp as I used to be. It is a classic case of old-timers disease I guess.
In the Ferrari world the bells prob need annual 6k mile service like everything else, prob blinker fluid too
Now that’s some funny stuff, Jack!!!!🤣
Hey Mike,
I don’t think you should be concerned about “old timer’s disease”, especially when you are talking about an old car. At least it has a belt, not suspenders.
🤣🤣🤣
That is one ugly-ass car.
Let’s talk about your sister…
Four BF A-wholes along with JackA$$ Needledik
Engine out Belt services. Sounds very expensive. I’d rather drive my 308 fiero replica has almost as much ho and none of the cost of services and insurance. Sure it’s a fake but I still get tons of compliments especially after I tell em its a replica.
“Computer says – NO”
Ike, let’s talk about your sister…
I’m with Ike. This is one of the few Ferrari’s that hold no visual appeal for me. And no, of course I’ve never driven one.
Thanks, but now JackA$$ Hammer will want to talk about your sister.
Those pop-up headlights do nothing for the car’s looks! IMHO
No engine out service required on these transverse mounted V8s. Only the 348 and 355 required the engines to be removed for a belt service. (The 360 and later cars have an access panel behind the seats). And the engine is designed to be dropped out, so it’s not a lot of work.
The Mondial is also a engine out job. I think this looks great!!
As a Mondial owner who has changed out his timing belts/tensioners, I can assure you that it’s NOT an engine out job. Maybe on the Mondial T (because its engine is inline, not transverse), but the Mondial 8, QV, and 3.2 are all designed to change the timing belts with the engine in place.
I would make him a reasonable counter offer, like half, do all the necessary engine work in the car, lose the bumpers, license it in an emission free state like Arizona , drive the piss out of it on these big open roads where the speed limit is only a suggestion and be laughing all the way. Merry Christmas
When it comes to owning a Ferrari the 308 and Mondial models are the least expensive to own. That why I bought a Pantera years ago.