The Ferrari 308 GT4 is the successor to one of the most beautiful cars ever produced – the Dino 246 GT. The sinuous grace of the 246 has helped its value scale astonishing heights, exceeding $600k for outstanding examples. But the Bertone-designed 308 GT4 remains mired in sub-$100k territory, though prices have increased markedly in the last couple of years. This 1975 example is offered here on eBay for $47,500 or best offer. It is burdened with a “Rebuilt, Rebuildable & Reconstructed” title, but it runs and drives and comes with a host of literature including maintenance records. It’s located in Orlando, Florida. Should we take a chance on a Ferrari with a flawed title?
Ostensibly, the 308 GT4 was built to offer buyers a 2+2 configuration, and unusually, the design work landed on Bertone’s desk – no doubt annoying Pininfarina. But Marcello Gandini solved several problems for Ferrari, configuring the car with a compact, mid-mounted 3.0 liter V8 decked with multiple Webers (four on our subject car), positioning the five-speed gearbox below and behind the engine as in the 246, and stretching the 246’s tubular chassis a few inches to make room for the second set of seats and a tiny rear trunk. US-delivery cars were rated at 240 hp – more than enough to propel the GT4’s 2600 lbs. The result is an exceptionally well-balanced driver’s car. The seller notes that the belts were changed in 2015; the water pump and carburetors were rebuilt at the same time. So: it’s time for timing belts! Delay could be disastrous.
A new owner will want to attend to this interior, where the upholstery needs attention; not only are the seats showing wear, there’s a tear in the console and at least one door panel. The carpets, instrument panel, headliner, and trunk are tolerable. Speaking of the trunk, a few tools and the jack are still present. And before we leave the cabin, it’s worth mentioning that those seats are fairly narrow. If you fit, fabulous – but not everyone will.
While the GT4 struggled in showrooms when new, today wedge-shaped cars are gaining favor in the marketplace. The Lotus Esprit is having its day in the sun; the Lancia Stratos – well, that’s an acquired taste and has always been expensive; the TR8, the Fiat X1/9 – they’re all seeing a little lift. This car has been repainted and the colors are attractive, but it will never live down its flawed title. That doesn’t mean it can’t rise in price – but it does mean that if the average 308 GT4 reaches $100k someday, this one will always sell for a discount. If you want the experience of a Ferrari, can afford its maintenance and a few improvements to the cabin, and don’t care much about values, taking a run at this car might be fine. I’d wish for a price closer to $40k, though.
Would not entertain it at half the price
Run from any “R” or branded titled auto! They are extremely hard to sell for any money . If used to race and can pass the pre-inspection, they can find a spot to live on. This one is in poor condition lacking the clean title……..just a no brainer . Not for me and I would not recommend this to anyone.
OTOH, they can be a bargain if closely inspected for soundness, and if you only want to drive and work on the the car (I gather these are particularly friendly to DIY wrenchers) and DGAF about resale/investment value.
I always felt these were great looking.
I too have a soft spot for these cars, always thought they were overlooked, and have that great Ferrari dash/interior.
Michelle – I believe you are a Portlander, correct? You may be amused – I bought a 308GT4 from a used car dealer down on SE McLoughlin on a dare after a Saturday lunch involving perhaps too many Margaritas at WhoSong & Larry’s up on the Columbia River and it too had a California salvage title. Yet Oregon DMV issued a clean title which was OK with me. I never could find any evidence of damage or repair on the car so it turned out OK for all involved. I eventually sold it to an older gentleman in Oregon City who couldn’t drive it! He just wanted to park it in his garage so he could look at it and say he had a Ferrari!
Yes indeed, that might have been Tonkin I think he was on McLoughlin at one point. That would have been the same lot where I sat in an Espada.
I hope you loved the GT4, they’re great cars. Those of us who love Ferraris benefited for years from their underloved looks – kept them cheap but certainly does not detract from the driving experience.
No, at that time Tonkin Grand Tourismo (the Ferrari store) was on NE 82nd, across the street from his Ford store. The place I bought the 308GT4 from was just one of the many little no-name corner car lots that proliferate in that part of town. A few years later I bought a Ferrari from Tonkin on 82nd – it was a re-bodied 330GT with a new body from the guys who built the Ford powered Ferris Bueller cars, but mine had a V12 and a Ferrari VIN. I was privileged to see his private collection a few times before he died.
Yes, yes, that’s right! Thanks for the reminder. Tonkin ran in the Monte Shelton NW Classic rally a time or two, many moons ago. His Ferrari lost a headlamp ring, unbeknownst to all of us on the rally, and unfortunately, it dropped in the middle of one of the one-lane roads we were using on the route. I was driving a Bugeye Sprite and was unable to avoid running over it, along with several other competitors. I still feel guilty about that.
Nothing is more pricey than a cheap Ferrari. I do luv the looks of these!!
Always one of my favourite Ferraris, though I wouldn’t buy this one!
Fit for purpose, which isn’t something you’d say about too many Ferrari products., the 308 Gt4 has always had its fans. As you say, Michelle, a pity that the rest of the world is catching on.
Still can’t love the Mondiale though.
If you’re gonna make irrational automotive decisions, let this be it.
Great cars but that title kills it for most collectors. Who knows, maybe someone will get lucky but most likely, they’ll end up like Hanks in The Money Pit.
The price needs to come down. Otherwise, GLWTS.
This listing ended on Mon, Jul 7
A 1979 silver one that had been owned by Michael Douglas just sold on BaT last week for $55,500. It was located in Europe, so maybe getting it shipped to you would be more expensive than shipping this one. But if a clean-titled car with movie star provenance and a tidy interior closes for $55.5k on a “premium” marketplace, I think $48k for a car with a tatty interior and a branded title is optimistic.