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Well Maintained: 1978 Ferrari 308 GT4

Ferrari has a long history of producing exotic two-seat sports cars but has made several attempts to produce vehicles that can accommodate four. One example is the 1978 308 GT4. Originally called the Dino GT4, it officially gained Ferrari badges in May 1976. Our feature car rolled out of the legendary Maranello factory in 1978 and is a well-maintained classic that is structurally sound and in excellent mechanical health. It would suit an enthusiast seeking an Italian thoroughbred, with the seller listing it here on eBay in White Plains, New York. Bidding sits below the reserve at $30,400, with time remaining for interested parties to pursue it further.

Ferrari broke new ground with the GT4, handing design duties to Bertone. This was a surprise move because Pininfarina had been its preferred option in the past. If I am entirely candid, the styling of the GT4 doesn’t tick the boxes for me. The angular lines and longer wheelbase make the car look slightly ungainly, but I stress that is a personal preference. Your opinion may differ from mine, and I respect that if it is the case. The seller indicates it received a repaint in its original shade of Grigio Titanium approximately seven years ago, and it still presents beautifully courtesy of limited use since. It shines nicely, with none of the patchiness or matte areas that can plague this paint shade. The panels are excellent, with no visible issues and tight gaps. The underside shots confirm the Ferrari is rust-free, which is a prime consideration, as the rear subframe is prone to problems. The glass is spotless, and the GT4 rolls on its original and distinctive Cromodora wheels, a hallmark of many Ferrari models from this era.

The model designation for this classic follows traditional Ferrari practices, with the “308” referring to its 3.0-liter V8 powerplant. However, the company used a degree of poetic license because the 2,927cc capacity falls slightly short of the designation. The company adopted a mid-rear-engine layout, with this sweet V8 sending 240hp and 195 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transaxle. This GT4 tips the scales at 3,197 lbs, which is over 300 lbs more than those delivered to European buyers. The additional weight impacted performance, with the ¼-mile journey taking a relatively leisurely 15.1 seconds. However, that sweet little V8 shouldn’t run out of breath before the needle hits 148mph. The seller indicates this Ferrari has been meticulously maintained and is in excellent mechanical health. It has clocked 8,000 miles on a new clutch, while other work performed includes installing an MSD ignition, replacing the control arm bushes, fitting upgraded sway bars, and bolting on a stainless steel exhaust. This Italian stallion runs and drives perfectly, with this YouTube video confirming the engine starts easily and sounds superb.

The Ferrari’s interior ticks the boxes for potential buyers seeking a driver-grade classic. There are wrinkles on the Black leather upholstered surfaces, but no evidence of significant wear or abuse. The dash, pad, and carpet look excellent, and there is no wear on the beautiful leather-wrapped three-spoke wheel. The only aftermarket addition is a modern CD player, with the interior also featuring power windows. However, this Ferrari wins my heart because it is an Italian classic featuring a gated shifter. I may be alone on this, but I have always found this one of the defining features of any vehicle of this type.

This 1978 Ferrari 308 GT4 presents exceptionally well for its age, and the ongoing maintenance means it is in excellent mechanical health. These factors have earned it broad appeal, with twenty-six bids submitted. There is scope for the bid total and price to climb, and I believe this must happen for the reserve to be met. If an Italian classic has been on your Wish List, would you consider this one?

Comments

  1. tompdx

    I do disagree, Adam – although these photos are terrible and don’t do the car justice, I love the looks of these GT4s!

    Like 14
    • douglas hunt

      I do too, always had a soft spot for these, and they have one of the best looking dashes on a sports car ever
      Not to mention that gated 5speed/mid engine v8 heart
      if I had been born 10 or 15 years earlier, maybe I could have picked one up before they too got the Ferrari tax applied, sigh…always a bridesmaid, lol

      Like 3
  2. misterlou Member

    If I have to see that ebay ad guy one more time I’m going to scream.

    Like 2
    • PRA4SNW PRA4SNW Member

      Install an ad blocker.

      Like 0
  3. Jimbosidecar

    I agree with tompdx. I’ve always likes the looks of the 308 GT4. And the Mondial

    Like 6
  4. Gags

    The radio works too! LOL

    Like 2
  5. Darryl fling

    I also have add, not only are they great sounding, and driving cars. They are pakaging genius, a mid enging V8, with 4 seats (2+2) and a decent size trunk. In such a tiny car. And it looks good too, Amazing

    Like 4
  6. Mickytee

    Replace the 4×4 front and rear bumpers with euro versions and these cars look really nice.

    Like 3
  7. Michelle Rand Staff

    Bertone brilliance. One of the most tractable and practical of his creations. All the Ferrari performance most of us need. Cheap entry but better open a separate bank account in its name for repairs when needed. If you can do that, you can be happy with a GT4 for life. They are great all-arounders.

    Like 1
  8. Dale

    Always had a soft spot for this body style.

    Like 1

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