The current demand for the Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 does not match the humble beginnings. However, automotive collectors know the historical value of the vehicle. Looking at the sisters now, you can see how much Ferrari has evolved. With all the innovations taking place, you need to look at the rise of the Ferrari 308 GT4 so you can understand it better and see how far it has come.

The rise of Ferrari 308 GT4

The Dino series was named after the son of Enzo Ferrari who passed away. There are several vehicles under the series, and the Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 is one of the classic models. It has a resemblance to the Lamborghini Urraco, and they both have similar configurations. The 308 GT4 is considered a stretched version of the earlier Dino models. However, it retains a mid-mounted engine that is transverse, and the steel body panels have a tubular steel chassis welded to it. To meet the US safety standards, the American models have heavier fronts and rears.

The 308 GT4 had two extra seats behind the driver and passenger seats. The 308 paved the road to the use of V8 engines that would later be used for several decades on V8 Ferraris. The car was considered to be an economy model racing car which made the US market more willing to purchase it.

The innovations brought by Ferrari 308 GT4

When you look at the 308 GT4, you will see a lot of changes compared to the earlier models. You will also see how the 308 GT4 revolutionized the future Ferrari cars. The trapezoid design gives the driver the ability to see the road from all angles. The seating position is upright and comfortable, and the car had an actual trunk. While the vehicle had back seats, they were more suitable for carrying luggage or children. For adults, any ride longer than an hour would be uncomfortable. Unlike earlier models, the engine was easy to access making maintenance less tasking and cheaper.

To fit the extra seats, the chassis had to be stretched. The major complaint was that the heating and AC systems were not well made and needed to be modified. When the GT4 was modified, it had Ferrari badges, US air conditioning, dual paint job, exhaust change and modified bumper. The Dino 308 GT4 is the only Ferrari that the US legally imported that year. It was also the only 2+2 Ferrari with factory support.

Why the Ferrari is a valuable collector’s item

When the Ferrari 308 GT4 came into the market, it did not get as much attention as Enzo wanted. It stood out by itself. It had more space and had a discreet design. It had more to offer than the conventional racing cars and tapped into a market that Maserati had monopolized.

Even though it did not get the treatment and attention it deserved then, collectors are realizing the value of the Dino 308 GT4 now. Though buyers got confused by the V8 and V6, they all felt that the car had excellent handling. Even with the extra weight, the car still went from 0-60mph in around 6.5 seconds, and the top speed is over 150mph.

Having a strong performance car has its risks. However, these were addressed in the design of the car. The steering lock was limited to protect the driver from oversteer. However, this made it frustrating to move in tight spaces. The suspension sacrificed the agility of the earlier models since it was tuned for understeer. The car could spin if the throttle is lifted at a tight turn, but it took significant effort to do it.

The Dino 308 GT4 was a great car judging by the 70s standards. Even with the weaknesses, it still had the Ferrari virtues. The car was not as beautiful as other Ferrari models which limits the collectors who want to have it. Although the appearance is hard on the eyes, it still remains a legend in Ferrari lovers’ eyes. As far as Ferrari pricing goes, the Ferrari 308 GT4 was an economy model as the price was not as high as the other Ferrari models which made it more accessible to race car lovers who did not have very deep pockets to buy other Ferrari cars.