A Dark Horse: Why the Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 Deserves More Love
Perhaps the most iconic of all automakers, Ferrari combines beautiful styling with the highest levels of engineering, and delivers a driving experience that few can match. Some models, such as the Daytona, the California, or the LaFerrari, receive endless praise and coverage, but dig a little deeper into the company’s history, and there are some hidden gems to be found.
One such underappreciated beauty is the Ferrari Dino 308 GT4. Frequently misunderstood and often outright ignored, the 308 GT4 represents a fascinating chapter in the Ferrari story. Read on to learn more about the history of this true driver's car, and find out why it's finally starting to receive its long overdue respect.
Image credit: Ferrari
Breaking from Tradition
Unveiled at the 1973 Paris Motor Show, the Dino 308 GT4 marked a shift in direction for Ferrari. As the automaker’s first production V8 road car, it was an ambitious move away from the traditional V12s and V6s and would become the foundation for many later - and more popular- Ferrari models.
As Ferrari's first mid-engine 2+2 (two front and two rear seats) it was a more practical option than its two-seater peers, and was the first production Ferrari not designed by Pininfarina in more than 20 years. Instead, Enzo Ferrari commissioned Marcello Gandini at Bertone, a firm more associated with Lamborghini's sharp, angular designs such as the Countach and Miura.
The development of the GT4 was a response to the growing popularity of practical, mid-engined sports cars from rivals like the Porsche 911 and Lamborghini Urraco. Ferrari needed a contemporary response, and the GT4's sophisticated chassis combined with the potent V8 was their solution. However, despite all of its virtues, the 308 GT4 found few fans at first.
A Slow Burn
Observers have pointed to a number of factors that initially hindered the car’s popularity. First and foremost, its “boxy” design was quite a departure for a brand known for its flowing curves, and many purists felt the car lacked the flair of so many of its predecessors. This, coupled with the initial decision to brand and badge the car as a “Dino,” (versus a Ferrari) left a lot of traditionalists with the distinct sense that the car wasn’t a “real” Ferrari. This decision was reversed a few years later in 1976 when the car was rebranded as the Ferrari 308 GT4, but by that time the damage was already done.
Image credit: Ferrari
Further, only two years later, Pininfarina unveiled the extraordinary 308 GTB, a two-seater that shared the GT4's V8 engine but in a more classic Ferrari body design. The GTB became an instant icon that was featured in movies and TV shows, and it quickly eclipsed its GT4 cousin.
Fame at Last
Ultimately, however, the 308 GT4 speaks to Ferrari's admirable willingness to take chances and innovate, even if the market isn't immediately receptive. The car’s design has aged remarkably well and its status as the company’s first production V8, coupled with its fantastic driving dynamics, secures its place in the upper tier of Ferrari models.
For too long it has been overshadowed by its flashier stablemates, but for those who appreciate precision engineering and bold design, the 308 GT4 is undeniable. It's a lesser-known beauty that deserves its place in the sun – a true Ferrari, through and through.
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