1975 DINO / Ferrari 308GT4 California car - collector quality

1975 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4

• Believed to be the only fully Dino badged 308GT4 currently for sale in the US.

• Location: Southern California, USA

• Serial / Chassis #: 10254

• Build #: 190

• Engine #: 01069

• Engine: 3L (2927cc) V8, 16 valve, four-cam engine.

• Carburetors: 4 Weber 40 DCNF

• Transmission: five-speed manual

• Mileage: 64,300

• Color: Rosso Corsa with nero black interior.

• PRICE: $72,500 or best offer

• This car needs to sell to make room for another vehicle. Thus, I am open to all offers and will sell the car to the best offer received.

THE CAR

The Dino 308 GT4 2+2 was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in November 1973. It remained under the unique Dino brand until late 1975 when Ferrari sent out a factory update to rebadge existing inventory as Ferraris. From 1976 onwards, 308GT4s leaving the factory had the full Ferrari livery. Given the low number of US cars imported prior to late 1975, it is estimated that fewer than 175 Dino badged 308GT4s were imported to the US and of those it is highly likely a smaller number retain the original badging today due to Ferrari’s effort to rebadge many of these early vehicles. In total, only 614 308GT4s were imported to the US (including Dino & Ferrari Series 1 cars and the later Ferrari Series 2 cars).

The GT4 was a groundbreaking model for Ferrari in several ways: it was the first production Ferrari to feature the mid-engined V8 layout that would become the bulk of the company's business in the succeeding decades, and was the first production Ferrari with bodywork designed by Marcello Gandini, who was working for Bertone. Gandini also designed the Lamborghini Countach and Miura among other iconic cars. The styling featured angular lines entirely different from its predecessor and was controversial at the time. However, time has treated the design well and it is now recognized as one of the classic Gandini designs. The car’s driving characteristics are exceptional and from the cockpit the driver sees only the road. Enzo Ferrari himself took a major role in its design, even having a mock-up made where he could sit in the car to test different steering, pedals and cockpit seating positioning. Niki Lauda was engaged to tune its handling and driving characteristics. To this day many specialists avow that the GT4 is one of the best all around cars to drive and enjoy. With this background it is not surprising that the GT4 was the only 2+2 Ferrari ever raced with factory support.

THIS CAR FOR SALE

This Series 1 car for sale is one of the surviving “Dino” cars and currently appears to be the only Dino badged GT4 available for sale in the US. She left the factory in February 1975 and was shipped to Walnut Creek Ferrari near San Francisco. While the car was first sold in 1977, the only item the dealer implemented consistent with the factory technical revision bulletin 266/1 was the mounting of a ‘cavallino rampante’ (horse emblem) to the right of the rear license plate. The car has remained in California its whole life and it still carries its original ‘blue’ license plate as issued. As an original 1975 California car it is exempt from the state’s periodic smog certifications and can be shipped throughout the U.S.

The car stayed in the same family for its first 40 years before being acquired by the current owner. Over the last few years significant work (details below) has been completed so that this car is now ready for a long-term owner who recognizes the uniqueness of this uncommon Dino branded 308GT4.

CONDITION REPORT: Note: a complete inspection (equivalent to a PPI) was performed by marque specialist, Dino Motors, one year ago to identify any issues with the car that should be rectified. A copy is available. All mechanical issues were corrected and receipts are provided. All cosmetic issues that could be addressed have been with the exception of a few small items that are not practical to correct and are fully disclosed throughout this report.

Body: The body of this 308 is in excellent condition with original panels and excellent fitment. The only noted flaws on the body are not visible without viewing the car from underneath. There is a small amount of road rash on the underside of the front valance due to the low ground clearance and there is a curvature on the underside of the rocker panel on the driver’s side where the vehicle was likely jacked incorrectly in years past.

Paint: The stunning Rosso Corsa paint is new within the last few years. Since then there is one chip near the driver’s door that was corrected, one chip on the right lifting headlight assembly and the chin valence does have some minor road rash given its low ground clearance (not visible from the front).

Trim & Glass: The original chrome trim presents in excellent condition. The glass all appears to be original. The windshield has a couple of very small nicks that are not noticeable when driving. The single cromodora wing-mirror is factory original.

Wheels: The original cromodora wheels all reflect “Dino” embossed into the alloy mould. These are particularly rare as the Dino wheel inventory was quickly depleted and wheels with Fiat (or later Ferrari) embossed into the mould are more common. The wheels all have original Dino labelled centre caps. The car is shod in correct size and suitable Vredenstein Sprint Classic tyres (including the spare) with less than 2,000 miles on them.

Steering Wheel: The original Momo steering wheel was recently refreshed with a new stitched leather grip from vintage Ferrari specialist World Upholstery in Los Angeles.

Dashboard, Instrumentation & Cabin features: The dashboard is in excellent condition, as is the glove box. The original fuse panels are present inside the dash, as is the manual window wrench key. Atop the dash are three ‘dino’ labelled air vents, each with two directional louvres. Of note, the right vent’s two louvres are not connected together - the underside connecting rod has separated. All instrumentation is in proper working order and appears in perfect condition. The lens covering the clock has very mild clouding. All other lens are clear. All electronics work, including both power windows, power antenna and the period correct Becker Europa II radio. The Air Conditioning works and has been upgraded to R134 for easy recharging when appropriate.

Seats, Trim, & Carpet: At some stage in the car’s history, the seat bottoms were likely replaced as they are firm. The workmanship is exemplary and matches the original seat backs, which appear original. The driver’s seat back shows signs of cracking and leather hardening (primarily top left edge) that has been restained. The passenger seat shows less wear. The rear seats show no wear. Seat belts are the optional “reel” type & original both front and rear. Carpet appears original or at least vintage. Custom floor mats sporting the ‘Dino’ script protect the carpet in the front. The cream headliner is in very good condition, though the driver’s sun visor does have a small strip of vintage velcro attached to it to hold it up. The sun visors were poorly designed and often droop during driving - thus the historic use of velcro was a rudimentary but practical solution. It is not visible when the visor is up, and removing it would likely damage the original materials. All interior door lights and the rear dome light work.

ENGINE: The 308GT4 was the first car to use a mid-engine, transversely-mounted 3L 90-degree V8 sporting two belt-driven cams per cylinder bank (thus GT4), and two valves per cylinder. This GT4’s highly original engine is in excellent condition, with its original quartet of Weber carbs providing an unmistakable sound (which were fully rebuilt several years ago and recently serviced). Having always received regular maintenance, the motor starts without hesitation when following the owner’s manual stated starting procedure. The engine is leak-free. The only changes that have been made to the engine are the use of Pertronix electronic ignition, the removal of the air pump (though included with the car) and the removal of the rear bank of exhaust gas testing tubes (also included with the car). These changes are consistent with standard practices for owners of this model. In addition, compression was tested within the last year by marque specialist Dino Motors. All cylinders showed readings of either 190 or 195 psi.

The new full body paint and a full carburetor rebuild were completed in 2014/2015.

More recently, within the last 2 years and 2000 miles the following service work (totalling ~$20,000) has been completed making this car ready for long-term enjoyment:

• Major service performed which included removing and replacing cam seals, timing belts, tensioner bearings, front crank seal, all coolant hoses, all drive belts for A/C and alternator, air filter, fuel filter (& cleaned reservoir), new spark plugs (NGK), new plug wires, replacing coolant & brake fluid, valve adjustment, replacing cam-belt driven gears & seals, reassembling water pump with new seals, plus new thermostat & seals (work by brand specialist Grand Prix Motors).

• New exhaust system, new clutch & pressure plate, new shift shaft seal, replaced brake hoses & fuel hoses, CV axle boot replaced (work by Grand Prix Motors).

• Upgraded ignition to Petronix with new coils & ignition wires, new radiator cooling fan, new gear oil seals, additional carburetor service / tuning (work by Grand Prix Motors).

• Repair & service of headlight lift motor & passenger door power window motor, minor engine detailing/restoration (work completed by concours & brand specialist: Dino Motors).

• New oil pan gasket, charge A/C system, new rear differential seals, replace heater hoses, correct numerous minor items to return car to original equipment/condition consistent (work by Dino Motors).

TRANSMISSION: The transmission is a five-speed manual in excellent condition. It shifts smoothly between all gears even when cold with the satisfying clink clink within the metal shift gate. As mentioned above a new clutch, pressure plate and relevant seals were recently replaced.

ORIGINALITY & ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT: Adding to the overall unique originality is the collection of supporting items. Included with the car is original owner’s manual, a warranty booklet (though sourced from another 1975 vehicle), original customer information pamphlet, and the period correct paperwork & manual for the Becker radio. These are all held in the original leather pouch - though the cover leather is damaged & brittle and has the Ferrari logo on it, consistent with it being first sold after technical bulletin 266/1 was issued to dealers. In addition, she comes with the original tool kit roll, original jack stand & accessories, original spare bulb & fuse holder, safety hazard triangle in sleeve, rare manual window wrench key, 3 sets of ignition of door lock keys (including two ‘Dino’ branded key fobs), and almost all maintenance receipts dating back to the original sale in 1977. Two car covers are included - one regular and one lightweight travel cover.

MARKET OBSERVATIONS: The early 308GT4s with Dino branding are very uncommon in the marketplace and thus comparative pricing is hard. In fact, it does not appear that any other Dino badged car is currently for sale in the US. As mentioned earlier only ~175 “Dino” cars were imported to the US through 1975. All GT4s, regardless of badging, have seen prices rising significantly over the last few years as demand for these Bertone designed vehicles grows and awareness of the rarity of Dino 308GT4s becomes clearer. Sales of quality, sorted vehicles have been documented well above $100,000 over the last few months. Current vehicles for sale generally slot into three price bands:

(1) $45,000 - $60,000 for those needing significant cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment.

(2) $65,000 - $80,000 for those that have been well maintained, have detailed service history and offer an ready to enjoy vehicle.

(3) $100,000 - $150,000 for those that have been fully restored from the ground up and offer a new or better than new experience.

This car for sale is offered at $72,500 given its overall mechanical and cosmetic condition, its accessories and its unique attributes. The car does need to sell to make room for another vehicle and thus all offers are invited and the best offer will be accepted.