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Ferrari 208/308 GT4 2+2 Manufacturer Ferrari Production 1973–1980 Predecessor Dino 246 Dino 308 GT4 Successor Mondial 8 Class mid-engined 2+2 Related 208/308 GTB & GTS

308 GT4 Production 1976–1980 (branded as Ferrari) Body style(s) 2+2 Coupe Engine(s) 3.0 L V8

208 GT4 Production 1975–1980 Body style(s) 2+2 Coupe Engine(s) 2.0 L V8

The Ferrari 308 GT4 and 208 GT4 were mid-engined V8-powered 2+2 cars built by Ferrari. The 308 GT4 was introduced in 1973, supplemented by the 208 GT4 in 1975, and replaced by the Mondial 8 in 1980 after a production run of 2,826 vehicles. It was sold until May 1976 with "Dino" badging (in honor of Enzo Ferrari's son, Dino), when all badging was replaced with "Ferrari" badging.

The 308 GT4 2+2 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 to feature Bertone (rather than Pininfarina) bodywork. Pininfarina was upset by the decision to give cross-town rival Bertone the design, considering all they had done for Ferrari.

The 308 GT4, introduced at the Paris Motor Show in November 1973, featured angular lines entirely different from their curvaceous 2-seat predecessor, the Dino 246 GT, and later brother, the GTB & GTS. The styling was controversial at the time, with some journalists comparing it to the Bertone-designed Lancia Stratos and Lamborghini Urraco.

The chassis was based on the Dino 246 but was stretched for a 2550 mm (100.4 in) wheelbase to make room for the second row of seats. The suspension was fully-independent and the V8 was mounted transversely.

The 3.0 L (2927 cc) V8 was integrally joined with the gearbox and produced 250 hp (186 kW) in the European version and 230 horsepower (172 kW) in the American; it had an alloy block and heads with a dual overhead camshaft. The induction system had 4 Weber 40 DCNF carburetors.

The 308 GT4 had a total length of 170.1 inches, and a wheelbase of 100.4 inches and weighed 2535 pounds; height was 46.5 inches and width was 70.9 inches.

2,826 308 GT4 coupes were produced between 1973-1980.

The probably oldest still existing Dino 308 GT4 in the world is in private property of an Austrian collector. It is a car from March 1974 with frame number 08008. The car was originally delivered to the French Ferrari-Concessionaire, and F1 racer, Charles Pozzi.

Today it is relatively easy to acquire one of these cars with examples priced at the same level as a new low-end sports car.

Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1975, the 208 GT4 2+2 was a low-displacement version of the V8 produced for Europe. The engine was de-bored to (66.8x71 mm) 2.0 L (1991 cc) V8, resulting in the smallest production V8 in history.

Power output was 170 hp (126 kW) at 7,700 rpm for a top speed of 137 mph (220 km/h). A lower final drive ratio and skinnier tires completed the technical changes for this 208. Chrome (rather than black) accents outside and the lack of fog lights were visual indicators of the little engine.

The 208 GTB replaced the 208 GT4 in 1980.

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• Covello, Mike (2003). Standard Catalog of Ferrari 1947-2003. Lola, WI, USA: Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87349-497-0.