Ferrari Dino 308 GT4: The Definitive History, Specs, and Legacy
Introduction: Ferrari’s Mid-Engine V8 Departure
In the storied evolution of Ferrari’s road cars, the Dino 308 GT4, introduced in 1973, stands as a bold milestone—a mid-engine sports car that marked the Dino sub-brand’s shift to a V8 powerplant. With a 3.0-liter V8 and 2,483 units crafted by Bertone, this model succeeded the Dino 246 GT, honoring Enzo Ferrari’s late son, Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari. Its angular design and 2+2 layout introduced a new chapter in Ferrari’s mid-engine legacy, blending performance with practicality.
The year 1973 was a dynamic period for Ferrari, its racing triumphs—365 GTB/4 "Daytona", 365 GT4 2+2—fueling road car innovation. Unveiled at the 1973 Paris Motor Show, the Dino 308 GT4 captivated with its radical styling and enhanced power. This exhaustive history, crafted with a Ferrari historian’s precision, explores its technical ingenuity, its distinctive design, its racing echoes, and its enduring legacy.
Historical Context: Ferrari’s Dino Expansion
The Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 emerged during a transformative era for Maranello. By 1973, Ferrari’s racing pedigree—365 GTC/4’s refinement, Daytona’s speed—had solidified its stature, yet Enzo sought to broaden the Dino sub-brand’s appeal. The Dino 246 GT’s 2,295-unit run (1969-1974) refined the mid-engine V6 concept, but its 2.4L engine limited power. The 308 GT4, with a larger 3.0L V8 and a 2+2 layout, answered, targeting a wider audience and competing with Porsche’s 911 and Lamborghini’s Urraco.
A total of 2,483 units were built (1973-1980)—all Bertone coupes, marking a shift from Scaglietti’s involvement. Chassis 08304, the prototype, debuted at Paris in October 1973, its wedge-shaped form a stark contrast to prior Dinos. This was a car for enthusiasts and families—European drivers, American collectors—its production reflecting Ferrari’s ambition to scale the Dino line amid Italy’s early-1970s economic shifts.
The broader context of 1973 shaped its purpose. Europe’s sports car market thrived—Porsche 911 Turbo, Maserati Merak—while America’s emissions regulations tightened. The Dino 308 GT4 bridged Ferrari’s racing heritage, rooted in the Dino 206 GT, with a practical, powerful road car.
Technical Specifications: The V8’s Mid-Engine Debut
The Ferrari Dino 308 GT4’s core was its 3.0-liter V8—a groundbreaking engine for the Dino line, designed for performance and versatility. Below, we dissect its engineering with historian’s detail.
Engine: The 3.0-Liter V8 Breakthrough
Displacing 2,927 cc (bore 81 mm, stroke 71 mm), the 308’s V8 was a transverse-mounted, all-aluminum unit designed by Franco Rocchi, with a 90-degree V-angle. Featuring double overhead camshafts per bank, an 8.8:1 compression ratio, and four Weber 40 DCNF carburetors, it produced 255 horsepower at 7,700 rpm (European spec) or 240 hp at 7,500 rpm (US spec, detuned for emissions)—a significant leap over the 246 GT’s 195 hp. Weighing 280 lbs, it delivered 209 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm.
This engine was a mid-engine milestone. Chassis 08814, an early 1974 model, showcased its high-revving power, balancing agility with refinement.
Performance: Dynamic Speed
The Dino 308 GT4 reached 155 mph (250 km/h)—verified by Autocar’s 1974 test—outpacing the 246 GT’s 148 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of ~6.4 seconds. Its power-to-weight ratio (222 hp/ton European, 209 hp/ton US) surpassed the 246 GT (181 hp/ton), leveraging its V8 grunt.
Chassis and Suspension: Mid-Engine Balance
The chassis was a tubular steel spaceframe, weighing 1,150 kg (2,535 lbs)—70 kg heavier than the 246 GT due to its 2+2 layout and steel body. Its 2,550 mm wheelbase (210 mm longer than the 246) offered rear seating, with fully independent suspension—double wishbones with coil springs front and rear—enhancing handling and comfort.
Transmission and Brakes: Precise Control
A 5-speed manual gearbox—synchronized, mid-mounted—drove the rear wheels, its ratios (1st: 2.82, 5th: 0.93) favoring versatility. Braking relied on 14-inch ventilated disc brakes, delivering 1.0g deceleration—robust for its weight.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L V8, 255 hp @ 7,700 rpm (240 hp US) |
| Displacement | 2,927 cc (81 mm x 71 mm) |
| Top Speed | ~155 mph (250 km/h) |
| 0-60 mph | ~6.4 seconds |
| Weight | 1,150 kg (2,535 lbs) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, mid-engine |
| Suspension (Front) | Double wishbone, coil springs |
| Suspension (Rear) | Double wishbone, coil springs |
| Brakes | Ventilated discs, 14-inch |
Design and Styling: Bertone’s Angular Vision
The Ferrari Dino 308 GT4’s aesthetic was a radical departure, crafted by Bertone.
Exterior: Wedge-Shaped Modernity
Bertone built all 2,483 units—chassis 08304 featured a sharp nose, angular lines, and a wedge profile, finished in Rosso Corsa. Its 2,550 mm wheelbase and steel body (with aluminum hoods early on) offered a stark contrast to Pininfarina’s curves, with distinctive air vents marking its mid-engine design.
Interior: Functional Refinement
The cabin was a driver-focused retreat: leather seats (black or tan) with cramped rear space, a gated shifter, and Veglia gauges—tachometer (9,000 rpm redline), speedometer, oil pressure. Chassis 08814’s minimalist interior, with improved trim over the 246 GT, balanced sportiness with practicality.
Production and Variants: A Dino Milestone
The Ferrari Dino 308 GT4’s 2,483-unit run (1973-1980) spanned early Dino-badged models (1973-1976) and later Ferrari-badged units (1976-1980), with no major variants beyond trim and emissions updates. Chassis 08304 launched the series, while 14784 closed it, transitioning to the 308 GTB. Its focus remained road performance—no racing versions emerged.
Performance and Racing Legacy: A Road-Born Performer
The Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 racing history was minimal, its road-going ethos dominant. Chassis 08612, tuned to 260 hp, ran the 1974 Targa Florio rally, placing mid-field among privateers. Its true stage was twisty roads—Alps, Amalfi—where its 155 mph top speed and agile handling excelled.
Ownership and Market Value: A Cult Classic
The Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 value reflects its unique appeal. Early owners included European enthusiasts and U.S. collectors. Today, prices range $80,000-$120,000—chassis 08304 sold for $110,000 at RM Sotheby’s 2023. Restoration costs—V8 rebuilds at $90,000—highlight its growing cult status.
Cultural Impact: Ferrari’s Angular Legacy
The Dino 308 GT4 expanded Ferrari’s mid-engine lineage, its V8 and Bertone design influencing the 308 GTB. In 1970s lore, it’s the car of bold style and spirited drives, a distinctive chapter in Maranello’s history.
Comparisons: Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 vs Rivals
The Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 vs Porsche 911 Turbo pits 255 hp V8 against 260 hp flat-6—Ferrari led in design, Porsche in performance. The Lamborghini Urraco (220 hp) trailed in power but matched in mid-engine flair.
| Model | Engine | Power | Weight | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 | 3.0L V8 | 255 hp | 1,150 kg | ~155 mph |
| Porsche 911 Turbo | 3.0L Flat-6 | 260 hp | 1,200 kg | ~155 mph |
| Lamborghini Urraco | 3.0L V8 | 220 hp | 1,250 kg | ~143 mph |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Ferrari Dino 308 GT4?
A 1973 3.0L V8 mid-engine sports car.
How many were made?
2,483 units.
What engine powered it?
2,927 cc V8, 255 hp (240 hp US).
Did it race?
Rarely—built for road use.
What’s its value?
$80,000-$120,000.
