Beginner Ferrari: ’75 Ferrari 308 GT/4
We’ve featured a few 308 GT/4 before and each does a pretty fast job of finding a new home. We’ll repeat what we have written before about these neat beginner Ferraris. There is a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts for Ferraris built while Enzo was still in charge. – They didn’t call him il Commendatore for nothing. He died in 1988 so there are many Ferraris that fall under this Enzo-era category. Enzo was a mercurial person. He once declared that only V-12 Ferraris can wear the Cavallino Rampante – Prancing Horse badge. So early V-6 and V-8 powered cars were referred to as Dinos. But sometime around 1976, Ferrari had no cars suitable for the US market except the Dino. He was forced into allowing it to be properly badged Ferrari. The Ferrari 308 GT4 we have here as our Preferred offering, represents the first mid-engine, V-8, 2+2 Ferrari. Furthermore, it was designed by Bertone, another Ferrari first. Why the departure from Pininfarina you ask? Bertone had packaging experience building 2+2, mid-engine sports cars. They had some success with the Lamborghini Uracco so Ferrari gave them the project. And they did quite a credible job. In today’s automotive landscape, the 308 GT4 represents an example of the wedge-shaped design influences of the 1970s. Like many designs, they are in favor and then they are not. Today, it stands out in a crowd. The 308 GT4 fell out of favor for a while and during that banishment many examples were turned into track cars or suffered from deferred maintenance. But they are experiencing a resurgence as people have come to recognize the level of performance and handling at a good price point. The seller is none other than our Lancia expert, Jaan, at EddinsMoto.com. Jaan picked this one up in Japan of all places. It was painted once before but it looks to be holding up fine. The interior looks nice although Jaan stats a pen has leaked on the carpets. Jaan worked his magic on it mechanically so it starts easily and runs great. It wouldn’t take much to make it a very special car. But these don’t need to be special to be fun. As Jaan put it, “if you want a highway cruiser, buy a GTB. If you want a car that handles like a go cart, buy a GT4.” Nuff said. A mere $24,500 makes it yours. Click here to contact Jaan.