Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 review. 3.0 V8, Gandini design, loved by Enzo yet almost forgotten today. Why?

[@sltillim]

I’m a gt4 lifer- dad brought me home from being born in her. He passed and she’s mine now. Coming up on 50 years old.

[@anderspedersen7488]

I read that as you being born in a Ferrari!

[@Daredevil311-g9l]

Things I can't say....I was born in a Ferrari

[@CuoreSportivo]

@@Daredevil311-g9ltotally beats silver spoon

[@GT380man]

It would be even more impressive if you’d been conceived in it!

[@Mike-1000]

*You guys are lucky, all I can say is that I got an apology letter from Durex* :(

[@glennhaley7404]

Always remember an article in Classic Car magazine from the 90's where the owner said "When I'm looking at it in the driveway I wish I had a GTB, but when I'm driving it I'm glad I've got a GT4"

[@alanwayte432]

It took me a while to realise my late Father was rather cool, my parents sent me to a local public school as a weekly Border and would pick me up on Saturday from 1976 -82 in either a 308GT4, a Lotus Europa twin cam, in jan 1977 he picked me up in A Rover SD1 V8 people forget what a wow car the Rover was, unfortunately the power steering failed on the Way home, and in the six months he owned it he had almost every BL car as a courtesy car, in March he had enough and that weekend picked me up in a Gordon Keeble that he purchased via Eddie Knott in Brackley, on his 70th Birthday he treated himself to a 996 Turbo S, he sold the 308 when he was 75yrs old as he struggled to get In and out .. a life well lived ❤

[@Mike-br8zt]

Do you mean Ernie Knott? I think Ernie even commissioned a white metal scale model of the Gordon Keeble.

[@lebojay]

In around 1985 my dad took his Jaguar in for service, and the owner of the shop gave him his SD1 to take home as a loaner. This is in Canada, where Rover has never been sold. I remember thinking it was amazing. Never seen another in North America before or since.

[@mitfreundlichengrussen1234]

I´ve put about 120.000Km on the country roads and the autobahn on mine - always as fast as possible in the 80ies in Germany/France/Italy. I sold it with 190.000Km on the first engine and gearbox. It was super reliable and I loved the engine sound - sweet memories, thanks for showing!

[@fragu123]

…yes, great memories live forever! What are you driving today if I may ask..?

[@mitfreundlichengrussen1234]

The right cars at the right times - I´ve also put 210.000Km on an Integrale 8v without cat (first edition with tuned Hörmann engine wich lasted only 35.000Km the original engine with slightly chip tuning lasted about 170.000Km, perfect car) - now I am driving a MB W203 C320with a bit more HP@@fragu123

[@dougcargill6730]

The 308GT4, 400i, and the Berlinetta Boxer were the fantasies of my childhood. I’ve always loved this car.

[@DenUitvreter]

I also always liked the least liked Ferraris, probably because I don't like Ferrari that much. Not a fan of Pininfarina with his wavy lines. Straight, edgy, clean I want, this is a bit of an odd one out in all respects, but it's got stance and the geometry of the butresses is just gorgeous.

[@kevincockburn7805]

I agree on the 400i, oddly a very cool car

[@michaelbonade4667]

400….here here!!

[@iancharlton678]

I moved a 400i for a guy not long ago……. Lovely ❤ As a lad, a local villain used to let me sit in and rev his 512BB after I pumped his petrol at my Saturday job…… 🙂🇬🇧

[@marklee7545]

100% with you on that! Three of my favourite classic Ferraris, especially the BB.

[@Matteo_Licata]

It seems hard to believe now that, and for a very long time, nobody seemed to want these cars. What was everyone thinking? Well, it's great to see that, at long last, the 308 GT4 is finally getting the love it deserves. Brilliant video, as usual!

[@howardlake6178]

I ‘considered’ one in 2002, when they were under £20k. I always thought Enzo hated Gandini so much for the Muira and Countach, he wouldn’t let him design Ferraris! My favourite Gandini design, the X19, also has that 2 button affair for the 2 top rear panels, so that was the idea of a genius, too. RIP Marcello Gandini 💚🤍❤

[@bahnstormero]

Well, the 308 GT4 was not a Ferrari at the begin of production, so Ferrari had to call it a "Ferrari" later to enhance the sales. For purists any "Ferrari" without a V12 is still not a true one. Thats wha Enzo didnt see any problems to let Gandini design a "Dino".

[@jfv65]

That boot release off this GT4 is also the same as on the Fiat X1/9 and Volvo 780 coupe (both by Bertone)

[@benbuchanan672]

And the door handles 👍🏻

[@vnemax7044]

The GT4 is an amazing drive, it is still fast, it is slightly discrete and at gas stations always draws a crowd as it is seen as exotic but hard to place. This is more so for non red versions. Is it a lambo? Is it a stratos?- Make no mistake the GT4 is the most under valued non mass market hand made Ferrari made, and its star is rising fast. Finally time has shown the Bertone design to be very cool indeed and vogue. Its masterpiece engine is the grand daddy of the v8's, in fact it is 3/4 Ferrari Daytona for goodness sake! and small numbers of good ones exits. Less were made than the 750k value 246. Less than 600 RHD cars were made and only 2800 ever- and it is estimated 30-40% have been raced, parted, wrecked as they were not popular in the 90's... The dash of the GT4 is crazy cool, one of the best ever. I own an immaculate 1979 Porsche 930, and a 1976 Dino GT4. The Porsche is ferocious on acceleration over 3500 rpm- and the breaks are just ridiculous in how they work, but.... the fact is, the click, clack gate shifting, screaming hand made Ferrari 308 engine is the more invigorating drive . At 120 mph it is the Dino that feels rock steady, unlike the Porsche that has boost to come, but I'm feeling like it wants to lift off as the front is so light. In the mountain roads the five clicking gears beat the long leg Porsche. I have had a Ferrari 355, a 360 and for a while drove my father's 246, and the GT4 is the best of the lot on the road. 355 is soooo close. The point is this is a masterpiece. It just never looked Like a Ferrari so it was demonised, but due to this real drivers bought it and like us fell in love with it.

[@noelht1]

My favourite car of all time ever. My uncle had one when I was a child and took me to school in it one time and I was king of the school for the rest of my life. We used to go to the Lake District in it regularly. Fantastic car. Just powerful. Not in the way that a modern car would be powerful but for its age just the size of the engine and the eight cylinders and all the torque and everything. Just a beast of a car. Real prescience. You would say nothing else like it on the road at the time.😮.

[@neildonaldsonlotusexcelresto]

It looks a seriously underrated car... This was the first Ferrari I ever saw as a 7 year old in 1978 in Doncaster... It took my breath away. I think it looks better than the Mondial that replaced it.

[@nigelratledge3485]

Another cracking video Harry, I've always loved the 308GT4, an absolute gem from Gandini, the master.

[@wallyr.7854]

I’m happy this little overlooked and for many years forgotten, classic Italian beauty is finally getting the attention and recognition it deserves ☺️ Fantastic video as always, Harry, thank you 🙏🏼

[@chriswilliams9976]

First Ferrari I went in my mate at school his dad had one, all the other kids in our road where amazed when he dropped me off in it even more so when he dropped me off in his Lamborghini Countach Anniversary 😂

[@andybroer651]

That was my first Ferrari! I bought a 1975 for my 30th birthday in 1995. Glorious engine note with carbs and handled better than my 308GTS QV and had more power! I wish I still had it. I traded it in on a Lamborghini Countach 5000QV after 4 years of ownership.

[@stuartlloyd-jones9583]

What a beautiful fun car. the cliche "you can use all the performance' on the UK roads. What a joy Harry....

[@ISpinUWin]

This model was the first Ferrari I ever rode in. Was in CA back in 1995. I remember that it was a lot of fun. It was slow but it sounded soooo good.

[@sevensixtysteve8662]

Stunning and one of my favourite Ferrari's - Its interesting to me how well the wedge aesthetic looks today. This and early Esprits with their purity and elegance are just great looking cars.

[@XantoS771]

6:51 never would have expected a 70's Ferrari to be built so well, the door closes like a bank vault, almost like a 911 of the similar vintage

[@costelloandsilke7321]

The GT4 has always been one of my favourite Ferraris and certainly my favourite 70s Ferrari. Despite being the Bertone black sheep in the sea of Pinin designs, I think the styling is wonderful - it makes the 308 GTB look quite fussy. Wonderful example too.

[@really9025]

I saw this car being displayed at a shopping mall around 1974 and fell in love. Great memory!

[@Dez456]

The 308 GT4 handles well because Nikki Lauda was involved in its development. Also, they share the same wing mirrors as the 1976 Ferrari F1 car! Love the 308 gt4 - glad that you reviewed one.

[@francisdmn]

Not so. That was a false marketing claim by Chinetti, the USA importer. Lauda only signed a contract with Ferrari teh month the GT4 was launched, too late for any design input. Also - mirrors vary and were not factory specific.

[@stevesteve1965.]

This and the 400i my favorite Ferrari's because they are not the obvious 'go-to' Ferrari's. Nearly bought one many years ago opted for a 98 Alfa GTV Lusso..no regrets ..sort of.

[@Omegaman1969]

Same for me, love the 400i.

[@normhanson981]

@@Omegaman1969good call , the 400i , stunning.

[@darrylweathers6764]

Wow, so the optimistic speedo is a real thing? I remember the 308 being featured on Top Gears ‘£10,000 Supercar challenge’. Richard Hammond noted he was following a tractor while doing 50mph according to the speedometer… 😂

[@S-Ltd1000]

Stunning example and it's aged so well.

[@shaunportlock4924]

That's a fair point. It looks like Stratos

[@bobolulu7615]

I have a 308 Mondial QV which is the updated version of this car. Mine is everything that Harry said. so roomy, great handling and totally practical. Ive had mine for 18 years now and no issues.

[@Yapoo-j8j]

Thanks Harry This car takes you back to the 70s with its drive, engine sound, detailing. Love it ❤ Wonder why it doesn’t get more coverage 🤷‍♂️

[@francisdmn]

Great video Harry. Sums up the car really well. I always think of it as large go-kart. You can just chuck it round corners and know it will stick.I know the car in your video and the owner. I've had my blue GT4 now for 10 years and 35K miles and after a bare metal respray over this winter it is arguably on a par in terms of condition. Have to say the wipers never worried me. No doubt I will now notice them all the time. I do agree that it could probably do with a 6th gear.

[@riggs1590]

Always liked the gt4, one of the first Ferrari i worked on when i finished school. I still remember my boss telling me strictly to avoid second gear with a cold gearbox. Happy days 😊

[@SKYSAW59]

Stunning and SO underrated!. The design has aged incredibly well. Prettier than 90% of todays sports cars.

[@phillipleeds296]

I never drove one on the road, but we used to get them now and again in the Sydney Hilton car park where I worked in my student days in the mid-70s. Even driving one at parking speed underground was a thrill back then!

[@Cybot7]

Very underrated car. I owned one and sold it for 3 times what I paid for it. A delight to drive.

[@peterconnolly7048]

I grew up in San Francisco, and just north across the bridge in Belvedere lived a beautiful blue example, circa 1978. Always saw it around Marin county with its custom license plate that read, Bad Co. Lovely car, hope it’s still on the road.

[@James-gf9jl]

Glad you've covered the GT4. An icon of it's time. Hopefully the 412 sometime soon.

[@MB-uw6eh]

Love these blast from the past videos, taking us back in time to the historic Dino to test the car parameters that were common during the late 70’s era of sports cars, supplemented as well by Harry’s access to the 1979 options price list.

[@zetoch]

I adore this car and your review is delightful. Would love to see you review the 355 as well.

[@jonathangould1255]

I never understood why this was so underrated and unloved by Ferrari enthusiasts. I’ve always loved this car. Great styling would be great in Harry’s garage permanently.

[@kev-the-windsurfer.]

First thing I noticed when I drove one was the handling, I couldn't believe it, they are such an engaging car to drive!! I'd have one in a heartbeat, they always look better in the flesh too...

[@davidarter9670]

Underrated at the time, this is one of the great classic Ferraris I just love it

[@RobinCapper]

My favourite Ferrari dating back to eleven year old me seeing one in 1977.

[@NoGoodHandlesComingToMind]

Love the video as usual. Thanks so much for posting!

[@nickmills8476]

Hats off to Gandini, master of the box and the wedge.

[@benjaminvolant3083]

One of my favourite period Ferraris. Love it

[@martinclapton2724]

This was possibly the 1st Ferrari , I had a strong liking to as a teen in the early - mid 1970s. Its wedge shape , to me was oh so modern at the time. Yes I loved the 246 in The Persuaders driven by Tony Curtis , who doesn’t , but if you look at it closely it’s burning oil all over the place(!) , but this seemed a whole modern approach at the time, especially liked the alloy wheels which suited the shape. 1st saw one in black pictured in On Four Wheels magazine , one of these mags you collected and put them into binders . Obviously the Fiat parts bin was added here , 132 door handles , bonnet / boot levers from the Bertone Fiat Dino coupe , but to me that adds to the charm . Nice car

[@adriaanserrao2016]

Since i saw Jason camisa talk about his and looking at everything that made these special i really do adore these cars.

[@OmegaAbyss]

When i was in grade school, my dad owned a 1976 GT4. When he purchased it in the late 80s, it had an awful two tone paint job. He had it resprayed in Rosso Corsa, and set to work replacing all the Ferrari badges with the correct Dino badges. I can still remember the smell of the leather; very distinctive. Pretty much was the Q Ferrari of the time.

[@Johnny362000]

Depending on when exactly in '76 it was built, Ferrari badges may have been correct. That was the year they stopped branding it as a Dino

[@MichelHenriTonneau]

Always such a pleasure in viewing, listening and appreciating your videos. Thank you

[@drumtuningworkshops5751]

Time capsule ❤ Breathy aspirational quality only from a master car builder, bringing pure joy to the squirt back from Aldi… ❤️🏁

[@michaelomondi-gq5yh]

thanks Harry - your videos always enjoyable and informative

[@zippy4166]

I love it when you review cars of this era chap. Top job (Si from Bath)

[@mikebaker8667]

Brought one in 1975,loved it.

[@peterweicker77]

A visual masterpiece which inhabits space in a way which two dimensional images can't really convey. You have to see with your own eyes. It exudes an understated brutal elegance. Absolutely beautiful. So is the Urraco.

[@terryhand]

Beautiful understated design. It looks even better now than it did in the day.

[@gunmataka3708]

Jason Camissa is why I know so much about this car.

[@BasilBadger]

Lovely car! Thanks for the ride 😊

[@kiwi335d]

Fabulous video Harry, as always. I see you put real meaning behind the term “hop into the car”, as you actually really do a little hop prior to entering all of these low sports cars…. Already looking forward to seeing your next video.

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

Interesting that the Top Gear £10k supercar challenge starred one of these, a Maserati Merak, and a Lamborghini Urraco. All those cars Harry mentioned. Try finding a parts car for £10k now. In fact, the Urraco James had is in Australia now, I saw it in Melbourne and it'd been painted red.

[@NigelDeForrest-Pearce-cv6ek]

I Remember Reading about these when I was 18 in Arizona!!!! I Wanted One Then, I Want One Now, too!!!?

[@phils866]

I remember the first time I saw one. I thought it was a Lotus! The V8 even sounds like a Lotus 4-pot, especially with that induction growl. Lovely example, and another grat video, Harry.

[@rickroberts1344]

A truly fantastic car! I was lucky enough to own one but regretfully had to sell it in 2019. Do you remember our conversation we had at Silverstone auctions? It was the silver one with blue interior. If all Ferraris were the same price, this is the one I would buy... again!

[@christianfelske3005]

The front view out for me is a big plus, you only see road. Lovely car, owning one for 15 years now and I still love it as on the first day. Still today ridiculously underrated.

[@alastairwatson3201]

Somebody mentioned that this Ferrari shared its boot release with the Fiat X1/9. Both cars shared external door handles, too. The rear end styling’s also quite similar.

[@fritzmuller8246]

My Dad bought one in Australia. Then a 246 , then I bought a Mondial and then 348 . The GT4 was the most savage and I love this car

[@damienmills293]

The Italian Driving position can usually be fixed by adjusting the seat bushes to lift the front of the base to improve the feel under the knees and, the steering wheel with a spacer to bring it closer. Harry, you love these old Italians from the era! You giggle!

[@GregoryKane11]

My fav Ferrari too ... what a beautiful thing. Sunday nite's don't get much better than this. Bliss. Thanks Harry

[@jeffreyhowes9986]

Thank you Harry for this beautiful presentation of your Dino Gt4, I love this car - I've been looking since October 23 and am about to buy one, it's the color silver .....suits the Dino very well!!🤩

[@Lucan-ve6zc]

Grew up not so many miles from your lovely spot Harry. Really looking forward to the first video of the year featuring Cow Parsley lined lanes. Loved the GT4. A good pal is restoring his. Hopefully this will provide him with a bit of impetus.

[@rupunzel6299]

The door handles and bonnet/trunk release used on the Dino/Ferrari 308 and Lancia Stratos are from the Bertone/Fiat x1/9

[@conniebenny]

Another terrific video review. And what an immaculate example of this car too! Thank you for another great watch.

[@Westside7be]

I was dreaming of a GT4 for years, was saving up for it but it's catching value higher than i'm saving. Harry's now made a video of it and that'd probably double the value, so it's all over for me now :D

[@ianmasters8344]

A beautiful car Harry. It looked tiny when you came up behind that Range Rover but oh so practical.

[@56spider]

O my gawd what a ride! it seems to just glide thru the air! (with the low gearing!

[@institutmorningkiss]

Real-world usable performance, that can be extended for more than 3 secs at a time. Just what our times require ! 😊

[@lyntonfiammetta]

Went from Testarossa to 360 M F1 to 208GT4 ….Yeh a bit of a convoluted F car route …..but third time lucky I found the best drivers car by a county mile .Thank you messers Gandini and allegedly Lauda ( suspension dev ) .Never beaten .

[@marklee7545]

What a great review! Such a stunning car and great to see one in fine fettle given free reign. Hopefully there’ll be more like this coming your way soon 🤞

[@andrewlucas6214]

Always loved the gt4. As a schoolboy, I saw these, pantera and the odd Lamborghini… such beautiful visceral cars. The engine of the gt4 reminds me of dfv f1 cars of the day..not the most musical but, harsh and menacing.

[@1954telecaster]

Shhhhh don’t tell them how good these are, or else the prices will go up

[@oliverbrookes27]

I went to my local hillclimb for the first time about 20 years ago. It was Ferrari owners day and there were 308s being raced and also being advertised for sale at less than £10k.

[@N430-b9m]

I have always loved this car ,unfortunately it’s always been just out of my reach. I can always dream . Thanks for posting Harry very enjoyable.

[@stephenashby9858]

Very nice Harry, I want one especially that one in such fine condition…!

[@shiftfocus1]

Fascinating. I’ve always thought of this car as the reason Ferraris should be designed by Pininfarina. It’s just never worked for me. But I’ve never driven one…

[@stephenoliver1437]

One of my favourites harry the 246 was as well sad to hear Gandini has gone

[@wllmsp9338]

I've always had a thing for the 308 GT4. Went so far as to test drive one that I regret not buying at just $15K back in 1999 or so. I think the Lotus Evora is the spiritual successor to the GT4.

[@cliveramsbotty6077]

7 minutes in. what a beautiful sound the door makes when it closes.

[@kostaskaratzo4052]

Can't wait to enjoy Harry's comment on the 458 speciale !

[@jamespatrinos4708]

Looks like that would have been the perfect car for your recent visit to Majorca.

[@ybergik]

First time I remember hearing of that car was as part of a Top Gear cheap car challenge, way back when Top Gear was actually really good.

[@gc12gladiator]

Lusted after this car in the 80’s. I was young and in love with the different Bertone design. They were cheap too!!

[@yardelli]

X1/9 came first for those handles and boot release - All Gandini. That GT4 looks ace.

[@markdoyle6414]

What has happened to Ferrari? Their new cars have no emotion for me, I have no desire to own one. This is one of my favourite Ferraris, love it. I'd love to go for a spin in one with my kids. It's depressing to know I won't ever be able to afford one. Back in the 90s they were about £15k for half decent ones. Lovely Ferrari.

[@ianbrender9524]

The first Ferrari i have seen that i would truly love to have.

[@timshearer5589]

What a gorgeous spirit this Ferrari has. Love the car, love the video, Harry, thanks!!

[@coop69coop]

I used to have an x19 , loads of shared parts with that as well!

[@zounds13]

I've never understood why so many people think these are ugly. I think it's really pretty.

[@timwilks666]

Chap at work had one in the late 80's, always been my favourite Ferrari, they've never built a prettier car.

[@Mat1311]

My uncle had one after he sold his 246GT. He took my cousins and my brother for a drive but didn’t know there had been a new roundabout installed at the top of the hill near our house. I recall being slammed against the left side of the car with my brother and cousins squished against me as my Uncle negotiated the roundabout at 100mph. Good times.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

What a fine car. A relevant classic

[@sharpbends]

One of the best cars ever !

[@p24hrsmith]

The owner of a garage I worked at had one and I was the only mechanic allowed to work on it and drive it. On 1 drive I did get a little too enthusiastic and span it thankfully without doing any damage but don't tell the boss

[@ianmontgomery7534]

I have always loved this car and i have never understood why people didn't like it. If you wanted a V12 rather than V8 then that is fair enough but I liked this design.