1976 Ferrari 308 GT4

Details

Apple, Coco-Cola, McDonalds and Nike are brands recognisable the world over. So is Ferrari and interestingly the iconic Italian luxury sports car manufacturer was named ‘The World’s Strongest Brand’ in the 2019 Brand Finance Global 500 Report.

Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1939 out of Alfa Romeo’s race division as Auto Avio Costruzioni the company built its first car in 1940. The Second World War halted Ferrari’s dream, which was finally realised in 1947, when the first car bearing his name, the Ferrari125S, was built. From that day on Ferrari race cars dominated the world over, winning race after race and many world championships in Formula One, sports car racing and endurance racing. Ferrari built exclusive sports cars for the road too, but in the early days, this was primarily to fund his motor racing!

The Cavallino Rampate or ‘prancing horse’ was the symbol chosen by Ferrari and like the ‘golden arches’ it is recognised by just about every man, woman and child on the planet!

The late 1960’s and early 1970’s were a fabulous time for Ferrari. Its flagship 365 GTB/4 Daytona was a resounding success and Enzo’s ‘big risk’ the Dino 246 was also selling very well. Ferrari wanted to continue with his tradition of producing high performance ‘Grand Touring’ cars and needed a successor to the 365 GT 2+2 and 365 GTC. He opted to continue with a 2+2 configuration – enter the 365 GTC/4. Ferrari also saw an opportunity to take on Porsche and he decided to build a relatively affordable 2+2 sports car. The Ferrari 308 GT4 was first shown at the Paris Motor Show in 1973 and production started shortly thereafter. Like the 246 Dino the 308 GT4 carried only ‘Dino’ badges throughout the first few years of production. The 308 GT4 was a ground breaking model for Ferrari in many ways. It was the first Ferrari to be powered by a transversely mounted V8 engine and the first Ferrari to be designed by Bertone.

The 308 GT4 was a great success for Ferrari and almost 3,000 examples were built over six years of production through until 1979.

Oldtimer Australia has had the privilege of selling a number of Ferrari 308 GT4’s over the years and we know these cars very well. We are absolutely delighted to offer for sale this 1976 Ferrari 308 GT4 that can only be described as ‘an incredible time capsule’.

This particular car is understood to have been a UK delivered, factory RHD example that has been in Australia for most of its life. The very early history of this 308 GT4 is not known, however, its ownership is known back to 1978. The car had two owners in Australia (NSW) before it was sold through Melbourne based classic and prestige car dealer, Dutton Pty Ltd, in April 1991. The car was sold to a local enthusiast who amassed a significant collection of cars over a very short period of time. He sparingly, and in some cases never, used his cars and they were all stored at the Chequered Flag Stables which was a car storage facility in Moorabbin, a southern suburb of Melbourne. At the time of purchase the odometer was 36,273 km. The owner passed away some eighteen months ago and his car collection has just been sold off by his estate

This car has been in storage and not run for in excess of 25 years and will require recommissioning. We have had a respected Ferrari specialist inspect the car and he confirmed that the engine turns freely by hand.

The car retains its original Glidden Salchi paint sticker which notes a colour code of 106-A-38, which ‘bleu chiaro metallizzato’. The car looks to have mostly original paint and most certainly original trim. Today the odometer reads 36,360 km which may well be genuine. As noted above this car is an incredible ‘time capsule’. The car is confirmed as having a factory sun roof and factory air conditioning. At some stage the original Campagnolo wheels have been replaced with Simmons sports wheels.

The paint work on this car is excellent. It is vibrant with a strong depth of colour and a high gloss. Whilst colour is a personal choice we think the finish of this car is ‘just stunning’! There are a few minor blemishes evident here and there, but nothing that detracts from the overall presentation of the car. The panel gaps are also excellent. The external trim, chrome, wheels and the glass are also in very good original condition. Inside the cabin is ‘just fabulous’. The highlight is the velour inserts on the seats and door cards which are all beautifully preserved. Importantly the foam in the seats remains firm and supportive and the carpets show minimal wear. The dash and all of the instruments and controls are also in excellent condition.

All of the boot carpet is original and in good condition, although there are a few marks here and there. The engine bay is clean and mechanically the car looks to be have been very well cared for.

After recommissioning and fitting a set of original wheels this would have to be one of the coolest and most original 308 GT4’s in the country. Hard to find another like this, a unique opportunity!

Accompanying the car is the often missing space saver spare wheel.

 

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