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

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  • Опубликовано: 22 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 736

  • @sltillim
    @sltillim 8 месяцев назад +614

    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
      @anderspedersen7488 8 месяцев назад +23

      I read that as you being born in a Ferrari!

    • @Daredevil311-g9l
      @Daredevil311-g9l 8 месяцев назад +13

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

    • @CuoreSportivo
      @CuoreSportivo 8 месяцев назад +10

      @@Daredevil311-g9ltotally beats silver spoon

    • @GT380man
      @GT380man 8 месяцев назад +9

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

    • @Mike-1000
      @Mike-1000 8 месяцев назад +23

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

  • @drink4711
    @drink4711 8 месяцев назад +343

    RIP Marcello Gandini

    • @malcolmhardwick4258
      @malcolmhardwick4258 8 месяцев назад +13

      Legend !

    • @willemp6432
      @willemp6432 8 месяцев назад +9

      What a great man. One of my heroes. It is a sad day in the design and car world.

    • @lebojay
      @lebojay 7 месяцев назад +2

      I haven’t owned one of his cars yet. One day…
      A Khamsin would suit nicely.

    • @anandmorris
      @anandmorris 5 месяцев назад

      My hero. I studied automotive design and he was my idol.

  • @davidward8337
    @davidward8337 7 месяцев назад +9

    Great that you finally got a GT4 in The Garage, Harry. You did it justice with a very fine, well-considered review. I adore mine; had it over 20 years - raced, rallied it and taken my daughters to their weddings in it! We're off across France in it next month to Monaco Historic - can't wait. They are just brilliant - if you know, you know...

  • @glennhaley7404
    @glennhaley7404 8 месяцев назад +127

    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
    @alanwayte432 8 месяцев назад +129

    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
      @Mike-br8zt 8 месяцев назад +3

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

    • @lebojay
      @lebojay 7 месяцев назад +1

      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.

  • @ISpinUWin
    @ISpinUWin 7 месяцев назад +2

    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.

  • @federicomalignani4957
    @federicomalignani4957 8 месяцев назад +99

    I have a 308 Gt4 exactly like this one. Mine is Metallic Silver with cream leather interior and blue carpets and is a 1978 model born with the Ferrari badge. I bought her in 1997 and she is still with me,after 27 years of total reliability. This is a wonderful car to drive,if you go slow everything is heavy: the steering,the clutch,even the brake pedal,but if you let her go she becomes a dragonfly,light and easy,sharp as a knife in the bends,with a perfect balance,something amazing for a 50 years old project. When you drive this car you feel all the knowledge,all the know how,all the experience they had in Maranello in making road cars with the experience of racing cars. You feel the idea,that came from Enzo or from some of his closest collaborators,the work of the designer team made with pencils and drawing board,the ability of factory workers,and the experience of the test drivers in a hand build car. Of course is not a perfect car but the good thing is that you feel all of her heritage and of her soul.

    • @Z-u-m-a
      @Z-u-m-a 8 месяцев назад +8

      Great comment.

  • @mitfreundlichengrussen1234
    @mitfreundlichengrussen1234 8 месяцев назад +82

    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
      @fragu123 8 месяцев назад +4

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

    • @mitfreundlichengrussen1234
      @mitfreundlichengrussen1234 8 месяцев назад

      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

  • @kennymuir8722
    @kennymuir8722 8 месяцев назад +55

    Was wondering when you would get around to this! ;-) 3 years ago I bought what turned out to be the original UK press car (delivered to Dick Lovett in Wroughton in 1974), badged as a Dino in Rosso Chiaro. Currently restoring it. Wonderfully unique and underrated.

  • @neildonaldsonlotusexcelresto
    @neildonaldsonlotusexcelresto 8 месяцев назад +5

    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.

  • @MICHAELCHADWICK-q8r
    @MICHAELCHADWICK-q8r 3 месяца назад +1

    That was a very fair assessment.I ordered mine in 1978 and still enjoy it today. These really are very practical cars.I updated the suspension on mine to take advantage of the new P7 low profile tyres .This has taken the handling to a new level .

  • @vnemax7044
    @vnemax7044 8 месяцев назад +8

    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.

  • @12dougreed
    @12dougreed 8 месяцев назад +19

    I bought a 308 gt4 new from auto Becker in Dusseldorf bilk I was living in Germany at the time 1978.. I ordered mine In dark blue with beige leather seats. About two months later I got a call to say that my car had arrived but something had gone wrong with the order, they asked me to visit to sort things out.
    I arrived 8 o'clock pm and was shown into the workshop to inspect my car. Under the bright overhead lights there stood a bright red GT4
    With black fabric seats. It looked amazingly, beautiful. The salesman explained that there had been some kind of mixup. Yehh sure 😃 this one is slightly cheaper due to the fabric seats DM 53,000.
    And I didn't have to take delivery, up to me.
    Well what the hell, they didn't have to twist my arm. The next hour was taken up with the do and don'ts . Not to rev over 4000 for the first 1000 km
    Etc Not to keep at constant speeds , but veriable and to use second gear to start until the gearbox warms up.
    And not to miss the first important service ( free.plus oil ) be on time. The GT4 in Germany was only allowed 236 PS ( BHP ) this was a regulation ordered by the German TUF .
    ( Technical department) I could never understand why.
    My drive back to the north was in heavy rain with no problems. This was my first Ferrari I have owned 4 since including a Testarossa . The GT 4 was the most reliable, most fun, and handled better than all put together. In 1978 not many Germans knew what a Ferrari was. I always got comments like, that is a funny looking Auto
    Is it a kit car. Why don't you buy a Porsche?
    Well the GT 4 was quicker than the 911 of the day, and real fun on the Nordschleife . Just for interest when I ordered my car I had a long chat with a very nice guy who was drinking coffee with the sales staff.( I speak German) He was explaining to me things about the GT4 and the handling , I had no idea who he was. It was my German wife who told me on the way back home
    That I had been talking to Joachim Stuck .
    Amazing. I shall never forget the first time I actually put my foot down ( after 4000 km running in) The experience was unbelievable it handled like the go/kart I owned. And upgrading
    From a BMW , the acceleration was mind blowing. Remember this was 1978. Though the years I found a new Ferrari engine is quick
    But tend to slow down after 20.000 km.

    • @adrianharrison5208
      @adrianharrison5208 7 месяцев назад +5

      Thanks for sharing your story, it's great to hear from people that were owners

  • @dougcargill6730
    @dougcargill6730 8 месяцев назад +81

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

    • @DenUitvreter
      @DenUitvreter 8 месяцев назад +4

      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
      @kevincockburn7805 8 месяцев назад +5

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

    • @michaelbonade4667
      @michaelbonade4667 8 месяцев назад +4

      400….here here!!

    • @iancharlton678
      @iancharlton678 8 месяцев назад +1

      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
      @marklee7545 8 месяцев назад +1

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

  • @sevensixtysteve8662
    @sevensixtysteve8662 7 месяцев назад +2

    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.

  • @Matteo_Licata
    @Matteo_Licata 8 месяцев назад +15

    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!

  • @foggyrf9
    @foggyrf9 8 месяцев назад +6

    My dad was a foreign office comms officer and we were posted to Rome in 1980-82. A gt4 lived near our flat and I was smitten the first time I saw it. Vastly underrated for decades, I'm still in love. Yet another just superb Gandini design. The gt4 issue is the only one of about 25 years worth of collected Classic and Sportscar mags that I've kept. Thanks for reviewing it!

  • @verdict1163
    @verdict1163 8 месяцев назад +15

    308 GT4 is the hidden gem of the range. Many consider them one of the best handling classic Ferraris, more of a driver's car than the 308 GTB/GTS. A lot of components shared with the 205/206 Dino for 1/5 of the price. Thank you to Harry for still reviewing all these classics.

  • @seanoduinn5638
    @seanoduinn5638 8 месяцев назад +46

    A thing of beauty.... Modern Ferrari have lost that aspect of their design, id still have one, but the old ones look so much better

  • @nickrichardson1317
    @nickrichardson1317 8 месяцев назад +12

    I’ve owned four 308 GT4’s from very early ones to 1981. In my 1979 version I covered around 70k miles between 1985 & 1994, as it was a delight to drive. My last one was a 1981 built and I bought it from a Main Ferrari dealer in 2000 with 19,000miles on it. After 1500 miles on a trip into Europe to Monaco, the 19year old tyres gave out! That was a beginning of considerable cost including rebuilt suspension & a top of engine rebuild, all because of its lack of use until I bought it!
    It was a great drive and I would have kept it but spare parts were hard to find. The non-working Speedometer required a tiny angled drive, which after 10months was found in a US scrap yard, being typical. I replaced the tyres with modern lower profile Pirelli’s which were much better for grip & handling. I’d describe the 3rd gear ability to almost dance down a line of spaced out cars on overtakes, as just wonderful & very controlled. The brakes need careful attention and these cars have no ABS, no power-steering nor traction-control. Remember not to use 2nd gear until the oil temperature is thoroughly warmed up, usually after 10 miles of gentle driving, & worth waiting for!
    After the stint with 308GT4’s I’ve moved onto Mondial Coupes. I owned a 1993 3.4t first which no-one mentions the engine has to be removed on its sub-frame to service it!!! The chassis is not as stiff because of the sub-frame and servicing costs start at £2,500! Wow, 3.4t’s have this costly requirement so I now drive a 1988 Mondial 3.2 Quattro-valve which has a stiff chassis and ABS but still no power-steering. This is a delight to drive. Not quite as nimble as the 308 GT4, but the spares situation is good & many are in use in Historic Racing. The Mondial 3.2 shares its engine with a 328, and has a fine reliability record. It cost just £31,500 in 2019! A big saving on the £55,000 for the 308GT4. Values now are slightly up to £35,000 ish but finding a Mondial 3.2 might be a challenge. Chris Harris has a Mondial 3.0 QV Cabriolet which he likes so much, it’s being rebuilt!
    The 308GT4 & Mondial’s are the forgotten V8’s lurking in the low price ranges but offer a manual gearbox, and I like it that my car shares the Steering-wheel, keys, instruments etc, with a F40! On Shell V-Max (E5) the 308 GT4 will do 15-18 mpg unless one is getting on a bit when 8mpg is possible. All my four liked oil at a litre every other fill up depending on your speed!
    The Mondial 3.4t and 3.2 are better on fuel consumption at 19-22mpg and oil consumption is way better than the 308GT4’s. Servicing costs on 308’s and 3.2 Mondial is around £300 plus vat for an oil, brake fluid & check brakes, service. These cars need their Cambelts and pulleys renewed on average about every 3-years at on my Mondial 3.2 £500 plus vat at Graypaul Ferrari.
    Rust is an enemy of 308GT4’s with no factory rust-protection and just like Dino 246’s they can rust badly. (I owned a £12,000 Dino which was rusting away!)

    • @francisdmn
      @francisdmn 5 месяцев назад +1

      None built n 1981, last built in early 1980. Maybe first registered in 1981. That was possible My July 1978 built car wasn't registered till Aug 1979

  • @andybroer651
    @andybroer651 8 месяцев назад +3

    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.

  • @johncreedon7847
    @johncreedon7847 22 дня назад

    Love when Harry reviews older cars, and brings out old magazines. You can tell the older stuff is where his passion is

  • @thatcheapguy525
    @thatcheapguy525 7 месяцев назад +2

    I was a child in the 70s. was always a fan of the Dino 246 styling but used to get confused between the looks of the 308 GT4 and Lotus Esprit often thinking they were the same. the 308 GT4 styling was also quite conservative for an Italian sports car of its era. superb example in this video though

    • @roldoxc2094
      @roldoxc2094 7 месяцев назад +2

      Yes, not one of Gandini's better efforts style-wise

  • @howardlake6178
    @howardlake6178 8 месяцев назад +31

    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
      @bahnstormero 8 месяцев назад +1

      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".

  • @utube321piotr
    @utube321piotr 8 месяцев назад +3

    Enjoyed this video Harry. Back in 2004 I helped to EFI convert and dyno tune an engine of very similar GT4. Outside of EFI hardware and different throttle bodies, the engine was factory stock. If I remember correctly, with EFI it was making close to 280HP on a Superflow engine dyno. Have not driven the car but it did move and sound glorious. The GT is aerodynamically cleaner than the 308 GTB/GTS so I would expect a higher top speed.

  • @paninaro-zq9hx
    @paninaro-zq9hx 7 месяцев назад +2

    What a sublime piece of design, the side profile of the car is the one of the best I have ever seen from any car designer.

  • @noelht1
    @noelht1 8 месяцев назад +9

    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.😮.

  • @oohmeconkers1968
    @oohmeconkers1968 8 месяцев назад +8

    When I was a lad…..the local chip shop owner had one. Usually parked outside the shop. Rumour has it he won and lost the car gambling! Was a bit rough but to see a Ferrari back in the late 70’s/early 80’s was a rare thing. Not my favourite Ferrari but that example is stunning and it drives so well. Well done Mr M for another great film, I personally love the older car reviews and the restoration films closely followed by your epic road trips! Good work and thanks.

  • @andicog
    @andicog 8 месяцев назад +19

    Remember watching these being raced in the Marenello challenge at Oulton Park , it was said that they handled better than the 308GTB.
    Remember as a car mad young teenager seeing a white one in rush hour traffic every evening, a friend (who was no car nut) was cheeky enough to ask the young driver for a ride, he took him up the road and back, we never heard the end of it as he boasted next day in school.
    Looking at cars like this and the Countach, Boxer, Espada and many more, makes me realise how lucky I've been to be an enthusiast through a great time in design and innovation, I'm not keen on most of the new ones though. Thanks Harry.

  • @danieleregoli812
    @danieleregoli812 8 месяцев назад +3

    My favourite Ferrari. Gandini... what a man! what an artist! A real sculptor.

  • @ChromeFreeDisco
    @ChromeFreeDisco 6 месяцев назад +2

    Great video capturing it's strengths, it is shorter than a GTB/S but has a longer wheelbase. That's a very nice example, although the handbrake should be straight and the wipers definitely should park lower. The great thing about these cars is the sheer amount of different sounds you can elicit from the engine, it's like playing a musical instrument.

    • @francisdmn
      @francisdmn 5 месяцев назад +1

      I have one - agree about the wipers - mine are much lower. Just an easy adjustment. My handbreake also points inwards though possibky not quite so much.

  • @timwest4891
    @timwest4891 8 месяцев назад +3

    30 years ago, I bought a couple of Classic cars that were not in fashion at all, but I thought were fabulous. A Jaguar XJ12 Coupe, and a 308 GT4. Glad Harry agrees with my choices! I love them both

  • @ericsevern
    @ericsevern 8 месяцев назад +3

    Finally, a review of a 308GT4 -- my favourite Ferrari. Thank you. Still my favourite.

  • @jfv65
    @jfv65 8 месяцев назад +36

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

    • @benbuchanan672
      @benbuchanan672 8 месяцев назад +9

      And the door handles 👍🏻

  • @stevestone4346
    @stevestone4346 8 месяцев назад +38

    I must be one of the few who actually preferred the GT4 over the GTB. Very sad to hear about the passing of Signore Gandini. RIP.

    • @davidarter9670
      @davidarter9670 8 месяцев назад +3

      I am one who agrees with you, Sir.

    • @roryosullivan5278
      @roryosullivan5278 8 месяцев назад +2

      It was always my favourite looking Ferrari. The rear 3/4 view is the best, interior sublime and nice to hear how well they drive!

    • @TheInstructor66
      @TheInstructor66 7 месяцев назад +1

      I am one of those too. Apart from the first Lambo (Gt350/400), the Urraco is my favorit Lambo.

  • @bobolulu7615
    @bobolulu7615 8 месяцев назад +2

    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.

  • @really9025
    @really9025 8 месяцев назад +2

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

  • @nigelratledge3485
    @nigelratledge3485 8 месяцев назад +16

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

  • @alisonlawson5505
    @alisonlawson5505 8 месяцев назад +4

    GT4 AL
    Great wee car. I have owned mine for 24years. Developed it some over the years to upgrade the chassis , engine and brakes. Its a very practical and reliable ownership prospect. Its for sale on pistonheads at the moment. Everyone you meet loves the car always a positive interaction no green eyed monsters. its got class. Harrys comments on the handling are correct. Mine is on 16 s with a thicker antiroll bar at the rear and rose jointed adjustable shocks with solid bushing on the a arms. All of which has sharpened up the turn in, grip and responses without(surprisingly) loosing the ride quality. I have tucked the wiper blades out the way by moving them round on the spline, no biggie. Great long distance tourer. So give me a call if you would like to take it on for the next 20 years.

  • @wallyr.7854
    @wallyr.7854 8 месяцев назад +4

    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 🙏🏼

  • @ruderoid
    @ruderoid 8 месяцев назад +7

    This really was made for a 5’2” Italian snake hipped lothario. Harry looked enormous in those seats - headrest in mid back!

    • @heiner71
      @heiner71 8 месяцев назад +1

      If you are shorter than Harry, all you see out the windshield are the wipers.

  • @scholesysscaleschematics2445
    @scholesysscaleschematics2445 8 месяцев назад +5

    My friends dad has got one of these in the garage. I can’t tell how many times I’ve asked to buy or begged him to do something with it. Love these.

  • @SKYSAW59
    @SKYSAW59 7 месяцев назад +2

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

  • @christopherjensen5007
    @christopherjensen5007 8 месяцев назад +3

    See this bump? It doesn't exist! I love it! Number one RUclips Channel in my books!

  • @phillipleeds296
    @phillipleeds296 8 месяцев назад +2

    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!

  • @bertramspielt
    @bertramspielt 8 месяцев назад +7

    For me, one of my favorit Ferraris ever made. A very modest and usable Gandini sports car design - but also a beautiful car!
    They were not so exotic and rare cars in the 70s and 80s here in Carinthia. And it was the time of colors: I knew them in silver (these were the most) metallic blue (light blue or in a wonderfull dark blue) red, yellow, maroon brown, gold. Most of them disappeared from the streets in the late 80s, due to the rust. They were often used as daily divers, like the Porsche 911 and the salt in the winter kills them in a few years! Technical, they were quite robust cars - and most of the owners took them to Italy regulary for service. The costs in the workshop near Udine were much lower (and way better) than in Austria - and it was only a two hour drive...
    Nice car, great video! Greetings from Austria 🇦🇹!

  • @pt99810
    @pt99810 8 месяцев назад +3

    A fine example of a classic car demonstrating that less power/weight/bulk is more in terms of driving pleasure, compared with some of the supercar behemoths lumbering around these days. Greta to see this car so beautifully kept & restored.

  • @whitevanman8703
    @whitevanman8703 8 месяцев назад +7

    Watching this video has made it a great Sunday afternoon.

  • @costelloandsilke7321
    @costelloandsilke7321 8 месяцев назад +3

    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.

  • @stuartlloyd-jones9583
    @stuartlloyd-jones9583 8 месяцев назад +7

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

  • @adrianbennett3761
    @adrianbennett3761 3 месяца назад +1

    The GT4 and Urraco still look fabulous today. I don’t think the same will be said about today’s cars in 50 years time

  • @stevesteve1965.
    @stevesteve1965. 8 месяцев назад +6

    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
      @Omegaman1969 8 месяцев назад +3

      Same for me, love the 400i.

    • @normhanson981
      @normhanson981 7 месяцев назад

      @@Omegaman1969good call , the 400i , stunning.

  • @Hamish1968
    @Hamish1968 7 месяцев назад +1

    What a lovely example! Thanks Harry

  • @sparky4878
    @sparky4878 8 месяцев назад +9

    308 GT4 with mention of the Uracco and Merak too. Somehow I doubt that old Top Gear challenge can be done today. Prices have gone up quite a bit.

  • @benjaminvolant3083
    @benjaminvolant3083 8 месяцев назад +2

    One of my favourite period Ferraris. Love it

  • @Dez456
    @Dez456 8 месяцев назад +3

    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
      @francisdmn 5 месяцев назад +1

      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.

  • @robertbcope
    @robertbcope 8 месяцев назад +11

    Not forgotten by me! I love these cars. I want one to go along with my '85 308 GTS at some point.

  • @XantoS771
    @XantoS771 8 месяцев назад +4

    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

  • @Emppu_T.
    @Emppu_T. 8 месяцев назад +2

    Thanks for the heads up. Rest Marcello and thank you!

  • @chriswilliams9976
    @chriswilliams9976 8 месяцев назад +24

    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 😂

  • @timgosling6189
    @timgosling6189 8 месяцев назад +2

    We had a '79 Series 2, pretty much identical to this one. I'm lucky in that I'm only 5' 9" and have short legs and long arms; it fitted me like a glove! It taught me how to heel-and-toe and it did 4 or 5 track days with the FOC every year for 10 years. I decided to sell before the rust got too bad but I still look back on it very fondly.

  • @peterconnolly7048
    @peterconnolly7048 8 месяцев назад +1

    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.

  • @OGs_Classics
    @OGs_Classics 8 месяцев назад +5

    Trunk/hood release and door latches are the same as on my Fiat X1/9...pretty cool to see!

    • @marcop1587
      @marcop1587 8 месяцев назад +1

      Come to think of it, your lovely X1/9 is nothing but 308 GTBs little sister.

  • @andylaws4247
    @andylaws4247 8 месяцев назад +5

    Lovely review and mention of the fantastic designer Marcello Gandini.

  • @jonathangould1255
    @jonathangould1255 8 месяцев назад +1

    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.

  • @S-Ltd1000
    @S-Ltd1000 8 месяцев назад +5

    Stunning example and it's aged so well.

    • @shaunportlock4924
      @shaunportlock4924 8 месяцев назад +2

      That's a fair point. It looks like Stratos

  • @-POISON-
    @-POISON- 8 месяцев назад +4

    Always loved the 308 GT4. Marcello Gandini did a great job designing it.

    • @SoerenAU
      @SoerenAU 8 месяцев назад +1

      ❤❤❤yes, imho also yet another ‘time’-bomb, from Nuccio’ BERTONEs hayday design department. And only now’, after almost all the ol’ maestro’ stylists, have gone, does the scarcely surviving examples, of their period works, fetch some kind of attention’, beeing refitted and fully serviceable, still, commanding good money in exchange for title, and iconic status❤❤❤

  • @sdc8547
    @sdc8547 4 месяца назад

    This is an hypnotically beautiful, timeless design, that I've loved from the first time I saw one. Wheeler Dealers did one up a while back, and it was surprising how practical it was. I can't really understand how some people don't like the car.

  • @riggs1590
    @riggs1590 8 месяцев назад +1

    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 😊

  • @MB-uw6eh
    @MB-uw6eh 8 месяцев назад

    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.

  • @jonathanallen2388
    @jonathanallen2388 8 месяцев назад

    The 2+2, Ferrari 308 engines and bodies have always been my favorites amongst the Ferrari family lineup. Always absolutely beautiful and functionally designed cars! The 2+2’s were really quite practical and usable for what they were. That one is a gem!

  • @francisdmn
    @francisdmn 8 месяцев назад +3

    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.

  • @eieghn
    @eieghn 8 месяцев назад

    What a car! One of my favorite cars from my days at The Sports Car Exchange in Dearborn, Michigan.....so visceral! The intake song undamped (not like the 308GTB/GTS), the immediacy of your sensing turn-in to corners, as you where placed so much further ahead to the front wheels than it's two-seater counterparts. AND, if you were lucky enough you had a one of the fiberglas body units that were so much lighter than the steel bodied versions. Love it LOVE IT!

  • @C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13
    @C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13 7 месяцев назад +1

    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.

  • @Yapoo-j8j
    @Yapoo-j8j 8 месяцев назад +2

    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 🤷‍♂️

  • @davidarter9670
    @davidarter9670 8 месяцев назад +1

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

  • @QuickSplashVideo-rm2kh
    @QuickSplashVideo-rm2kh 8 месяцев назад +3

    Please bring back decent depth of sidewall on tyres. Maybe we wouldn't worry so much about rough roads and potholes. That's a beautiful car by the way.

  • @nickp-m5293
    @nickp-m5293 8 месяцев назад +2

    My pa bought a '78 in 1980, passed it to me in 2000 just before he died. I kept it until 2015 and it is now in the custody of my nephew. I still miss it in a way but felt that I and my wallet needed a break after 15 years "at the coalface"! Fun fact: Elvis owned a black one on chrome wire wheels which I believe is still at Graceland.

  • @motorlibro
    @motorlibro 8 месяцев назад +1

    I worked for a dealer and we had a lot of trouble with door fit and latching on our cars- the other major complaint was clutch effort, it was brutal compared to car it replaced the 246.

  • @Aleiza_49
    @Aleiza_49 8 месяцев назад +1

    Ngl this and the Mondial are actually my dream Ferraris, very underrated cars.

  • @andyknuckles2903
    @andyknuckles2903 8 месяцев назад +9

    One of the best sounding cars you have driven on video.

  • @niklaswejedal463
    @niklaswejedal463 8 месяцев назад +2

    Good to see the 308 GT4 getting some attention - very much a mostly forgotten model these days.

  • @RobinCapper
    @RobinCapper 8 месяцев назад +2

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

  • @peterweicker77
    @peterweicker77 7 месяцев назад

    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.

  • @adriaanserrao2016
    @adriaanserrao2016 8 месяцев назад +1

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

  • @mikebaker8667
    @mikebaker8667 8 месяцев назад +1

    Brought one in 1975,loved it.

  • @kev-the-windsurfer.
    @kev-the-windsurfer. 8 месяцев назад +1

    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...

  • @RuperScooper
    @RuperScooper 8 месяцев назад +4

    What an absolutely delightful Ferrari - and you can tell how chuffed Harry is with it. Would prefer that to a new one gotta say 👍

  • @christianfelske3005
    @christianfelske3005 8 месяцев назад

    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.

  • @martinclapton2724
    @martinclapton2724 8 месяцев назад +1

    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

  • @jasonwishart6800
    @jasonwishart6800 8 месяцев назад +1

    Like on my old gtv6, a spacer behind the steering wheel will do wonders for the seating position.

  • @siraff4461
    @siraff4461 8 месяцев назад

    I really like that. It feels like a big brother to your Lancia. Short gearing, rev happy and friendly handling from a car thats not over powered.
    It seems the kind of car you could really get stuck into and enjoy without too much bother.
    Apart from the wheel wobble (easily rectified) it seems to be in excellent condition too.
    What a lovely car. Someone is going to be very happy with that one.

  • @MichelHenriTonneau
    @MichelHenriTonneau 8 месяцев назад

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

  • @jjhkm
    @jjhkm 8 месяцев назад +9

    Hit the spot again Harry

  • @fritzmuller8246
    @fritzmuller8246 8 месяцев назад

    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

  • @AxLWake
    @AxLWake 8 месяцев назад

    That is one of my favorite Ferrari designs of all time. I know many don't like it but I don't care. It just looks so cool to me.
    Gandini was a real artist.

  • @monica93304
    @monica93304 8 месяцев назад

    That Dino is absolutely lovely with all of it's quirks. Sounds heavenly.

  • @ingrampowell9111
    @ingrampowell9111 8 месяцев назад +1

    Alwaya preferred the 308GT4 to the 308GTB because of its STANCE. The GTB's long rear overhang makes it look like a saloon, and the glorious 288GTO shows us how it should have been done.

  • @iantownsend500
    @iantownsend500 8 месяцев назад

    Completely love these, it’s the perfect Ferrari to have today, you can rev it all the way out & your not doing a million, while sitting in that gorgeous interior and hearing that fabulous noise

  • @grahamdunn8292
    @grahamdunn8292 8 месяцев назад +2

    Tony Lambert ran the hillclimb 308 GT4 in the Midland and British Championship in fine fashion and was quick in it!