The Ferrari 308 GT4 Committed A Major Sin.. Is It Time To Forgive?

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  • Опубликовано: 2 июл 2024
  • There are a couple of Ferraris that were never accepted the 308 GT4 is one of them. It’s biggest problem was that it wasn’t designed by Pininfarina or looked like a traditional Ferrari. But also it was Ferrari’s first V8 and badged as a Dino. In my drive today I examine whether this mid é g ones 2+2 is true Ferrari or not.
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Комментарии • 696

  • @Number27
    @Number27  Год назад

    Patreon Supporters get advance viewings before official release and also a monthly exclusive roundup video of what I've been getting up to. If you want to support the channel please go to: www.patreon.com/number27

  • @elveggoloco
    @elveggoloco Год назад +72

    Speaking as a person who is fairly sick of 'Ferrari hubris,' I think the GT4 is fantastic and remains fixed in the list of very few Fezzas I'd like to own. And yes, I do like how it looks! 👍👍👍

    • @m.e.345
      @m.e.345 Год назад +4

      ..yeah, I find that while not initially exciting, it does grow on you with time.

    • @rolandibanez2509
      @rolandibanez2509 Год назад

      Me, too. I really like Bertones design and I say: Fuck all these idiots, who blabber around some silly "sin" nonsense.

    • @ianmontgomery7534
      @ianmontgomery7534 Год назад +3

      yeah I am another who has always loved them. I also liked the original Rambler Javelin which was another car that wasn't really popular.

  • @pi.actual
    @pi.actual Год назад +28

    The misunderstanding with the GT4 was that people mistakenly thought it was the replacement for the 246 because the GTB release was delayed due to quality issues they were having with the fiberglass body. But the GT4 was meant to be an entirely different model to compete against the Lamborghini Urraco and the Maserati Merak which were both 2+2 mid engined cars that came out around 1970-71. Obviously there was a market for a 2+2 because Ferrari continued to build the GT4 up until 1993 - although it got a Pininfarina body in 1980 and was renamed the Mondial. There is in fact evidence that the 308 GTB was intended to be badged as a Dino before they decided to abandon the brand, possibly due to the market reaction to the GT4 but more likely just due the financial condition of Ferrari at the time.

    • @christianfelske3005
      @christianfelske3005 Год назад +3

      It was an answer to the 911.

    • @pi.actual
      @pi.actual Год назад +5

      @@christianfelske3005 True, the 911 had a back seat as well although, as with the GT4, it's more of an elaborately upholstered package shelf in reality.

    • @RUfromthe40s
      @RUfromthe40s 10 месяцев назад +1

      the GTB vetroresina is my one of two ferrari´s because i also bought it cheap ,in 78

  • @12dougreed
    @12dougreed Год назад +4

    This car is the first Ferrari I bought ( new from auto Becker In Dusseldorf) 1978 .
    A fantastic car , never a problem, handed like a dream and quick in 78 .
    Personally I think it looks much better than the
    Crappy 308 GTB and 328. ( Had both)
    The styling has not become stale like the latter
    In fact I think it has become even more desirable.
    I ran this car in Germany from new , covered 75000 km without a hitch just the normal servicing by Becker. In those days it was a Porsche eater , great fun as the Germans in those days did not know what a Ferrari was ( comments daily, what is that funny looking car )
    They only became interested in the Michael Schumacher days.
    Thanks for the video

  • @moanathetokyopoogle6744
    @moanathetokyopoogle6744 Год назад +6

    My mums best friend had one, her husband couldn’t be bothered driving it. Used to get picked up from school in it in small-ish town Australia and kids would say it’s not a Ferrari simply because it wasn’t a testarossa which is the only one they knew. She used it as a daily driver easily and got plenty of compliments. One other story, she was driving with my mum and my dad was crossing the street with his national managers in their suits… “look at the babes in the Ferrari”, “ that’s no babe, that’s my wife”. Had the desired effect of a Ferrari.

  • @PaulLeitnerWise
    @PaulLeitnerWise Год назад +43

    The Dino name came about as the 2.0L V6 engine was designed by Ferrari's son, Alfredo (Dino) the year before his death. Ten years later it powered the 206 Dino and the second iteration of this engine enlarged to 2.4L powered the 246 Dino. The third was the 308 V8 which debuted in the GT4. The blue "Dino" script and border and the yellow background of the badge reflect the colors of Modena. I owned a Mondial after our kids were born (no room in the 512BBi) an highly competent but equally unloved Ferrari Jack. Excellent episode!

    • @psk5746
      @psk5746 Год назад +2

      The engine was designed by Jano

    • @marcobertoni2381
      @marcobertoni2381 Год назад

      ​@@psk5746 V6 Dino...

    • @rustybearden1800
      @rustybearden1800 Год назад +2

      I always loved the Mondial but it's mechanical reputation far outweighed it's lovely design - I still love it

    • @gigieinaudi24
      @gigieinaudi24 Год назад +5

      There was a Fiat Dino Ferrari equipped with The V 6 of Ferrari.
      A little masterpiece of italian design late sixties.
      Here we are anyway
      it.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_Dino

    • @gigieinaudi24
      @gigieinaudi24 Год назад +1

      V6 2,4 liter 180 hp if I’m not wrong

  • @susannero6401
    @susannero6401 Год назад +40

    Great video -- like you, I love the 308GT4. Other mid-engined 2+2's: the Lamborghini Uracco, the Maserati Merak (I believe), and, of course, the GT4's successor, the Mondial. I love them all.

  • @DickDawsonTheShills
    @DickDawsonTheShills Год назад +60

    "I think they look absolutely brilliant." I agree Jack. I think it is a bold design that has aged very well. People have to remember this wasn't sold as the end all be all of performance. This was a car for folks like old Man Enzo to drive and in that regard, wow is it special. Great Vid 27.

    • @gulfstream7235
      @gulfstream7235 Год назад +1

      Old man Enzo wasn't a fan of Ferrari car ownership himself, balked at the cost of them, drove a Fiat instead. I do like the look of them all said and done...

    • @DickDawsonTheShills
      @DickDawsonTheShills Год назад +1

      @@gulfstream7235 Well as I hear it, many times, he did use a 330 GT 2+2 for a time. There are a few pics of him getting in and out but as its told not for a long stint or anything.

    • @elroyfudbucker6806
      @elroyfudbucker6806 Год назад +2

      @@gulfstream7235Enzo liked driving a Fiat 128 coupè around Modena because it was smaller & easier to drive down those narrow streets than in one of his own. He did like 2+2 GTs though.

    • @cbotten106
      @cbotten106 3 месяца назад

      Supposedly this was one of Enzo's favorite designs for a road car. He really didn't want to produce the road cars, so that isn't saying a whole lot.

  • @andrewgurney6019
    @andrewgurney6019 Год назад +64

    To me it has aged superbly, looks a stunning car rear lights apart.

    • @eskamobob8662
      @eskamobob8662 Год назад +6

      Hahaha. I actualy like the rear lights. The car honestly looks better on photos than in person though. It's looks great from low down but even at my height (5'4" or so) it doesn't look fantastic looking down on it 😅

    • @lasskinn474
      @lasskinn474 Год назад +4

      Only prob for me is that if you squint it looks like you ordered a stratos from wish

    • @jaap5398
      @jaap5398 Год назад +2

      @@lasskinn474 you win the internet tonight :)

    • @fabiandimaspratama
      @fabiandimaspratama Год назад +2

      The rear looks just fine. Looks like DeTomasso.

    • @dennisdose5697
      @dennisdose5697 Год назад

      Oh gosh, he mentioned the Mondial. What a freaking mess that car was, probably the worst car of Ferrari's cheese grater era. Hate all of them, gosh, maybe the testosterone rose was worse. The Mondial was at least dull enough to ignore 🤠.

  • @feefyefoefum
    @feefyefoefum Год назад +37

    These looked pretty amazing on the road in '75 when I first saw one, and I'll never forget the sound of that wonderful mid-rear DOHC engine. To my eyes it looks similar to the Esprit S1, coincidence or not.

    • @noelht1
      @noelht1 Год назад +2

      Like the Esprit but much more solid

    • @daveshongkongchinachannel
      @daveshongkongchinachannel Год назад +2

      You beat me to it - so obviously an Esprit from the front and none the worse for it.

    • @weallfollowmanutd
      @weallfollowmanutd Год назад +4

      Like many Ferraris, when you see them in the flesh, you stop and stare. This is a beautiful car. The 400 for goodness sake looks great in the flesh.

  • @BanjoLuke1
    @BanjoLuke1 Год назад +50

    I've never driven one. I probably never will. The "anti" argument is not unlike that which holds that the 'Sud is not a real Alfa. The Dino badge of the early models didn't help. I rather like them. There was no such snobbery about the 206 or the 246. As with those, the model number didn't equate to the swept volume of a single piston. The real surge of snobbery came in the late 80s classic boom. Everyone had to be an expert and had to know more than everyone else... Viewed as a stand alone model against its contemporaries, it is a lively thing. A very lovely thing.

    • @saxon-mt5by
      @saxon-mt5by Год назад +3

      There IS no such snobbery with the 246, but once upon a time there certainly was.

    • @michaelorlando6159
      @michaelorlando6159 Год назад +4

      Well said i love it and the controversy around it and its a well balanced design. Especially being a 2+2 and that sound at start up has me sold. I want one!

    • @Suprahampton
      @Suprahampton Год назад +1

      The 206 & 246 were 2Litre V6 & 2.4Litre V6

    • @BanjoLuke1
      @BanjoLuke1 Год назад +1

      @@saxon-mt5by Up to a point. When the original Dino and later the 2.4 emerged, cars of that type were so rare that anything foreign, red and mid-engined turned heads and elicited gasps. Production figures for all the Italian sports-car makers were very low. And RHD numbers a fraction of that. So on the UK, the 206 and 246 really weren't the object of snobbery. Niton the way the 308 2+2 was, even after it became a Ferrari. I speak of the UK market. I know little of any other.
      Bizarrely (or perhaps not) the fashion for replacing Dino badging for Ferrari badging has gone into reverse. The Dino name of the originals now has some "early production cachet and the Dino badges are reappearing. Somehow the 206 and 246 didn't draw the scorn. Maybe it was the heritage of the engine. Maybe is was the beauty of the design. Maybe it was the purity or novelty of the concept. A few (very few) people sniffed and muttered something about it not being a 12. But it wasn't ever a magnet of popular disdain on the way the poor 308 was.

    • @iracohen5763
      @iracohen5763 Год назад +1

      i have always admired the design of the gt4. i came THIS close to getting one in 1974. that said, they are still selling for 25 grand, which is exactly the same as the msrp back in the day!

  • @garethjones2746
    @garethjones2746 Год назад +9

    As a non Ferrari enthusiast I think this looks like a perfect car. I just love it. I’m surprised more movies don’t have it as the leads preferred ride. Bond has his db5, magnum his 308, John wick his mustang, some movie or tv series hero would rock with this cool
    Choice

    • @_FightForYourFreedom_
      @_FightForYourFreedom_ Год назад +1

      It features prominently in a daft Punk video where they are both wearing robotic looking outfits - close enough I would say :-)

  • @sams8591
    @sams8591 Год назад +17

    The side profile is one of the greatest for any car I think. It's perfection.

    • @weallfollowmanutd
      @weallfollowmanutd Год назад +2

      that's the funny thing. Back in the day it wasnt known as a great looking Ferrari but there are angles on this thing that are unbelievable. The side profile is Stratus.

    • @darrellsimpson6966
      @darrellsimpson6966 Год назад +3

      Side profile is just right, and from the rear, perfectly proportioned lights. Hard to fault this geogeous car at any angle.

    • @cbotten106
      @cbotten106 3 месяца назад

      Back in the day there were herds of idiots following others ....just like today. Back then they were called celebrities and now they are called influencers. I'm with you:PERFECTION.

  • @S-Ltd1000
    @S-Ltd1000 Год назад +10

    I agree Jack, for a 50 year old design these look great and have aged very well.

  • @pyoung168
    @pyoung168 Год назад +27

    I bought my US-spec, ‘75 GT4 in 1985. It was well used (around 70K miles), but I paid $16K for it. US bumpers were hideous and very heavy. Otherwise I loved it over the 20 years I owned it. I rebuilt the suspension and engine. Took it on one cross-country 2500 mile trek and several 500 miles trips all without drama. Worst practical aspect was that wipers were absolutely worthless at highway speeds! If I could find a nice one with euro bumpers and reasonably priced I’d buy it. Thanks for another excellent review and video.

    • @ianmontgomery7534
      @ianmontgomery7534 Год назад

      you wouldn't want to have to use the rear seats though!

    • @ldhorricks
      @ldhorricks Год назад

      @@ianmontgomery7534 indeed very few GT 2+2 cars were actually useable as anything but a two seater...my 70' Alfa GTV much the same...I ended up taking the rear seats out and making the rear seating area into a nice carpeted Luggage area with leather straps and a small tool storage space under the floor.

    • @noelsalisbury7448
      @noelsalisbury7448 11 месяцев назад

      Would it be big hassle to convert the horrid US bumpers to the Euro's ?

    • @BradfordtheEclectic
      @BradfordtheEclectic 10 месяцев назад +1

      Try Bring-a-Trailer. You can set up an alert and wait for your spec to appear.
      Good Luck!

    • @jt-hb8lh
      @jt-hb8lh 2 месяца назад +1

      ​@@noelsalisbury7448I think it requires some welding.

  • @Goldie644
    @Goldie644 Год назад +21

    I've always liked their looks - guess I'm a fan of '70s angular wedge styling - definitely top of my list of 'lottery win' Ferraris :)

  • @jonwilliam3597
    @jonwilliam3597 9 месяцев назад +2

    I owned a 308GT4 in 1975 which replaced a 246GT !! Everyone at the time thought I was mad. I didn't think so. To me it gripped the road and handled better than the 246. It didn't sound as good as a 246 and didn't have the charisma. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I thought and still think the 308GT is a good looking car and certainly was more practical than the 246. I re[laced it in 1976 with a 308GTB ( A fiberglass bodied car) which was not good.

  • @michaelkim3432
    @michaelkim3432 Год назад +5

    Thanks for the video Jack. I also believe that the 308GT4 is an underappreciated Ferrari. The Bertone styling only makes it more unique. Don't forget that the Mondial was also a mid-engine 4-seater.

  • @paulie-Gualtieri.
    @paulie-Gualtieri. Год назад +18

    The Dino 246 GTS was considered the same at one time, I remember back in 1997 you could pick one up for 25k, how times have changed.

    • @LOTPOR0402
      @LOTPOR0402 Год назад +5

      Still a lot of money for what you got in 1997 , must of been cheaper again in the 80s

    • @paulie-Gualtieri.
      @paulie-Gualtieri. Год назад +5

      @@LOTPOR0402
      Try 4 to 6k in 1985

    • @nickmatthews4939
      @nickmatthews4939 Год назад +2

      @@paulie-Gualtieri. I can remember these prices and thinking Billy bargain.

    • @LOTPOR0402
      @LOTPOR0402 Год назад +2

      @@paulie-Gualtieri. Probably not much less to what it was new in the 70s

    • @gulfstream7235
      @gulfstream7235 Год назад

      @@paulie-Gualtieri. Heh..heh

  • @namibgtv6
    @namibgtv6 Год назад +14

    Lovely review of a lovely car Jack. Like you, i have always quite liked the GT4, and honestly think that people who hate them simply do not understand what it is. I also think this is mainly why they have appreciated in value the way they did in the last few years, because only now people are sort of starting to understand them, and see the appeal of a 4 seat Ferrari.

  • @Robinmuk
    @Robinmuk Год назад +14

    My fave 'Ferrari' of all time, those perfect chiseled lines and the genius Marcello Gandini at his very best. Also one of the roomiest, easiest to own, run and work on. These were littering the classifieds at sub 20k for years and not that long ago.. I wish I had bought one.

    • @noelht1
      @noelht1 Год назад +2

      I fully concur with everything you have said here. My uncle had one of these when I was a kid. And every time I see one now it sends shivers through me.

    • @WitchyWagonReal
      @WitchyWagonReal 8 месяцев назад

      Gandini brilliance…. yes. And they were, for a time, so cheap. I got talked out of buying one because the maintenance and insurance would be more than the car in two years. Instead, I said, “I will send the kid to college so she has no loans.” Should have made her take out the loans! What a waste 🤣

  • @RobinCapper
    @RobinCapper Год назад +5

    Since first seeing one as a kid, late 70s in NZ, has always been a favourite. Think the design is remarkable given what it was packaging. That was proved by the woeful Pininfarina effort, the Mondial, that eventually replaced it

  • @Petrospect
    @Petrospect Год назад +52

    Mondial is probably even more unique with the T and the last year ones that had the engine turned from longitudinal to transverse....also the fact it was a 2+2, 4 seat, mid engine, V8, *cabrio*
    Insane, kind of charmingly ugly car...but really cool.
    Gordon Murray owns a 308 GT4 and it's one of his only cars that is over 1000kgs, breaking a rule of his. That oughta tell you how good it is!

    • @jfv65
      @jfv65 Год назад +10

      i never though of the GT4 and Mondial as particularily ugly . it's just because the GTS/GTB/GTO are so damn beautiful.
      And yes, in that era Pininfarina made more beautiful cars then Bertone.
      as for mid engined 4 seaters:
      net much else out there but the 911 and the Alpine A310/GT-V6 /A610 did sorta the same job.

    • @Petrospect
      @Petrospect Год назад +4

      @@jfv65 You might be right!
      Though supposedly, bar the GTO, they drive worse than the GT4 and the Mondial so even if you were the sort of person to think they're ugly, you're rewarded with a better driving experience.
      Good shout for the A310 etc.. Highly underrated cars.

    • @TheChill001
      @TheChill001 Год назад +5

      @@jfv65 I don't know though...something a lot of pininfarina's have that Bertone's don't have is the fact they tend to age less well. Whereas a lot of Pininfarina stuff ends up either stale due to their overuse of the same designs across brands or because at some point their dramatic flair becomes aged and loses the refinement it ones ought to have had (308,328), bertone designs usually tend to age better due to the simplicity and crispness of their designs.

    • @ianemery7785
      @ianemery7785 Год назад +2

      @@jfv65 The 911 and the Alpines all offered 2+2 accommodation but they are all rear engined, not mid.

    • @timgosling3076
      @timgosling3076 Год назад +4

      With the Mondial t the engine was actually turned from transverse to longitudinal. Also, most Mondials were coupes, although for the t it was about 50/50😊

  • @DiamondHell
    @DiamondHell Год назад

    Thanks for the video and many thanks for keeping the editing tight and the length of your videos down to nice digestible 10 minute chunks. It's much appreciated!

  • @sotirisbakaimis3276
    @sotirisbakaimis3276 Год назад +9

    Brilliant design/amazing proportions. Looks so modern even by todays standards!

  • @erikschuddeboom3223
    @erikschuddeboom3223 Год назад +2

    Growing up while I was getting my first dubious cars, there was an ‘old’ guy down the street that always chatted cars with me. He was on the lookout for one when he came across a ‘79 308. He also had a Lotus Elite, Fiat X1/9 sitting in his driveway. One day when I came home from school, my Mom commented that ‘some guy in a fancy red car was taking measurements of your Mini’. A few days later, I came home to a hand made, form fitted car cover!
    Ben was an ultimate car guy, and he liked them. They had to be good…

  • @Rob901
    @Rob901 Год назад +5

    Thanks for posting. I've always appreciated the design and prefer the early Dino badged cars . I like 2+2 design and the fact it's midengine is brilliant.

  • @kimmorgan379
    @kimmorgan379 Год назад +1

    I drove one on a trip down to Devon and Cornwall from London. It was... an adventure! The turning circle was so bad I could barely get it around some bends in small towns, it also needed to have the oil checked 15 minutes after parking up on a flat surface thanks to the dry sump, but get it on a flowing bit of road and WOW! The glove box was hilarious - it sort of flips over so you end up with a flat mirrored surface for the passenger for ... erm .. party powder? It was from the 70s after all.

  • @jonnny1
    @jonnny1 Год назад +1

    Very good video Jack. I used to own a 1977 version in the early 80's and can remember what a fantastic fun car it was back then.

  • @bullseye63
    @bullseye63 7 месяцев назад +1

    Great video and so nice to see someone give an honest appraisal of a very underrated car. I owned my 1978 GT4 for 13 years, absolutely loved driving it and it was also relatively affordable to run. I still see it regularly as I know the current owner and I just love following it down the road, it looks and sounds absolutely fantastic!

  • @ianbarber311
    @ianbarber311 7 месяцев назад

    In 1981, I had helped friends replace batteries, alternators and starter by then. I went to NY to visit and over a couple days I helped my older brother rebuild the engine in one of these. I was the parts washer. Had to keep everything in the same order. As he put it back together I got to ask all kinds of questions. A few months later we refreshed a Datsun 510 engine and I was on my way, not just down South in the US, but working on my own cars. What a lesson!!

  • @Faithinthedock
    @Faithinthedock Год назад +8

    I've always had a soft spot for them. To me they have aged better than the 308 (visually) and look light years better than the awkward Mondial. They certainly have strong Stratos cues and as Geoff LC said, there is def a nod to the S1 Esprit too.. But along with the 348 I find them very compelling and underrated Ferraris.

  • @eze8970
    @eze8970 Год назад

    Great looking cars. My only experience is a couple of laps on a charity airfield day, crammed into passenger seat - owner driver threw it all over the place & it just stuck to the road & went very well round corners!
    Thanks for video & memories Jack! 🙏

  • @peterhenrys9033
    @peterhenrys9033 Год назад +1

    I have owned a 308GT4 for 40 years and I love the car as much today as I did when I bought it. My experience with track days shows that my car has all the spirit of the famous 12-cylinder cars. The more powerful cars would leave me down the straight but I was right on their rear through the twisty stuff. It really pissed off a few of the powerful car owners and that made me smile

  • @Lumber_Jack
    @Lumber_Jack Год назад

    Great to see Jack, thanks. In recent years, these are starting to get the appreciation they deserve. Great cars and they came in some really interesting colors besides the typical Ferrari red. I'd love to restore one if I got the opportunity, especially an early model with full Dino badging.

  • @andrewtognola1116
    @andrewtognola1116 Год назад +1

    I used to have one of these 20 years ago , it had had a full restoration by JCT 600 and was a beauty as far as I was concerned lovely to drive and own . I used to keep it in my fully red carpeted double garage at my house in Oxfordshire and some evenings I would sit in a deckchair in the garage to just look at it . And of course it was Rosso with a light tan leather interior . I loved it !!

  • @bakedbeanzontoast9078
    @bakedbeanzontoast9078 Год назад +1

    I've always thought they looked great, great vid Jack you are certainly reviewing some great interesting cars these days, all the best.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🇬🇧

  • @garybooth7121
    @garybooth7121 Год назад +6

    I agree with some of the previous posts , the Merak has to be one of the best of all time designs, with the stratos running it a close second.
    Growing up as a kid I always thought of the GT4 as an ugly duckling.
    Now I’m older in age , and I can see the original concept. I just see a thing of sheer beauty.

  • @richardsellers8671
    @richardsellers8671 Год назад +3

    I'd never noticed Stratos cues in the GT4, but now you've said it, I absolutely can. In fact, it's now hard not to see it.

  • @stephenfabiano1242
    @stephenfabiano1242 Год назад +1

    I owned a '79 Ferrari GT4, Series II, Chassis# 15234, Rosso Chiaro ext. w/ Connelly Leather Light Biege int. & a Factory Sunroof. The cab-forward layout gave the driver an obstructed view of the road, improving cornering speed & handling. I did add some improvements without changing it's overall Stock visual appearance. 1) ANSA Exhaust. 2) 1984 308, 16" staggered Star Wheels & HP Tires. 3) Frt/Rr Crossdrilled/Slotted Rotors, EBC Pads, SS Brakelines & Motul 600 Fluid. 4) K& N Airfilter. 5) Single Point Twin Distributors w/ Petronics Digital Points. I purchased my GT4 in 1984 w/ 7k miles for $30k, and Sold in 2010 w/ 40k miles for $42k, w/ all OEM wheels, Tires, Exhaust, etc.. Just recently my GT4 was listed For Scale on Hemmings.com, in Dubi for $90k. I was a member if the Ferrari North America Club, and Won 1,2 & 3rd in Class at Concourse d'Eligance Events. At Club Events I also got to Drive my GT4 on a few Racetracks; Lime Rock, Bridge Hampton & Watkins Glen. For 26 years I always enjoyed Driving & Listening to the 308 Engine w/ ANSA Exhaust Note!👍🇺🇸

  • @wharfbanger
    @wharfbanger Год назад +8

    Nice review of my favourite Ferrari. GT4’s look and sound incredible. Very aggressive styling, more like a Lamborghini. The dash is very similar to an LP400 Countach, same designer.

    • @patrickdixon4945
      @patrickdixon4945 Год назад +2

      The dash is very similar to the 246 Dino - same manufacturer!

    • @timgosling3076
      @timgosling3076 Год назад +3

      Gandini drew the gt4 and Urraco at much the same time, although the Urraco was shown first. I think they both look great, but the Ferrari has better interior, especially the instruments.

  • @timgosling6189
    @timgosling6189 Год назад +3

    The original Dinos also had a transverse engine and gearbox arrangement. The extra 8 inches in the chassis, together with a shorter boot, gave the space for the rear seats, not the bigger engine. Production actually continued all the way to 1979, and some cars were registered in 1980. It was of course replaced by the obvious example of another mid-engined 2+2, the Mondial series.
    I put 40k miles on one of these back in the day and loved it. The clutch and gearchange were perfect, but individual cars do vary as you say. The brakes were a bit rubbish in stopping power on the standard pads but much better on EBC Red Stuff.
    Yes, the duct from the air-intake on the right C-pillar to the air cleaner is for some reason missing; it would sound and run better with it in place.
    Things to look out for? The interior and the electrics are a little 'fragile' and an upgraded fuse box is worthwhile. Any electrical gremlins may be down to poor earths as Ferrari tended to not use earth wires but rely on return via a self tapper into the body.
    A healthy car is great to drive and handles a little better at the limit for us amateurs than the 2-seaters due to the longer wheelbase. Put it this way, people still race them in the FOC classic series and have a great time doing it.

  • @CraigMarshall_HDvideo4K
    @CraigMarshall_HDvideo4K Год назад +2

    I bought one during 1988 in Australia for about A$45K back then. I owned it for seven years and loved it to death even winning fastest lap of the day for 2+2 Class at Amaroo Park, Sydney. A much underrated car and every inch a real Ferrari. A 'baby' Ferrari sure, but a true GT and superb long distance tourer: Toronto, Lake Macquarie to Collaroy in just 1:15m via the F3 at 135-150MPH. Those were the days!

  • @thomasfrank280
    @thomasfrank280 Год назад +5

    The Mondial and the Maserati Merak were also mid engined 2+2s

  • @rosskramer5296
    @rosskramer5296 Год назад +1

    Thanks for reviewing my dream car! Of all Ferraris ever made, this is the one I'd have. Of course I have owned several Bertone X1/9s, so this makes sense. I am happy to see your wonderful review of this beutiful, underapreciated car!

  • @ernestfinch1578
    @ernestfinch1578 Год назад +1

    The tail lights evolved from the first URRACO prototype. And they look FANTASTIC. The second urraco prototype was VERY related to the X1-9.

  • @johnandrews3568
    @johnandrews3568 Год назад +2

    The Lamborghini Uracco was a direct competitor to the 308GT4 and had a rather similar profile, although the Lambo had those cool louvers over the rear. I always loved them both because performance that you can use on a road trip without compromising what stuff you take with you. I'd have one of either (or both) in a heartbeat.

  • @user-en9zo2ol4z
    @user-en9zo2ol4z 2 месяца назад +1

    The Gandini wedge shows through beautifully.

  • @paulnewton737
    @paulnewton737 Год назад

    Nice review and I have to agree. Back in the 1990s I owned a Dino badged '74 model with the twin distributor engine and had great fun with it. Handled lovely, plenty of steering feel and a really willing engine. Pedals were great for heeling and toeing. Regretted selling it when I moved up to racing a more expensive formula car. Mind you that avoided me having to address some of the rust issues nibbling around the edges! 😃

  • @marklee7545
    @marklee7545 Год назад

    Absolutely lovely Jack. I’d have that car in a heartbeat! From certain angles (around the front) it reminded me of the Uracco, another stunning 70s car. And who doesn’t adore a pop-up headlight. 😍

  • @bobmizen1
    @bobmizen1 Год назад +1

    I think it's a lovely looking car Jack, both inside and out. As you say the dash is excellent and so unique looking. The only thing that I can see in your video is 'Jacks Bend' that needs resurfacing by the local authority haha. Thanks again Jack for sharing your experiences. Regards, Bob M.

  • @arconcritter
    @arconcritter Год назад

    I’ve always thought these were fantastic looking cars but then I was a young boy during the 70’s and grew up loving wedge cars like this, the Urraco, the stunning Alfa Carabo etc 😊

  • @rickroberts1344
    @rickroberts1344 Год назад +1

    I was lucky enough to own one of these for 4 years. A fantastic car. I loved just about everything about it, especially the hand built quality and beautiful Italian design. Brilliant to drive. Wish I still had it, but at least I will always have the memories of it.

  • @1BCamden
    @1BCamden Год назад

    Totally agree, my all time favourite, sadly overlooked by many. The badging was always just uneducated noise.
    Thanks for the honest appraisal

  • @yeahno....
    @yeahno.... Год назад +1

    Test drove one of these many years ago that was going for a song mid 90s
    It was rough and had some rust and was top of my budget and being mid 20s wasn’t sure I would ever get insured, remember it was horrible to drive in my inexperienced hands, ended up buying a Subaru Legacy turbo instead for the same money which was nearly new and so much more fun, can’t imagine how you feel it’s so different to drive

  • @richardcovello5367
    @richardcovello5367 Год назад

    I owned one for over 20 years. It didn't require any more maintenance than any other 20 year old car. I had to do points, condensers, plugs & leads, and tires & pads when I got it (cheap through aftermarket sources) and after that, regular oil & filter, & a few belt changes until 18 years later when the carbs needed attention. Float needles were 'repointed' (brass) by chucking them in a drill press and dressing them with a stone until the seat grooves were gone. Reset the float heights a bit higher than factory (to eliminate the stumble when cornering), and balanced them with a thin hose from ear to venturi (more accurate than the sync device I bought). It was dead simple. Also had to rebuild the water pump at this time. Less than $15.00 in 2 bearings and a seal from a bearing supply company.
    I didn't like the looks of it when I first saw it, but quickly came to appreciate its clean, uncluttered lines, and think its a much better design than the Pininfarina 308.
    Jack is 100% spot on as far as driving it is concerned. Only sold mine because I was getting to the point of having to enter & exit on my hands & knees (joke).
    A great, totally underrated car!

  • @stevesteve1965
    @stevesteve1965 Год назад +5

    It's such a pretty car and beautifully proportioned.

  • @gilberrocal1363
    @gilberrocal1363 4 месяца назад

    The 208gt4 was my first Ferrari I ever worked on and drove, a big go cart with a 5 spd , low to the ground, it was awesome to drive, I was 17 years old at that time, I wouldn’t mind owning one , better than some of the newer models.

  • @Richard-HiFiMan
    @Richard-HiFiMan Год назад

    One of my favorite cars ever. Back in 2002 I was going to buy a 1974 model that was imported into the US as a track car (no radio, no side mirrors). It was car #76 produced and only had 7k miles on. The person I was buying it from took a deposit and then sold it out from under me 3 days later! Thankfully I did get the deposit back.
    It turns out it was a good thing as in reality it needed way too much work. The person I was buying it from had picked it up after it had sat neglected in a university’s backlot for nearly 2 decades.

  • @svenlabots1869
    @svenlabots1869 Год назад

    I wasn't really aware of this model, being familiar with the 'Magnum P.I.' 308 gtb. Man, i'm amazed by this underdogged beautiful Ferarri ! Stunning...and a great review. I can feel your passion.👍😉

  • @ewooll
    @ewooll Год назад

    308 GTS 'Magnum Pi' was a real beauty. Rear lights looked so nice.

  • @h069401
    @h069401 Год назад

    Liked & Subscribed. I'm off to check the rest of your work. A fine review. My favorite Ferrari

  • @emmy1954
    @emmy1954 Год назад

    Love them, I had a 208 gt4 in the 70s which had fiat twin cam engine from memory, it really flew dispite that.
    Driving position long arms short legs for someone of 6'3" took some getting used to.

  • @richardsmith9509
    @richardsmith9509 Год назад

    Great video Jack....glad you put the oddballs behind.....

  • @nickjames9555
    @nickjames9555 Год назад

    I had a drive in one of these in central London. It inadvertently did 13.. mumble mumble in a London park one afternoon. Absolutely delightful.

  • @PhilUys
    @PhilUys Год назад +1

    Couldn't agree more. Still own mine after 22 years. Great for long trips around the country side.

  • @pan68
    @pan68 Год назад +3

    Always loved the sharp lines and do not understand why it is so controversial.
    Another unloved Ferrari which I also admired is the 365 GTC/4. You don't see these featured very often either.

  • @bicyclist2
    @bicyclist2 Год назад +1

    I agree with your sentiment. I've always been a big fan of all Bertone designs. The red over black is a bit too cliche. I hope to be able to afford one some day. Thank you.

  • @leslieheine2618
    @leslieheine2618 Год назад

    Agree, I love the styling. Not crazy about rear taillights, but that's about it. Should have been twin round units maybe? The side silhouette is brilliant. Sounds beautiful too! I'll take it! After having two X1\9's, mid engine cars are my favorites! 👍😎

  • @TheRedRocket
    @TheRedRocket Год назад +1

    Brilliant video! I too prefer the dashboard layout of the Dino. Better than my 328, for sure. I don't mind the Bertone styling, but the tail lights do look out of place. Other than that, it's a pretty car.

  • @jeton924s
    @jeton924s Год назад +1

    I think the looks are wonderful from behind it looks a little like Maserati Khamsin same masterpiece of Gandini and I believe the Lamborghini Urraco,Maserati Merak ,Lotus Evora and Ferrari Mondial have the same 2+2 mid engine layout and remember in the 70’s car designs where atrocious this car looks fabulous keep up the great job on these classic masterpieces

  • @patrickhostler5939
    @patrickhostler5939 Год назад

    Another Great film Jack!!! I always think they have a bit of Lotus in term of looks!!!

  • @brendangeraghty8865
    @brendangeraghty8865 Год назад

    The sound of that V8 on full song was the best intro, of all time.

  • @filipwennergren2712
    @filipwennergren2712 Год назад

    Totally agree! Love the ”different” look! Greetings from Stockholm Sweden.

  • @buncho888
    @buncho888 Год назад

    One of my favourite Ferrari designs. Up there with the Espada for peak 70’s wedge design

  • @LeapfrogAnimation
    @LeapfrogAnimation Год назад

    Great video, keep them coming!

  • @dyerhaus
    @dyerhaus Год назад +1

    As a 308 GT4 owner, enthusiast, and historian, I agree with your assessment on this car! 😀
    You're right, the 308 GT4 belongs to a VERY small club when it comes to mid-engine 2+2 cars, but there is more than just the Evora. Here's the complete list I've come up with:
    Dino 308 GT4
    Lamborghini Urraco
    Maserati Merak
    Ferrari Mondial
    Lotus Evora
    Some people claim the Koenigsegg Gemera, but that's actually a four seater (which is different than a 2+2), so it doesn't count.

    • @christophergavin9188
      @christophergavin9188 Год назад

      You could add the Iso Lele to that list!

    • @dyerhaus
      @dyerhaus Год назад

      @@christophergavin9188 - I had never heard of the Iso Lele before, so thanks for turning me on to a car I hadn't seen! I don't think Iso was ever too popular in the United States, we miss out on a lot of cool cars. However, from what I found, the Iso Lele is a front engine four seater, not at mid-engine 2+2. Although, the car was designed by the the person who designed the 308 GT4, so that's very cool!

  • @geoffclarke3796
    @geoffclarke3796 Год назад +2

    I quite like the styling which looks very mid 70's Lotus from some angles. Sounds pretty good too and all the reports I've heard suggest its good to drive though not keen on the door handle which looks like it was taken from a Morris Marina.

  • @steffydog
    @steffydog Год назад

    That’s a lovely looking car from its era, great to see and learn about. Thanks Jack.

  • @EnglishroG
    @EnglishroG Год назад +2

    It's interesting how the looks have changed. When these cars were current I thought they were dreadful. Now I really like the looks, at least until I see a 1960s Dino.

  • @naguoning
    @naguoning Год назад

    Another thing of note about this car is it was also produced as a 2.0L for the Italian market which I think had the smallest displacement production V8 ever (yes, I know they also used this engine in the GTS/GTB form but that was later).

  • @markallen2984
    @markallen2984 Год назад

    The Maxda RX-8 is a mid-engine 4 seater, as well. (Front engined, but set completely behind the front axle)

  • @Jonoponomono
    @Jonoponomono Год назад

    Always loved those as I am a child of the 70's when wedges were in. Lotus Esprit, GT4, Uracco, TR7/TR8(which I had), Stratos, Countach...... a lot of which are undervalued in my opinion.

  • @bobbishop9339
    @bobbishop9339 Год назад

    Compare it to the Lotus Elite of 1974, I see some of the Esprit in it too. But the Elite was also a GT car (back seats and all) but with a front engine. OOoh the '70's got to love them.

  • @francisdmn
    @francisdmn Год назад +1

    I've had mine for 8 1/2 years now and driven 27K miles in it all over the UK and into Europe including to Maranello. I just love it. As Jack said, it is like driving a big go kart. I get so many compliments on what a beautiful car it is. Yes it's a proper Ferrari, but it's also a Dino so you get the best of both worlds!

  • @alaricbragg7843
    @alaricbragg7843 Год назад

    I love it. I remember it in the film Scent of A Woman. The Maserati Merek (Unsure of spelling.) had a similar seating plan and engine position.

  • @christopherboyle1479
    @christopherboyle1479 Год назад +3

    Jack, you are trawling through my history of beloved Italian cars! Alfasud (two of those), Alfetta GTV (two again) the Busso V6s (164 and 3.0 75), X1/9 (two of those). Never had a GT4, although I knew two very well through family and a friend respectively: the latter's kitchen table was occupied for some time by the engine in bits. You did neglect to mention the exterior door handles, shared with the X1/9, Uracco, Stratos, and just about everything else Bertone did in period. I am pretty sure that the fundamentals of the seats were shared with the GTV. Very comfortable. I have memories of a wonderful long drive in a 308.

  • @delahayenator
    @delahayenator Год назад +2

    Beautiful balanced shape. Always loved them. Better than an Uracco although those are nice too.

  • @malcholden5357
    @malcholden5357 Год назад

    They've certainly grown on me over the years. I had a Mondial QV from 2004 - 2010. That to is a remarkable car. It sounds very similar to drive to the GT4, no power steering, not sure if it had ABS. With 240bhp quite capable with below 7 seconds I'd say. I would however suggest the 3.2.

  • @michaelbonade4667
    @michaelbonade4667 Год назад

    Just subscribed…how have I NOT been sub’d???

  • @kofimoseley9296
    @kofimoseley9296 9 месяцев назад

    I remember somebody had a silver one on Euclid, off Grand Ave, in Oakland in the early 2000s. I think I only saw it running once in 7 years.

  • @BoogieKnight1976
    @BoogieKnight1976 Год назад

    Back in the 90s I remember seeing two lads parked up in a park in one of these. I’m sure it was one of their dads car. It was the oldest looking car there but without a shadow of a doubt it was the coolest car on the car park and those two smug looking lads knew it.

  • @RobertLeather
    @RobertLeather Месяц назад

    You used to be able to pick up a 308 GT4 for £5-£10k in the mid-90s as absolutely nobody wanted them. I remember Classic and Sportcar constantly banging on about how they would rocket up in value. It’s never quite done the rocket but at least it’s being appreciated.

  • @user-en9zo2ol4z
    @user-en9zo2ol4z 2 месяца назад

    With Mr Gandini, all is forgiven, not that anything needs forgiving. I always thought of these as Ferrari's, from the styling to the sound of the V8, and of course in this case, the colour. They also look very appealing in a bright yellow.

  • @dmn23
    @dmn23 Год назад

    I love these so much. I really think they look their best in blues (Chiaro, Scuro, Sera).

  • @michaelwilliams8781
    @michaelwilliams8781 Год назад

    What a good review. I’d like to see you compare this with a 3.2 Mondial or maybe the T. 👍

  • @christophergavin9188
    @christophergavin9188 Год назад +1

    Definitely my favourite Ferrari. Just love the looks. So well resolved and with a certain aggression.

  • @nickrichardson1317
    @nickrichardson1317 Год назад

    I’ve had three 308 GT4’s. In 1985, 1986, & 2000. The 1985 needed work! The 1986 I loved and did 70k miles in it, sold it & bought it back! Then I had a tax bill to pay so I sold it. In 2000 my dealer had a 19year old car with 19k miles on it and 19 year old tyres! After 1500 miles it needed new tyres. This low milage car had to have a top end of the engine rebuilt & all new suspension all because of it’s lack of use. I couldn’t afford it! I sold it!
    Now I’ve a 1988 Mondial 3.2 Coupe with ABS. This car isn’t as much fun to drive as a good 308GT4 but it has never given me a bad moment either. The lack of ABS on a GT4 put me into a heart-stopping moment a few times. I might be a rubbish driver though! I had a Mondial 3.4t before the 3.2 & no one says the engine has to come out on servicing those!! The 3.2 is less costly to run and has a decent turn of speed. It’s now done 73,800 miles & no problems. I bought it in 2019 at 66,500 miles. I love it. I test drove a Roma recently & the Mondial is better in every way!

  • @robertbcope
    @robertbcope Год назад

    I love these. Almost went with one instead of my '85 308. I still want one...

  • @steveberridge4648
    @steveberridge4648 Год назад +1

    I've always had a soft spot for the lesser loved ferraris.love this, the 365 GTC, the 400i and the recent GTC4 lusso. One of my neighbours has one in his garage under a cover.