Ferrari GT4

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Ferrari 208/308 GT4
Manufacturer Ferrari
Production19741980
PredecessorDino 206/246
SuccessorFerrari Mondial
Classmid-engined 2+2
Related208/308 GTB/GTS
308 GT4
Production19741980
Body styleBerlinetta
Engine3.0 L V8
208 GT4
Production19751980
Body styleBerlinetta
Engine2.0 L V8

The Ferrari 308 GT4 and 208 GT4 were mid-engined V8-powered 2+2 cars. The 308 GT4 was introduced in 1974, supplemented by the 208 GT4 the next year, and replaced by the Mondial in 1980 after a production run of 2,826 vehicles. Sold at first with the Dino badge (in honor of Enzo Ferrari's son, Dino), the 308 GT4 continued with a Ferrari badge.

Contents

[edit] 308 GT4

The 308 GT4 was a groundbreaking model for Ferrari in several ways: It was the first production Ferrari to feature the mid-engined V8 layout that would become the bulk of the company's business in the succeeding decades, and was the first production Ferrari to feature Bertone (rather than Pininfarina) bodywork. Pininfarina was upset by the decision to give cross-town rival Bertone the design, considering all they had done for Ferrari.

The GT4, introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1973, featured angular lines entirely different from their curvaceous 2-seat predecessor, the 246 "Dino" GT, and later brother, the 308 GT. The styling was controversial at the time, with some journalists comparing it to the Bertone-designed Lancia Stratos and Lamborghini Urraco.

The chassis was based on the 246 Dino but was stretched for a 2,550 mm wheelbase to make room for the second row of seats. The suspension was fully-independent and the V8 was mounted transversely. The 3.0 L (2927 cc) V8 was integrally joined with the gearbox and produced 255 hp.

Today it is relatively easy to acquire one of these cars with examples priced at the same level as a new low-end sports car.


[edit] 1979

1979 Ferrari 308 GT4 Dino in Red
1979 Ferrari 308 GT4 Dino in Red
1979 Ferrari 308 GT4 Dino in Red
1979 Ferrari 308 GT4 Dino in Red
1979 Ferrari 308 GT4 Dino in Red
1979 Ferrari 308 GT4 Dino in Red
1979 Ferrari 308 GT4 Dino in Red
1979 Ferrari 308 GT4 Dino in Red
1979 Ferrari 308 GT4 Dino in Red
1979 Ferrari 308 GT4 Dino in Red
1979 Ferrari 308 GT4 Dino in Red
1979 Ferrari 308 GT4 Dino in Red


[edit] 208 GT4

Like the later 208 GTB, a low-displacement version of the V8 was produced for Europe. Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1975, the 208 GT4 used a de-bored (66.8x71 mm) 2.0 L (1991 cc) V8. This was the smallest production V8 in history.

Power output was 170 hp (126 kW) at 7,700 rpm for a top speed of 137 mph (220 km/h). A lower final drive ratio and skinnier tires completed the technical changes for this 208. Chrome (rather than black) accents outside and the lack of fog lights were visual indicators of the little engine.

[edit] Notable Appearances

The Ferrari 308GT4 appeared in an episode of BBC's Top Gear purchased by Richard Hammond for less than 10,000 British Pounds. It was the most reliable car of the day, but was subject to frequent ridicule by Jeremy Clarkson, who called it a "fake Ferrari".

[edit] References

<-earlier Ferrari road car timeline, 1960-present ([edit])
Type 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
01234 56789 01234 56789 01234 56789 01234 56789 01234 56789
FR GT America 330 365 Daytona 550 575M 599
250 275
2+2 250GT 330GT 365GT GTC/4 GT4 400 400i 412 456 GT 456M GT 612
RMR V6/V8 206 246 308 308i 308qv 328 348 F355 360 F430
208
2+2 GT4 Mondial 8 Mondial 3.2 Mondial T
F12 365BB 512BB BBi Testarossa 512TR F512M
Supercars 250 GTO 288 GTO F40 F50 F50 GT Enzo FXX
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