Ferrari Dino 308 GT4: red
The Dino 308 GT4 and 208 GT4 (later Ferrari 308 GT4 and 208 GT4) were mid-engined V8 2+2 cars built by Ferrari. The Dino 308 GT4 was introduced in 1973 and supplemented by the 208 GT4 in 1975. The cars were sold with Dino badging (continuing the Dino brand to differentiate non-V12 Ferrari) until May 1976, when they received Ferrari badging. The GT4 was replaced by the Mondial 8 in 1980 after a production run of 2,826 308s and 840 208s.
The Dino 308 GT4 was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in November 1973. The 308 GT4 finally gained the “Prancing Horse” badge in May 1976, which replaced the Dino badges on the hood, wheels, rear panel and the steering wheel while retaining the Dino 308GT4 logo on the rear boot lid. This has caused major confusion over the years by owners, enthusiasts and judges. During the energy crisis at that time many prospective owners were hesitant to buy such an expensive automobile not badged “Ferrari” being confused at the significance of the Dino name. Dino was Enzo Ferrari’s son who died in 1956, and his name was to honor his memory on the models it was placed.
The chassis was a tubular spaceframe based on the Dino 246, but was stretched for a 2,550.20 mm (100.4 in) wheelbase to make room for the second row of seats. The suspension was fully independent, with double wishbones, anti-roll bars, coaxial telescopic shock absorbers and coil springs on both axles. There are claims that Niki Lauda was involved in suspension setup but that is incorrect as Lauda had not joined Ferrari until after the launch of the GT4 and the final specification would have been decided some time before that. The confusion lies in advertising by the USA importer Chinetti which wrongly claimed Lauda’s involvement. Some creative licence when sales were difficult.
The 2.9 L (2926.90 cc) V8 was mounted transversally integrally joined with the 5-speed transaxle gearbox. It fitted 205/70VR14 Michelin XWX The engine had an aluminium alloy block and heads, 16-valves and dual overhead camshafts driven by toothed belts; it produced 255 hp (190 kW) in the European version and 240 hp (179 kW) in the American. The induction system used four Weber 40 DCNF carburetors.
