Ferrari 308 Dino GT4 Polycarbonate Windows

The Ferrari 308 Dino GT4 wasn’t just a break from tradition, it was a full-blown rebellion. When it launched in 1973, it shocked Ferrari enthusiasts in more ways than one. For starters, it didn’t even wear a Ferrari badge at first. Instead, it carried the Dino name, in honour of Enzo Ferrari’s late son, a branding decision that left some purists scratching their heads. This wasn’t the first time Ferrari had used the Dino badge, it had been reserved for V6 and smaller V8 models, keeping them distinct from the ‘proper’ V12 Ferraris, but this time, it felt different. Then came the styling. Designed by Bertone instead of Ferrari’s usual partner, Pininfarina, the 308 GT4 abandoned Ferrari’s signature curves for sharp, angular lines. Marcello Gandini, the man behind the Lamborghini Countach and Lancia Stratos, gave it an aggressive wedge-shaped silhouette, a look that was more futuristic than traditional. For better or worse, this car stood out.
If the design was controversial, the engineering underneath was revolutionary. The 308 GT4 was Ferrari’s first-ever mid-engine V8, setting the stage for every Ferrari sports car that followed. At its heart was a 2.9L DOHC V8, producing around 250 horsepower in European spec. That might not sound earth-shattering today, but in the mid-70s, it was a serious performer. With a five-speed manual gearbox sending power to the rear wheels and a curb weight of just over 1,250 kg, the GT4 was light, nimble, and eager to be pushed hard. Unlike the V12 Ferraris of the time, which were often more about high-speed grand touring, this was a true driver’s car, compact, responsive, and full of character. It thrived on revs, rewarding those willing to push it to the limit with one of the finest V8 soundtracks ever to come out of Maranello.
But despite its performance, the GT4 wasn’t given the motorsport spotlight it deserved. Ferrari’s focus at the time was elsewhere, and the factory never developed a competition version. That didn’t stop privateer teams from recognising its potential, particularly in rallying. One of the most famous rally-prepped 308 GT4s was campaigned by Carlo Facetti in the late ‘70s. It was modified to Group 4 rally specifications, stripped of unnecessary weight, and fitted with upgraded suspension, wider wheels, rally-spec tires, and an aggressive exhaust that made it one of the loudest cars on the stage. The mid-engine layout, rear-wheel drive, and high-revving V8 made it a formidable opponent on high-speed tarmac rallies. It faced stiff competition from Porsche 911s, Lancia Stratos, and Alpine A110s, but when conditions suited it, the GT4 was more than capable of holding its own.
On twisty, technical stages, the GT4’s balance and agility made it a joy to drive. The rear-mounted V8 gave it exceptional traction, and despite its long wheelbase, it was surprisingly nimble. It wasn’t without its challenges, on loose gravel or wet conditions, its rear-drive layout made it a handful, requiring a skilled driver to keep it in check. Unlike the all-conquering Lancia Stratos, which had been designed from the ground up as a rally car, the GT4 was still very much a road car at heart. But on the right road, in the right hands, it could dance.
For years, the GT4 was Ferrari’s forgotten child. It never gained the cult following of the 308 GTB, nor the legendary status of Ferrari’s V12 machines. Many dismissed it as the ‘odd one out’ in Ferrari’s lineup, too different, too unconventional, too unloved. But as time passed, that narrative began to change. People started to appreciate what made the GT4 special. It was the first of Ferrari’s mid-engine V8s, the layout that would define models like the 308 GTB, 328, F355, and even modern Ferraris like the F8 Tributo. It was a Ferrari designed by Bertone rather than Pininfarina, making it one of the most unique Ferraris ever built. It had the raw, analogue driving feel that modern cars struggle to replicate.
Today, the 308 GT4 has finally started to get the recognition it deserves. Prices have been climbing as enthusiasts realise it’s one of the last truly affordable classic Ferraris. It may not have been a dominant force in motorsport, but its rallying history, distinctive design, and brilliant handling make it an exciting part of Ferrari’s legacy. It’s a car that makes you work for it, that demands your attention, and that rewards you with a driving experience that’s hard to find in modern machines.
For those lucky enough to drive one, the GT4 is not just a Ferrari, it’s a statement. It’s a car for those who appreciate character over convention, driving feel over status, and the thrill of an Italian V8 screaming behind them. It might not have been Ferrari’s most famous rally car, but for those who saw it in action, it was unforgettable.