Ferrari GT4

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Ferrari 208/308 GT4 Manufacturer Ferrari Production 1974–1980 Predecessor Dino 206/246 Successor Ferrari Mondial Class mid-engined 2+2 Related 208/308 GTB/GTS

308 GT4 Production 1974–1980 Body style Berlinetta Engine 3.0 L V8

208 GT4 Production 1975–1980 Body style Berlinetta Engine 2.0 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 1 308 GT4 2 208 GT4 3 Notable appearances 4 References

[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 November 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 250 hp in the European version and 230 horsepower in the American. The GT4 motor had an alloy block and heads with a dual overhead camshaft. The induction system had 4 Weber 40 DCNF carburetors.

The 308 GT4 had a total length of 170.1 inches, and a wheelbase of 100.4 inches. The GT4 weighted 2535 pounds. GT4 height was 46.5 inches. GT4 width was 70.9 inches.

There were 2826 308 GT4 coupes produced between 1973-1980.

The probably oldest still existing Dino 308 GT4 in the world is in private property of an Austrian collector. It is a car from March 1974 with frame number 08008. The car was originally delivered to the French Ferrari-Concessionaire, and F1 racer, Charles Pozzi.

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] 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. 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

• Buckley, Martin & Rees, Chris (1998). World Encyclopedia of Cars. London: Anness Publishing. ISBN 1-84038-083-7. 
• The Ferrari Pages. Cars From Italy. Retrieved on November 17, 2004.]
• Ferrari Dino 308 GT4. enthusiast site. Retrieved on November 24, 2006.]
• Ferrari Dino - The Complete Story by Anthony Curtis. Crowood-Autoclassics Publishing
• Covello, Mike (2003). Standard Catalog of Ferrari 1947-2003. Lola, WI, USA: Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87349-497-0. 

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Type		1960s										1970s										1980s										1990s										2000s
		0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
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
Supercar				250 GTO																						288 GTO			F40											F50		F50 GT		Enzo			FXX