While mid-engine designs started to dominate motor racing in the 1960s, they were rarely seen in road cars. Even Enzo Ferrari himself was dubious, and considered the layout too risky for his 12-cylinder engines to sell them to the buying public. However, after some convincing, a mid-engined model carrying the Dino name would find itself among Ferrari’s line up with the 206 GT, and later the 246 GT and GTS. At the dawn of the 1970s, the name would continue with the 308 GT, and later the 208 GT/4 was presented with a smaller 2-litre engine especially for the Italian market, where punishing taxes on any engine above 2 litres were in force. With a mere 840 units produced, examples such as this one heading to Oldtimer Galerie Toffen’s upcoming sale on May 31st makes for an interesting proposition as a understated classic. 

While its release was met with concerns over its reduction in power after the Dino's engine capacity was brought down to 2,000 cc by limiting the engine bore, importantly the stroke remained the same as on the three-litre engine. This ensured the smaller engine was still as driver-focused, despite producing 170 horsepower, and its ability to reach 220 km/h is still respectable by today's standards. 

Frist registered in the car’s homeland in June of 1975, this Dino was enjoyed to the fullest over a 10-year period, racking up over 67,000 kilometres. The car was faithfully restored in 1986, where it was then used sparingly by its new Swiss owner, and has since been taken over by a specialist who performed vital mechanical work to ensure this quirky car’s longevity. Now showing just over 79,000 kilometres this well-specified example could be an excellent buy, with estimates sitting around 55,000 Euros as it heads to auction at the end of this month. The 208 GT4 finds a unique place in Ferrari's lineup, combining its distinctive design and engineering adaptations with a characterful engine and driving dynamics. Best of all, it’s a 2+2, so the whole family can come along for the ride!

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