Introduced at the 1973 Paris Motor Show, the Dino 308 GT4 was a significant departure for Ferrari in several ways. It was the first production car from Modena to feature a mid-engined V8, a layout that would become common to their core range for decades to come, along with the first production model to feature Bertone styling rather than Pininfarina bodywork. 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 Dino 246 but was stretched to make space for a 2+2 Configuration. The 3.0 Litre V8 was integrally joined with the gearbox and had an alloy block and heads with dual overhead camshafts fed through 4 Weber 40 DCNF carburettors.

This Ferrari 308 GT4 was supplied new by HR Owen in South Kensington on 8th June 1976. The V5C states 4 former keepers from new and the last owner bought it from John Pogson at Italia Autosport in 2003. He kept the car until 2015 when it was purchased by the current owner. Finished in the extremely rare and original colour of Pino Verde with a tan interior, this Ferrari is one of just 547 examples manufactured for the UK market.

Between 1994 and 1996, with an odometer reading of 5,350 miles, the car was restored by marque specialists Italia Autosport and there are bills, receipts and photographs that document the process. The photos show a car that was stripped with all the glass out and all rust areas attended to. The car was then repainted in its original colour. The odometer is now reading 18,293 miles and whilst not warranted, there are previous MoT certificates that date back to 1991 showing the car at 5,251 miles.

The current condition of this 308 GT4 suggests it does need some light recommissioning. The wheel arches will require some attention and the car would benefit from a re-spray. However, the car is supplied with a current MoT, tool roll, aforementioned history file and represents Ferrari ownership for a most realistic outlay. We have never seen a Pino Verde 308 GT4 for sale through our auctions and it must be one of the rarest and most attractive colours for this ground breaking and increasingly sought-after 1970's Ferrari.

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