1978 Ferrari 308 GT 4 Finished in Rosso Corsa over Tan

Registration - VEL 632S
Chassis No - 14016
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 13,828
Examples of the Bertone-penned GT4 are a relatively rare sight at auction these days and, if this pretty 1978 example is anything to go by, it’s because their keepers have been hanging on to them – ‘VEL 632S’ has remained within the same ownership for no less than 28 years. A genuine righthand drive UK market example, it was apparently originally finished in yellow, but these days presents in the classic hue of Rosso Corsa that’s matched to Sand hide interior trim. We understand that the Prancing Horse has been dry stored for the last four years or so, prior to which it was treated to a service and a fresh set of engine belts. Along the way it has also been equipped with a pair of stainless-steel exhaust manifolds. The car is accompanied by every MOT carried out from 2006, documentation that gives credence to the notably low indicated total mileage of just 13,828. The vendor volunteers that the Ferrari would now benefit from a degree of paintwork and re-gassing of the air conditioning system. It comes complete with factory-fitted sunroof.
Ferrari’s mould-breaking 308 GT4 was introduced at the Paris Salon in 1973. Originally marketed as a Dino, it didn’t, however, gain its Prancing Horse badges until 1976. It was the first production Ferrari to feature a mid-mounted V8 engine and the first to be clothed in Bertone-designed bodywork, the angular lines of which were a major departure from the sweeping curves of the Pininfarina-penned 246 that it replaced. The chassis was a stretched version of that used for the 246 – the combination of longer wheelbase and transversely mounted engine allowing room for a second (small) row of seats. The 3-litre light-alloy engine delivered 255bhp at 7600rpm – sufficient to endow the car with a top speed of over 150mph and a 0-60mph acceleration time of 6.4 seconds. It was mated to a traditional Ferrari ‘slotted gate’ five-speed gearbox mounted behind and beneath the engine. Production of the GT4 continued until 1980, when the model was replaced by the Mondial. Some 2,800 examples were made during the seven years of manufacture.
In summary:
Has remained in the current ownership for no less than 28 years
MOT history seemingly backs ultra-low indicated mileage of 13,828
Treated to new engine belts and a service four years ago