Ferrari 308 GT4
Discussion
Mechanically the cars are very durable and parts are surprisingly cheap thanks to the fact that most of the mechanicals are the same across the 308 range. Companies like Superformance make most of the oily bits for a fair price. Cambelt and servicing costs will be cheaper than an F355 as they can be done in situ. These cars handle brilliantly for their vintage, and look out for the options of sunroof, air-con and fitted wider spoked rims and full leather if that sort of stuff floats your boat.
In my view these cars are a criminally undervalued 2+2. At one point a lot of them were sub 10k and herein lies the problem. Many that I looked at had mutiple owners where the car was clearly a 'my first Ferrari' for a lot of people who did not have the budget to run such a car, and so the examples were suffering from the typical gremlins: rust, poor electrics, rust, creaky suspension, rust and stiff steering thereby ruining the tight fluid drive a well sorted proper GT4 can offer. Do not be fooled by thick multi layer 2-pack red paint jobs hiding all kinds of nasties. Check the under chassis thoroughly too.
Pay 10k for an average one, 15k for a good useable pretty car, and over 15k+ for a pedigree minter. Due to the threat of the dreaded tin worm, a storage garage is a must really. Cracking little cars and so understated in the right colour too.
In my view these cars are a criminally undervalued 2+2. At one point a lot of them were sub 10k and herein lies the problem. Many that I looked at had mutiple owners where the car was clearly a 'my first Ferrari' for a lot of people who did not have the budget to run such a car, and so the examples were suffering from the typical gremlins: rust, poor electrics, rust, creaky suspension, rust and stiff steering thereby ruining the tight fluid drive a well sorted proper GT4 can offer. Do not be fooled by thick multi layer 2-pack red paint jobs hiding all kinds of nasties. Check the under chassis thoroughly too.
Pay 10k for an average one, 15k for a good useable pretty car, and over 15k+ for a pedigree minter. Due to the threat of the dreaded tin worm, a storage garage is a must really. Cracking little cars and so understated in the right colour too.
Very, very cool car 
I strongly disagree with the suggestion they are not nice to drive and give all sorts of grief!!
I did 7000 miles in mine over two years and it was completely relaible apart from a wheel bearing going. Was my most relaible of my 8 cars! It was a joy to drive had amazing handling and brakes on modern tyres and even on the old XWX tyres was fine in the dry.
The ride is nice engine great and makes a gorgeous noise! Even sold it for a small profit! Depends on what you buy though. A mate bought one i looked at and has hardly had it on the road for more than a moth at a time.
buy the best you can. And Again my view, if it needed fully restored, what was wrong with it to justify it!
Other advice is take it out , use it regulairly and drive it as hard as you can every time its out!
In my Italain background view, '' Itlaian cars are designed by eccentrics to be driven by lunatics''. Don't disapoint the heritage!
Paul
I did 7000 miles in mine over two years and it was completely relaible apart from a wheel bearing going. Was my most relaible of my 8 cars! It was a joy to drive had amazing handling and brakes on modern tyres and even on the old XWX tyres was fine in the dry.
The ride is nice engine great and makes a gorgeous noise! Even sold it for a small profit! Depends on what you buy though. A mate bought one i looked at and has hardly had it on the road for more than a moth at a time.
buy the best you can. And Again my view, if it needed fully restored, what was wrong with it to justify it!
Other advice is take it out , use it regulairly and drive it as hard as you can every time its out!
In my Italain background view, '' Itlaian cars are designed by eccentrics to be driven by lunatics''. Don't disapoint the heritage!
Paul
GT4’s are viscerally engaging. Not quite as hairy chested as the Daytona, but driven near the limit are physically demanding enough to warrant cancelling the gym membership. Quite a few of the guys who race them previously raced Caterhams - ‘nuff said.
Well advised to aim near the top bracket of good cars available, although these are dwindling in numbers. Sourcing from a good Independent specialist can be smart.
The 70’s angular shape does attract attention, somewhere between a Stratos & Countach, and is easily spotted amongst the homogenous blobs in car parks.
Carb engine sounds fruity & responds well. Balance & Handling is good, but ensure shocks/springs/geometry are sorted. In some ways I wish I’d kept mine, as you soon discover that “newer” doesn’t always equate to “better”. Plenty of hardcore GT4 experts on ferrarichat for advice once you’ve purchased. Find a good one and use regularly - enjoy.
Well advised to aim near the top bracket of good cars available, although these are dwindling in numbers. Sourcing from a good Independent specialist can be smart.
The 70’s angular shape does attract attention, somewhere between a Stratos & Countach, and is easily spotted amongst the homogenous blobs in car parks.
Carb engine sounds fruity & responds well. Balance & Handling is good, but ensure shocks/springs/geometry are sorted. In some ways I wish I’d kept mine, as you soon discover that “newer” doesn’t always equate to “better”. Plenty of hardcore GT4 experts on ferrarichat for advice once you’ve purchased. Find a good one and use regularly - enjoy.
paulqv said:
In my Italain background view, '' Itlaian cars are designed by eccentrics to be driven by lunatics''. Don't disapoint the heritage!
Paul
Paul
medieval said:
Older F cars can be like placing your hand in a bees nest - you will get stung but the honey is sooooo sweet.
Two excellent sayings about Ferraris there 
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