DINO - A New Concept - GT4

A couple of years ago I was speaking with Jonathan Connolly about buying some leather. He mentioned that his father had owned a couple of 308GT4s. I asked if he and his brother were able to ride in the +2 seats. He said “no, that’s where the dogs rode.”

Two things I admire about the Brits: They use their cars and they love their dogs.

 

I totally agree with you.

by the way, the blue 308 GT4 in between the two yellow 246 is mine

Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

It is interesting to me, looking at the design studies posted above (by one of the world’s best car designers) that our current aesthetic offers a shorter, more compact car.

This, in contrast to the original car often being painted in the “Boxer trim” to give the illusion of a longer, lower car.

 

Of the ones I did, I prefer the version with the lowered belt line, lowered roof, faster windshield, shorter rear overhang, tad more wedge and shortened wheelbase. Obviously compromising like many exotics but would still be a good package. I appreciate and understand why Gandini designed the original as it was. Ferrari wanted a 2+2 with a longer wheelbase and a usable rear trunk to compliment the upcoming 2 seater 308GTB. Interesting that they had two completely different cars with completely different DNA’s!

Freeman


Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

#10568

Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Freeman,
I thoroughly enjoyed viewing all your adjustments to the GT4 body design. Were it practical and legal to construct one of them in today's overly regulated and litigious society, I'd eagerly sign up for Job #1! Fred

 

Looking good.
Born Blu Chiaro 106-A-38.

Marcel Massini

 

Thanks, Marcel. I plan to take it back to Blu Chiaro and restore the Dino badge to the front when I tackle cosmetics. My understanding is that this car was one of the first five selected for the grand opening of Continental Autosports Ferrari in the greater Chicago area. Owner John Weinberger selected the car from Chinetti's warehouse in 1975.

 

10568: First owner Charles Manin.

Marcel Massini

 

I find it very interesting that everyone here feels comfortable redesigning and altering the GT4.

Does anyone here have any inclination to tweak the 206/246 Dino?

I can’t imagine how it could be any better.

It is absolutely perfect as is.

So, can anyone offer a suggestion for any improvement?

Bonus round: Improve the 308GTB!

As with the 206/246, I cannot imagine any way to improve the 308GTB.

Thoughts?

 

the only way a 308gtb could look better is if i was in the drivers seat

 

Well, to be fair, the redesign that Freeman did so beautifully was a speculation on how it might have appeared as a two seater, not necessarily as an “improvement.” At least that’s how I interpreted it.

As a 2+2 I think it’s genius as is, much like a 911: It presents as a two seater from outside, perhaps even more convincingly than the 911.

I’d love to see a Robert Cumberford critique of the 308GT4 2+2.

 

Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Same shoot, different pose!

 

mid engine and 2+2 is tough to pull off.

 

At one point in time I was going to do exactly what you show. But a GT4, cut out 18" or so from rear seat area, shrink wheelbase.
And put a 348/355 motor in it.

If only I had the money!!!

 

That would be a good looking car!!

 

Modifying an original car is legal and not an issue in the US. In Europe or elsewhere it depends. The main thing is it still conforms to state emissions, seat belts etc. In most states it’s old enough to be exempt.

 

I think there’s some opportunity to improve the 2+2 by playing with proportions, gesture etc. Reason I started the studies was I was reacting to some early comments about the space between the B-Pillar door shut and the rear wheel arch. I do agree Gandini’s original is genius.

 

There was too little discussion of the car in the Gandini biography published by Dalton Watson.

 

Marcel, I was able to confirm the Blu Chiaro from the original overspray inside the door panels and the headlight buckets. By chance do you know the original interior color for 10568? It is currently beige, but in Peter's "dino-gt4-registry" the color was listed as "Teal-Blue / Parchment".

Best regards,

Mark Jacks
Austin, Texas

 

Connolly leather Beige VM 846.

Marcel Massini

 

Please don’t shoot me!

Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

While you’re in there show us the 246GT 2+2…….., That’ll light some fuses…..

 

i like dino being stretched if it meant a longitudinal engine/trans ala mini triposte