First Post – Curious About Value of a Dino 308 GT4 With Strong Dino Identity

Oh no! I hate to hear you may have lost it, but I do like the positive attitude your wife has about it. And there will be another if you miss this one. But now that we know which car it is, I can probably give you a far more in-depth opinion of it, and point out what is and isn't "correct" about the car.

 

Sorry for unknowingly disclosing the link.
Don't think the car has been sold, as it is for sale at some sort of auction company looks more like confiscation cy, keep pushing for an answer or make a better offer

 

@dyerhaus — It’s that awful state of limbo that’s messing with my head right now: do I have the car, did someone else beat me to it, or has the seller suddenly smelled blood and wants more money?
The shared link now only shows “preview,” but I have another link that still displays the full set of photos (link below)

@Zenobie — no need to be sorry AT ALL!! I believe the auction officially ended on May 28th, but after the long weekend everything went quiet. It’s being handled by an auction company, yes, though I’m still not 100% sure about the details behind the sale, who the seller is, what the reserve was, and so on. I’ve traced this car back to multiple auction attempts from 2023 onward where it never met reserve. I really hope my offer, which I believe is entirely fair for a project car that's edging into barn-find territory, will be accepted.

Now that I know the car was actually built in October 1974, not 1975 as listed, it suddenly adds an extra layer of emotional value. That early build date gives it the pure Dino DNA I was hunting for. That said, it’s definitely not a perfectly original car (anymore), and that’s actually part of the appeal for me.

Here’s what I’ve spotted so far:

• Ferrari script on the back (shouldn’t be there for a ’74 Dino).
  
  
• Prancing horse near the license plate (same deal).
  
  
• Steering wheel is a good replica but not the original MOMO with black leather and white stitching.
  
  
• Spare tire is missing—and wow, I had no idea those things were €3600!
  
  
• Wing mirror: this one’s tricky. The one on the car doesn’t look “right,” but defining what is right is its own debate. A Vitaloni Baby Tornado is often cited as period-correct, but as it was delivered new in Belgium (via Garage Francorchamps), it might not have had a mirror at all from the factory.

That’s all just the cosmetic stuff.

Mechanically, it hasn’t been serviced since 2010 and has to be started “with care.” So I’m mentally bracing for:

• Full engine rebuild
  
  
• Carburetor overhaul & synchronization
  
  
• Transmission/clutch inspection or replacement
  
  
• Timing belts and tensioners
  
  
• Brake system overhaul
  
  
• Suspension and steering refresh
  
  
• Electrical inspection & repair
  
  
• New tires

Oh, and the car must go back to its original and utterly gorgeous color: Marrone Metallizzato 106-M-73. That’s non-negotiable in my book.

So yeah… it’s a list. A long list. But it’s exactly why I fell in love with this particular Dino.

link with full set of photos: https://www.auctionport.be/en/lot/porsche/174800

 

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This is mine (UK spec 1976), bought in 1985 when I was 25 years old. It's not 'original' and it's not 'early', but then I never really valued those things. I always loved gt4s so it's never been a poor man's Ferrari to me.

My advice would be not to get too fixated on one car, or on some idea of perfection - not unless you have very, very deep pockets. The car you are focusing on will cost you 000's to get in the condition you aspire too and will almost certainly never be worth what you spend. So you have to decide where to stop. If you want a project to rescue, it will probably cost a lot more than buying a car that someone else has already rescued.

From the photos, that car has been repainted and that probably covers a multitude of sins. The cooling system and suspension will probably need rebuilding and that's before you find any issues with engine and gearbox. The interior looks like it's mostly original but fairly tired. There are lots of non-original parts visible.

When I bought my car almost everything seemed to cost about 2 grand (GBP). Suspension rebuild, 2 grand, head rebuild, 2 grand - you get the picture - but now it's more like 10! So things can get out of hand quite quickly. On the plus side these cars are very fixable and almost every part is available in some form or another.

 

@Patrick Dixon
Thanks so much for this reply. It really does help to hear from someone who’s walked the walk, and for that long no less! That photo in front of the factory is really cool and I hope to make my own version of that one some day.

I really take your point about not chasing perfection unless you're prepared for the cost, financially and mentally. And yes, it’s become very clear to me that a GT4 restoration isn’t for the faint of heart, even if the heart is very much in it. Another recent example I was following is Larry Webster's "$25K Project Dino".

But you also nailed what makes this particular car so appealing to me, it's a bit tired, not entirely original, and hiding who knows what underneath. Which, strangely, makes it all the more intriguing. I know I'll regret ever saying these things if I eventually get to work on one of these.

Let’s just say… if things go the way I hope, there’s a plan. A long one. And if it works out, I think it could become something very special. Time will tell

Thanks again for the wisdom. Much appreciated.

 

@Patrick Dixon , never seen one in that color looks very nice

 

Thanks, but it's not that colour any more! It's back to Argento Auteuil, which is the original colour and what it was when I bought it.

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The blue was matched to Glasurit FER502 'Azzurro' which was a Ferrari colour when I painted it the first time.

 

@Fre-rrari77 - I had actually found the link by reverse image searching the photo in the closed listing, and I gotta say that looked a pretty decent car at first glance. Although I think the warning of "star with care" was a bit hopeful! If the last documented service was 2010 and it's been 15 years since its last service, I wouldn't even try to start it. But once you start looking at the photos in detail, you see a lot more that initially meets the eye.

Anyway, I can add a bit more to your findings… First, what you saw:

• Ferrari script - shouldn't be there for any 308 GT4, this was added by dealers or owners.
• Prancing horse - the tech bulletin that came out on 4 July 1975 directs dealers to install this to the right of the plate, so you can "get away" with having it on the car, but its placement is incorrect.
• Spare tire - yep, the Euro cars use the small spare and those seem to be crazy expensive.
• Wing mirror - this is another thing that was commonly installed by dealers or owners, but was not a factory part
• Steering wheel - looks like a good replica though, I actually have a spare original (just needs to be reupholstered).

Here's the things I saw in addition to yours:

• Bertone badge - this completely missing, I don't see it on either side of the car (but should be on passenger side).
• Document pouch - I didn't see any pictures of the document pouch, owner's manual, etc., and that document pouch alone can run $6,000+ USD.
• Tools and Jack - I didn't see any pictures of the tools or jack set either, those also aren't cheap (tools and jack set are an easy $4,000 USD each).
• Air filter housing - the tie clamps are missing around the rubber piece and two of the thumb screws are incorrect.
• 308gt4 badge - this is to the right of the license plate and looks like it's half of the trunk badge (those easily break), but this was not a badge that was ever offered.
• Red light under left side of rear bumper - this is not something that would have come from the factory, not sure what that even is.
• Rear trunk carpet - this isn't even close to being correct (wrong color, wrong pattern, wrong pieces, etc.).
• Front trunk surround trim - the photos look like it's leather wrapped and missing the brake reservoir hole, this should just be a large piece of plastic.
• Interior carpet - this is not correct either, since the car was originally brown with beige interior, it would not have red trim around the carpet.
• Seatbelts - the seatbelts and buckles are a typical upgrade as the originals kind of sucked.
• Dino centercaps - we talked about this one, but I would call them after-market until proven otherwise.
• Coils - these should be Magneti Marelli (not Bosch).

And you already know the original color was Marrone Dino Metallizzato, and the original interior color was beige leather with beige cloth inserts. Don't know the original carpet color, but likely black or brown (but definitely would not have had red trim). It was manufactured on 21 October 1974.

Getting that car into "the way it left the factory" condition is a big lift. Mechanical restoration, fresh paint, and interior reupholstering at a minimum… and then replacing all the parts that aren't correct or missing. It's worth it to the right person, and you're probably the right person, but that will be a huge expense — and done over time will probably only get more expensive as parts get more and more scarce.

 

Hi @dyerhaus ,

Wow and ouch that's an incredible and detailed response. Thank you so much for taking the time to go through everything so carefully.

You're absolutely right that the “start with care” remark was wildly optimistic given the 15-year gap since the last documented service. So I did approach this as a non-starter. If this car does end up in my garage, not a single bolt is getting touched before everything is inspected thoroughly and rebuilt where needed. I’m fully budgeting for a mechanical restoration first, with a cautious mindset, and you've just reinforced that plan.

The list you’ve added is gold, even if it stings a little , from the missing Bertone badge to that creative carpet trim. The red light under the bumper and the strange trunk carpet were already on my “what’s going on here?” list, but I hadn’t clocked the incorrect airbox details or the Bosch coils. Super helpful. Your note on the document pouch and tools also puts things into a sobering financial perspective, restoring correctness can cost more than restoring function in some areas!

About the red light under the bumper btw: that seems to be a addition to the car as a Legal Requirement: In many European countries, including Belgium, rear fog lights became mandatory starting in the late 1970s or early 1980s.

That said… this is the car that set something alight in me. The fact that it’s not “perfect” is part of the magic (but at what cost of course). It has layers. It has questions. And if I ever get the chance, I want to take it back to the way it rolled out of the factory in October ’74. Marrone Dino Metallizzato and all.

One step at a time, of course. The MAIN goal is just to her driving, reliably. So I can "drive" the car and hopefully use it frequently enough. Then we drive her somewhere meaningful. And all the other things will be huge bonuses but remain a goal.

Thanks again! Your guidance is both humbling and inspiring, and I’d love to call on your knowledge further if this dream takes shape.

 

@Fre-rrari77 - I'm always happy to ramble on about these cars, so anytime!

The reason the document pouch is so expensive is because it has "Dino" printed on it instead of "Ferrari" or the Cavallino. The Dino pouches are harder to find, so people ask crazy high prices for them too. You also gotta be careful with the tool set, a lot of people think the tools were branded "Ferrari" but they weren't—those came along later and definitely shipped with GTB/GTS models, maybe later GT4s as well (but not certain on that). It would be the same tools, just not with the "Ferrari" name on them.

Ah yes, the red light under the rear bumper at least makes sense now! You can't get past legal requirements like that, but that was something I hadn't seen before. Now I'm curious if that was installed by the importer/dealers in their destination country, or if the factory actually installed it. Either way, it has to be there! Or at least used to have to be there, and kind of a cool touch if it's still there yet no longer required. I like things like that. My car still has the dealer-installed dictaphone!

I also have to note that Marrone is one of my favorite colors on the 308 GT4. I'm a big fan of greens and blues, but the Marrone really works. I'd love to have one that color to sit in the garage with my green one… it would look like a forest!

Much like you, when I bought mine I was honestly just looking for a driver-quality car, I didn't have any plans to show it at concours events. I wanted something I could enjoy driving and not worry too much about it. But I stumbled across a basically concours-level car and still can't believe it to this day. Yes, I spent the money to put it back to the original color, but the red paint that was on it when I bought it was in fantastic condition… until I scratched it. That's what accelerated my timeline for the color change. So if you don't end up with this one, keep looking, you might find one that's even better than you were expecting.

 

I finally got a response and the offer was rejected. The seller is not willing to take anything else BUT his asking price which is currently 70k.

I think people have lost the run of themselves.

 

IS that a bad price? I have no idea, but surely they would be worth more from a rarity point of view than a 3x8 in similar condition. No? I'm sure I've seen them for well over 120k USD but maybe that's for "perfect" cars?

 

Hey @mike996 — totally fair question, and you're right that top-condition 308 GT4s can fetch impressive prices these days, sometimes even over $120K if they're pristine, restored, Classiche certified, and fully documented.

But the car I looked at is not one of those. It hasn’t been serviced since 2010, has a number of originality issues (missing Bertone badge, incorrect interior trim, non-original color, incorrect engine details, etc.), and comes with none of the documentation or tools. It’s essentially a barn-find that needs a full mechanical and cosmetic restoration.

At €70,000, that’s already $75K+ — before restoration. Add another $40-50K minimum, and you’re into concours money... for a car that still might not be matching numbers or Classiche eligible.

So yeah — in that context, I really do think people are starting to lose the run of themselves.

 

What do you think it’s worth ?

 

That's a great question, but in a collecting environment, "what do you think it’s worth?" is almost always a question without a right or wrong answer. The truth is: collectibles are worth what the highest bidder is willing to pay, and nothing more or less.

That said, I personally think asking €70K for this particular car, in its current condition, is really "losing the run of themselves." For context: in April of this year, a running 308 GT4, in the same country, last serviced in 2023, with hard-to-find items like the correct spare wheel, sold for €44K. It wasn’t concours by any means, but it was in clearly better shape than this one, which hasn’t seen a service since 2010, and needs to be started with care (or rather not at all).

So is €70K realistic? In my opinion, no. Not at all. But that is my opinion.
But, and here’s the nuance, if someone walks in tomorrow and happily pays €70K, then guess what? That becomes the new benchmark for a GT4 in this state. It could happen. Markets shift.

So what’s it worth to me?
Honestly, I could say €1 million, because that’s how much I love these cars. But what I can realistically pay, and what constitutes fair market value — those are entirely different things. I had calculated that the works needed to the car to get it to drive well, would exceed 25k, and that's without any aesthetic changes or structural work to the body etc. So I was willing to pay 35k.

 

70 is much to much i would estimate and not pay more for that one lets say 35 to 40.000 € max and that after an inspection on site

 

It’s a €35K - 40 car all day long .

Plenty more fish in the sea . https://www.carandclassic.com/list/20/gt4/

 

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OMG OMG OMG

Okay I need to breath!!

I just got off the phone with the seller of the GT4 with the blue interior, chassis number 08788.

It turns out the seller still has the original document map that came with the car and the toolkit and jack. The service history is incomplete though.

BUT...

He liked our chat and the passion I have for the car and he will consider a bid of 55k..... pinch me.... am I sleeping?

 

Can you post a link ? ^

 

He was asking 70 and will now consider 55? Sounds like he is well aware the car is not going to sell for his original asking price. The only thing I would suggest is that it sounds to me like you are TOO set on THIS car. It might be good if you can make yourself sit back for a bit - and look at other offerings as well. I am NOT being critical, I did exactly that ("I gotta have THIS car!) some years back and it was a time and money disaster. So...you may end up with the car and that's great if it really IS the only car you find that ticks all your boxes! But it really might be advantageous to look around a bit more... OR NOT! Good Luck whatever happens!!!!!

 

Hey all,

Ha! I realized I accidentally posted what was meant to be a personal message to someone publicly in this forum and by the time I realized it it was too late to be deleted. That’s what happens when you get caught up in the excitement of the moment — and god, was I excited.

But since it’s out there now… yes, I’ve been chasing a dream I never thought would be within reach — and somehow, it might just happen. I totally hear the comments about stepping back and looking wider, and they’re valid. And this is not the car I was initially looking into, I let that one go as that certainly not worth the 70k that was asked. It’s not just about ticking boxes, it’s about a personal story that connects deeply with the car and what I hope to build around it.

That said, I'm still proceeding with both eyes open and heart on my sleeve — cautiously optimistic, and painfully aware of what old Ferraris (especially Dinos) can throw at you.

Appreciate the thoughts and advice — keep it coming!

In a follow up conversation we came to an agreement for 55k for what in my opinion is a dream car and the person selling it might just be the nicest person I have come across in my life. I'm still pinching myself.... and will probably not sleep tonight - lol

Once the papers are signed and the car is officially mine I'll post LOADS of pictures!

 

Hay you are posting to a bunch of gear heads. We, I know how it is. When I bought my 308 a year ago I was not even planing on bidding. I did it in the last couple minutes, even then I did not think I would win. For us that have dreamed of these cars we are right there with you!!

 

Thanks @LE06
Honestly, hearing that from someone who’s been there makes all the difference. It’s crazy how strong this feeling is, right? You think you're just buying a car… and suddenly your inner child is having a full-blown meltdown, but in a good way — LOL.

That last-minute bid moment you had? That’s the stuff of legends. And now, even just the idea that I might be joining the club… it still feels surreal. But it’s heartwarming to know there’s a group of people like you guys here who totally get it.

 

Hope it all works out and we see on the St Moritz Dino meet in the future .
Ps do post pics when you are ready .

 

Here he is... Chassis 08788.
After a bit of a financial maze (let's just say cross-border logistics aren't always your friend! - lol), the dream is finally real.
There's a long journey ahead to bring him back to where I’d love him to be - a pure Dino once more - but I couldn’t be more excited. Honestly, I’m still slightly in shock and sick to my stomach from joy and nerves at the same time. - lol

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