Low Mileage Cars Have No Stories to Tell… Except This One.

I've always said that low mileage cars have no stories to tell, and I think that's true for the most part. However, there's always an exception to every rule.

This 1974 Dino 308 GT4 went up for auction via Broad Arrow, it has less than 7,000km since new. Two paragraphs of the description reveal why.

https://www.broadarrowauctions.com/vehicles/zt25_r0055/1974-ferrari-dino-308-gt4

Delivered in July 1974 through Motor S.p.A. in Rome, the Dino went to Amedeo Mario Ortolani, a prominent Italian entrepreneur, political figure, and journalist. The car is reported to be one of only 134 finished in Marrone Dino Metallizzato (Metallic Brown) with a Beige velour interior. Lavishly, the car was optioned with the expensive Borletti air conditioning system. Following his purchase, the car was diligently maintained by Gioacchino Vari for its first three services through October 1974 at 5,000 kilometers. To celebrate his appointment as the president of the major Roman electronics company Voxson in April 1975, the Ferrari was upgraded with a Voxson Stereo 8 radio.

Following this joyous appointment, Ortolani was kidnapped on 10 June 1975, only to be released after the one billion Lire ransom was paid 11 days later. Following this incident, the car was placed in storage as the family wanted to keep a low profile. It remained there until 1989, when it was sold with under 7,000 kilometers. Despite sucessive changes in ownership, the car remained in storage until late 2023, when it was displayed as found during the Milano AutoClassica.
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This might be the most factory original and factory correct 308 GT4 on the planet… albeit with a little patina and some cobwebs.

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I would suspect it doesn't run. Apparently the car has been started or driven since June, 1975, I'd say it needs a full mechanical restoration.

 

I think the appeal would be more that its completely factory original, no mods or changes. And the frenzy for low mileage cars will probably appeal to a number of folks. It's a great reference car.

I think of the 1911 Oldsmobile that sold for $1.65M back in 2007 because it was completely factory original (tires and all)… and much, much more of a basket-case than this 308 GT4.

https://www.sportscarmarket.com/profile/1911-oldsmobile-limited-7-passenger-touring