The Ferrari Dino 208 GT4

Table of Contents:

Ferrari Dino 208 GT4 – Key Details

The Ultimate Guide to the Ferrari Dino 208 GT4

FERRARI DINO 208 GT4 – THE INCREDIBLE 2-LITRE V8

Ferrari’s 1975 Dino 208 GT4 was one of several 2-litre Ferrari models produced for the Italian market. The small engine was really the only difference between this model and the Dino 308 GT4. The reasoning behind this “economical” version of the 308 was to steer clear of Italy’s 38% VAT on any car with an engine exceeding 2 litres. That was double the tax levied against smaller-engined vehicles, so the 208 models made for a much cheaper Ferrari than the 308s.

DESIGN AND MECHANICALS

Now, you might have noticed the rather strange naming convention, with both “Dino” and “Ferrari” in the name. That’s because this particular model was both a Dino and a Ferrari. At first, the 208 GT4 was sold with Dino badges, but those were replaced by the standard Ferrari units in 1976. Having both the Dino name, which was meant to signify non-V12 Ferrari models, and the regular Ferrari name attached to the same model has caused significant confusion over the years.

And it really made for an interesting Ferrari – good luck finding many others with this little power. The Dino’s tiny V8 produced just 170bhp – good enough for a claimed top speed of 136mph (220 km/h). That means the 208 entailed an 85-bhp and 19-mph penalty versus the 308 GT4. Still, for those more interested in the car’s handling and style, the 208 made for an appealing option in the Italian market.

While the engine was the headlining change, there were a few other differences between the Dino 208 GT4 and its 3-litre sibling. Narrower tyres were fitted, as well as smaller Weber carburettors. To better match the lower power output, a lower final driver ratio was used as well. Visually, the 208 dispensed with the fog lights and black exterior accents (in favour of chrome).

PRODUCTION AND LEGACY

In 1980, Ferrari replaced the Dino 208 GT4 with the 208 GTB. In its 5-year production run, just 840 examples of the 208 GT4 were built.  By contrast, nearly 3,000 308s were built from 1973 up until the model was replaced by the Mondial 8 in 1980.

Ferrari Dino 208 GT4 – Photo Gallery

Ferrari Dino 208 GT4 – Technical Specifications

Ferrari Dino 208 GT4 – Registry & Videos

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