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The chassis, although based on
that of the Dino 246, was stretched
for a 100.4 in (2550 mm) wheelbase
to make additional room for
rear seats.
The transversely mounted 3L V8
engine produced 250 bhp, although
models built for the US market
generated 230 bhp. Later models
featured a single-distributor engine
instead of the twin-distributor
version seen in earlier cars, and fog
lamps mounted behind the front
grille replaced those that were
mounted ahead of the front valance.
With an aim to take advantage of
a reduced tax burden on vehicles
with engines smaller than two liters,
the 208 GT4 2+2 was unveiled
at the 1975 Geneva Motor Show.
The 1991 cc power plant produced
180 bhp and boasted a top speed
of 137 mph; it went down in
the record books as the smallest
production V8 in car manufacturing
history. Visually, the 208 GT4 was
distinguishable from the 308 GT4
by the absence of fog lights and
narrower wheels.
As the 1970s drew to a close so
did production of the GT4, with
2,138 308s rolling off the assembly
line as opposed to just 880 of its
smaller counterpart. It is, however,
one of the more affordable second-
hand Ferraris in the 21
st
century,
although, as with many old classics,
running costs can be astronomical.
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