The first series Ferrari with eight cylinder engine - the 308 GT4 - was presented at the 1973 International Motor Show in Paris. The new engine was extremely robust with powerful torque and was mounted in a variety of Ferraris for many years afterwards. For once, the legendary bodywork was designed by Bertone, not Pininfarina. Naturally, the extravagant look sparked an endless stream of enjoyable arguments. Here, Marcello Gandini has created an automotive benchmark that remained underappreciated for many years. But what is truly remarkable about the 308 GT4 is that it was likely the most enjoyable Ferrari to drive of its time. In total, 2,826 308 GT4s were built over the six years it remained in Ferrari’s programme.

This 308 was at home in the German town of Esslingen until 1989, before it moved to Austria. The Ferrari was approved on 15 March 1991. Driven for barely a year, the 308 was placed in the garage and left to languish, somewhat forgotten. It did not return to active duty until 2013, when the owner commissioned a prestigious engine builder with a complete overhaul. New bearings and pistons were added to the powerhouse, while the cylinder heads were meticulously restored. A new tooth belt was an obligatory feature. By then, though, the owner had moved abroad, giving one of his friends the unique opportunity to purchase the 308 in 2014. This is none other than the consignor, who has finally admitted that his collection has become a little too big and that - also for reasons of age - he will have to focus his attention on more comfortable saloons. But this way, a new owner can look forward to this red beast from Maranello!

VIN: 12528, mileage: 70,300 km (read), displacement: 2,906 cc/V8, power: 280 hp, colour: Rosso Corsa/blue (fabric), gearbox: 5-speed, papers: Austrian individual approval