ferrari rally dino 308
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308GT4 Driver Source. A Ferrari prepared for dirt tracks

Ferrari has almost always raced on tarmac. And we say almost because, although concise, there are several examples of horses on land. Perhaps the first was the 275GTB plowing through the snows of Monte Carlo 1966. A strange case, since those of Maranello were more to test this prototype unit than to win in the mythical rally. However, ten years later they did think of going all out within a specialty so unknown to them. In this sense, the 308GTB designed for Group B. After making their debut at the 1978 San Remo, these unexpected examples tried to do their thing for more than six years in the World Rally Championship.

An assault on the mud with more intention than results, although it left for history a good string of curious Ferraris only suitable for connoisseurs. They mainly did it through private teams that the Scudería supported externally, following the Porsche formula with the World Endurance Championship teams. Nevertheless, Ferrari learned the lesson: unable to reign at Le Mans again, their only way in the competition was to be the best in F1. After all, the late seventies were golden years with Niki Lauda at the wheel.

For all this it is always strange to see a Ferrari adapted for rallies. Even more so if it is a 308GT4, undoubtedly one of the brand's more moderate models. Born in 1973 as a 2 + 2 horse for the day to day, its design by Bertone prevailed a certain comfort over any competitive character. In fact, this model was Ferrari's answer to the launch a year before the Lamborghini Urraco. Another curiously four-seater vehicle also designed by Marcello Gandini. A car that you would never expect to see on a rally, but that driver source he has prepared to fight on the roads.

ferrari rally dino 308

FERRARI 308GT4. A MODERATE WHO HAS BEEN SEEN COMPETING

The 308GT4 runs with the stigma of not being for many a true horse. Something to which the Maranello house itself cooperated, introducing the model through the Dino sub-brand. Created by Enzo Ferrari as an entry-level range, it was reserved for models with engines below the V12, which had always been the pride of the Commendatore. However, despite this segregation that reveals a certain shame, Dino hosted such interesting models as the 246 or the 308GT4 itself. A 2 + 2 that in its last series came out of the factory wearing the emblem of the rampant horse accepted as just another Ferrari.

And be careful, because it also turns out to be one of the most interesting Ferraris from a commercial point of view. And, far from the big two-seater GT with a front engine, the 308GT4 was born with the vocation of being a car that you can use every day. For it Bertone devised a larger cabin, where it could incorporate two rear seats if so requested from the factory thanks to the transverse position of its central-rear engine. In addition, the interior takes care of access and comfort, being also a friendly car to drive thanks to its good weight distribution and the moderate character of its 8CV V255 in the European version.

A power that has made it appear at many competitions even though it is a vehicle with an elongated chassis a priori away from the tracks. In the asphalt, perhaps the most famous unit was the prepared by the NART team in 1974 to compete at Le Mans. An interesting version in which this civilized everyday sports car becomes an uncompromising competitor. However, perhaps the most radical preparation of a 308GT4 for competition is not this, but the model conceived by Rossocorsa for the Beijing-Paris 2019. Ready to travel more than 14.000 kilometers on roads in Asia and Europe thanks to its reinforced chassis and higher ground clearance.

MODIFIED BUT AUTHENTIC. THE DRIVER SOURCE 308GT4

Purchased last 2018, this 308GT4 unit left the factory in 1975. Of course, it looks very different from what it now looks like after the conversion carried out by the North American restorer Driver Source. After disassembling the parts to proceed to a meticulous review of any damage acquired by age, The first and most important thing to adapt this Ferrari to rallying was to increase its height from the ground. To do this, custom-made coilover dampers were fitted to the triangular arms of the suspensions.

First step in changing the appearance of this 308GT4, which has had the lower part of the body vinyl wrapped. A note that gives it a marked racing character, along with the spartan rims with Michelin 205/70 tires. In addition, it has been equipped with four extra headlights for night sections, as well as other details typical of rallying such as the long extension antenna. Regarding the engine, no substantial changes are noted, so everything indicates that it continues to retain the 240CV of the American version. Something in which it is betrayed due to the side reflectors, symptomatic of the homologated units in the United States.

ferrari rally dino 308

A great streak of modifications that have completely altered this 308GT4 but that, however, have not altered the fundamentals. And it is that the chassis and engine numbers continue to coincide with the factory union, something that together with respect for the original mechanics has been valid for this unit to acquire the certificate of originality issued by the club of owners of the model in the USA. Something that a fan might disagree with. Although surely we are all in consensus when checking how deliciously original and unexpected this version is.

Photographs: Driver Source

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Written by Miguel Sánchez

Through the news from La Escudería, we will travel the winding roads of Maranello listening to the roar of the Italian V12; We will travel Route66 in search of the power of the great American engines; we will get lost in the narrow English lanes tracking the elegance of their sports cars; We will speed up the braking in the curves of the Monte Carlo Rally and we will even get dusty in a garage while rescuing lost jewels.

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