Ferrari Dino GT4 (1973–1979): The mid‑engined 2+2 that rewrote Ferrari’s rulebook

I first slid into a Ferrari Dino GT4 on a rain-slick Tuesday in Modena. One of those days where the tiles glisten and the carbs smell a little richer. The door clicked shut with a light, almost dainty clack, the thin-rim wheel sat close, and I noticed right away how low the cowl line is. You see the road. You also hear everything: the tick of the fuel pump, the Webers clearing their throat, your own heartbeat when the revs crest 7,000. As first drives go, it’s the one that got me hooked on this often-overlooked Ferrari.

And yes, before I even set off I clocked the floor mats. Call it a quirk of having lived with old Italians: what’s under your heels matters if you actually use the car. The folks at AutoWin clearly get that, but we’ll come back to it.

How the Ferrari Dino GT4 changed Ferrari, quietly and forever

Launched in 1973, the Ferrari Dino GT4 was the first production Ferrari to go mid‑engined with a V8. That layout would become the backbone of Maranello’s road-car lineup for decades, from 308 to 488 and beyond. But in period, the GT4 felt like a revolution in sensible shoes. The badge read “Dino” at first—Enzo’s tribute to his late son—only later gaining full Ferrari script as the world caught up to its brilliance.

Design? Not Pininfarina. The Ferrari Dino GT4 was shaped by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, the same genius behind the Miura and Countach. His GT4 is a wedge with manners: clean lines, thin pillars, and real glassy visibility. It’s also a 2+2—unusual for a mid‑engine sports car at the time. Those rear seats are small, yes, but they’ll hold kids, camera bags, or a stubborn dachshund who refuses the frunk.

Driving the Ferrari Dino GT4: numbers, feel, and some honest quirks

Under the slatted engine cover sits a 3.0‑liter quad‑cam V8 fed by four Webers. European-spec cars were good for around 255 hp (DIN); U.S. emissions trimmed that to roughly 230 hp. Either way, the soundtrack is the point—metallic, urgent, a little raw above 5,000 rpm. Officially, you’re looking at a top speed around 154 mph and a 0–60 mph sprint in the mid‑6s to low‑7s depending on tune and tires.

Here’s what the spec sheet doesn’t tell you. The unassisted steering wakes up the moment the tires roll, telegraphing every camber change. The dogleg five‑speed is mechanical and honest; cold oil will have you second‑guessing first-to-second until the gate warms. The ride on rough roads surprised me—supple enough that a country B‑road felt like play, not penance. Brakes are period-firm, so lean in early if you’re coming in hot.

Quirks? Of course. The clutch is weighty in traffic, the fuse box is a conversation starter, and the heating controls have their own comedic timing. But the balance is sublime, and at 7/10ths the GT4 flows in that old Ferrari way—fast enough to be naughty, approachable enough that you won’t need a priest.

Production and value: why the Ferrari Dino GT4 is no longer a secret

Ferrari built just 2,826 Dino 308 GT4s between 1973 and 1979. That’s not many for a car that essentially founded Ferrari’s mid‑engined V8 dynasty. Values have climbed as enthusiasts have learned what they drive like: six figures for top examples is now routine, with market variation for originality, condition, and color. (Blu Sera over tan? Don’t be shocked when bidders get emotional.)

Ferrari Dino GT4 highlights

• 3.0L quad‑cam V8 with Weber carbs; approx. 230–255 hp depending on market/year
• First mid‑engined V8 production Ferrari
• Bertone design by Marcello Gandini; distinctive wedge profile
• 2+2 seating in a mid‑engine layout—rare then, handy now
• Top speed around 154 mph; 0–60 mph roughly 6.5–7.2 seconds
• Steering feel for the ages; a chassis that loves real roads

Ferrari Dino GT4 vs period rivals: how it stacked up

Figures are period-typical estimates; individual cars and test conditions vary, as all good old cars do.

Living with a Ferrari Dino GT4: the everyday classic

On a spring weekend, a Ferrari Dino GT4 is perfect for a two‑day alpine run: helmets in the rear, soft bags in the frunk, snacks wedged beside the battery (don’t judge). It’s quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back about who gets the higher booster, yet lively enough that you’ll take the scenic road anyway. I’ve done airport runs in one; valets love it because it’s low, red, and has pop‑ups. You’ll love it because the steering makes car parks feel like gymkhanas.

Tip from a few owners I’ve met: keep the carbs balanced, the cooling system burp-free, and the electrical grounds clean. Do that and the car starts, runs, and idles like a docile thing. Until you bury your right foot.

Keeping the cabin pristine: premium mats for your Ferrari Dino GT4

The interior of a Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 deserves the same care you lavish on its Webers and timing belts. That’s where the right floor mats matter more than you’d think. Pedal feel is part of the experience, and the wrong mat can bunch up or slide at exactly the wrong moment—ask me how I know.

At AutoWin, you’ll find perfectly tailored mats for the Dino 308 GT4, cut to fit the footwells just so. Materials feel robust and look period‑right, so you protect the carpets without spoiling the vibe. If you’re particular (most GT4 owners are), their finishing and heel pads are spot on.

Ordering is simple through the AutoWin e‑shop, and delivery’s quicker than you’ll tune a four‑Weber idle. I’ve used similar kits on a couple of classics and, honestly, once they’re in you forget about them—which is the highest praise for floor mats.

Final thoughts: why the Ferrari Dino GT4 is the classic you’ll actually drive

The Ferrari Dino GT4 isn’t the poster on your teenage wall. It’s better. It’s the one you grab keys for on a random Sunday—because the steering talks, the engine sings, and the wedge looks sharp without shouting. Add a few smart upgrades (good tires, sorted cooling, quality mats from AutoWin) and you’ve got a classic Ferrari that rewards use, not just admiration. That’s real grand touring.

Ferrari Dino GT4 FAQs

• Is the Ferrari Dino GT4 a real Ferrari?
  Yes. Early cars wore “Dino” badges, but it’s a Ferrari product through and through and later gained Ferrari branding.
• How fast is the Ferrari Dino GT4?
  Period figures quote around 154 mph top speed and 0–60 mph in roughly 6.5–7.2 seconds, depending on market and tune.
• How many Ferrari Dino GT4s were built?
  2,826 units from 1973 to 1979.
• Is the Ferrari Dino GT4 practical?
  More than you’d think: 2+2 seating, usable luggage space, and good visibility. It’s a genuine weekend-away classic.
• Where can I get floor mats for the Ferrari Dino GT4?
  Tailored options are available at AutoWin, including their Ferrari and Ferrari Dino GT4 collections.