In the early 1970s, Ferrari is working on a successor to the Dino 246. The magnificent, Pininfarina-designed, compact mid-engine two-seater had been overtaken in design by the competition, which was going massively for clean lines in this period. And so the project must change course entirely. Bertone is invited to Ferrari's headquarters and the go-ahead for the new project is quickly given.Gandini, then working at Bertone, draws the 308 GT4. No line is the same as its predecessor but the concept remains the same: a compact mid-engine sports car. Whereas the 206 and 246 Dino have a six-cylinder engine, the 308 GT4 and later 208 GT4 have an eight-cylinder engine behind the four seats.At first the model bears the Dino logo and the prancing horse is not to be found on the car but from 1976 the two-plus-two-seater is finally sold as a Ferrari, with Ferrari logos on the bodywork, wheels and steering wheel.For years the 208 GT4 and 308 GT4 have been underappreciated but in recent years this has completely changed. More and more enthusiasts appreciate the beautiful Gandini creation and that translates into a growing appreciation of the model.New in our stock is this very nice 208 GT4, in the color Azzurro with stylish natural-colored interior with blue details. The car was delivered in June 1976 and so this is a version that originally already bears the Ferrari logos. The car is in particularly neat condition, partly due to the fact that the car has already been completely restored and overhauled in the past. Thereafter, the car has been cherished and only selectively used, so the condition can still be described as "very nice".The body of the Dino is nicely painted, with a nice deep gloss and little to no wear. The doors close nicely and fits are all very clean. Also, the body seams are all nice and straight. Chrome work is in excellent condition and so are the beautiful alloy wheels that have no damage.A look inside the interior provides no nasty surprises. The upholstery is mostly original and in nice condition, with the blue center sections of the seats matching the original blue floor coverings excellently. A look that is entirely appropriate for the '70s. The seats are neat and sit comfortably wraparound.The dashboard is fully functional and also very nice with a substantial amount of gauges and instruments. The controls also work properly, with much of it housed on the dashboard and some, which Ferrari could not get rid of there, in the center tunnel. There you will also find the original factory-delivered Borletti air conditioning.This Dino is equipped with the V8 with only 1,990 cc capacity. A version introduced especially for the Italian market, due to the tax system that did not favor engines with more than 2 liters of capacity. With 180 hp, it may not be the fastest Ferrari ever, but its handling and experience are of an unprecedented level. A Dino GT4 drives exceptionally well and this 208 is no exception. By the way, the 208 is still a very smooth car due to its low weight, but its performance is simply surpassed by the driving pleasure.The Ferrari has always neatly received the maintenance it deserves after its restoration. As a result, the 208 GT4 is fine in terms of its technical condition and there are no significant issues that need attention. After decades of being the underdog, it is now up to the Dino to take center stage: that certainly applies to this very fresh 208 GT4!