You can buy an offroad Ferrari 308 GT4 at RM Sothebys right now

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 27.05.2020

The “Safari”-style modified Ferrari might also be one of the cheapest ways into the marque

"Safari" cars harken back to the storied international cross-continent rallies of decades past, but have perhaps more recently found themselves in fashion largely in thanks to the recent aircooled Porsche boom which has brought in a younger crop of new enthusiasts seeking to stand out from the crowd.

READ MORE: 1975-1989 Ferrari 308.328 Buyer's Guide

This 1975 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 has been retromodded into a quasi-Safari car, mimicking various examples of the model that have taken part in events such as the Peking to Paris Rally and East African Safaris. The car is part of RM Sotheby’s current online auction, and is available for No Reserve with a current high bid of just US$29,000 (AU$43,650).

That makes it a tremendously reasonable entry-point into Ferrari ownership, regardless of its non-standard modifications; which include adjustable coilover suspension, custom steel front bumper, reinforced mudflaps, Hella driving lights, CB radio with whip antenna, as well as a prior two-tone repaint and Tubi exhaust.

According to Ferrari historian Marcel Massini; this particular example was delivered in Rosso Chiaro over black leather interior, specified with electric windows, air-conditioning and rare back-seat delete option.

The factory black leather interior has been partly reupholstered with corduroy inserts, along with a four-point harness and fire extinguisher fitted. The 308 still retains its original driveline however, which received a thorough service in 2018 which included a timing belt service, rebuilt starter motor, new pulleys, filters and spark plugs.

The Safari-style overhaul is said to have cost the owner over $26,000, but the modifications are said to be reversible.

RM Sotheby’s estimate the Ferrari to fetch between US$70,000 and US$90,000; although with under two days to go, and with a current high-bid of $29,000 – someone could soon have a bargain on their hands.

It may not be for everyone, but the exotic offroader will certainly turn heads at the local Cars & Coffee; or it may be simply be a cheap entry point of entry into genuine Ferrari ownership as its new owner could revert back into more original condition and enjoy well into the future.

Would you keep it as is, or restore to factory?

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