1971 Ferrari Dino 246 GT

The Ferrari Dino was built to honour Alfredo 'Dino' Ferrari who died of muscular dystrophy in 1956. He was the only legitimate son of 'Il Commendatore'.

Unlike any previous road-going Ferrari, the Dino utilised a V6 engine, the Tipo 156, which Alfredo himself had developed and advocated during his life.Enzo Ferrari vehemently answered his critics when he said: "For reasons of mechanical efficiency he finally came to the conclusion that the engine should be a V6 and we accept his decision." The acceptance of this decision resulted in a legacy of motor sport orientated derivatives from Formula One through to various famous sports car racing applications. Following this continued success on the track and in order to homologate Ferrari's 1966 Formula Two campaign, a new line of mid-engined production V6 coupés with Fiat running gear went on sale in 1967 in two litre form. However, in 1969 a larger 2.4 litre Dino was introduced, named the 246 GT or GTS for the Spider.

Only 3,913 definitive Dinos were built before the introduction of the completely restyled V8 engined 308 in 1973. The voluptuous bodywork, which many people regard as the prettiest ever to grace a road-going Ferrari, was designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti. It covered a tubular chassis which carried wishbone independent suspension at each corner. The compact four-cam engine, which delivered 190bhp, was mounted transversely above the five-speed gearbox and just ahead of the rear axle, allowing for both a comfortable cockpit and some usable boot space.

This original right-hand drive Dino was supplied new to a Mr Jack Maurice of Tyne and Wear on 20th March 1971. To date the car has covered only 63,000 miles and this is substantiated by MoT test certificates dating back to 1976. Consequently, the car is presented in highly original condition and was also the subject of a cosmetic restoration in August 2006. The engine was rebuilt approximately 14,000 miles ago, at 49,000 miles, and the engine bay presents extremely well. An excellent history file details all expenditure with bills and receipts from specialists such as Terry Hoyle of TDH Classics, of Maldon. The last major service was carried out in December 2010 and since then the carburettors were tuned at the beginning of this year by specialists Omega Motorsport.

A well documented car in the Dino register, the vendor reports that this example drives extremely well and has been maintained regardless of cost.

Ferrari Dino prices have increased significantly over the last twelve months and show no signs of slowing down. This well deserved surge in popularity is based on the fact that the 246 GT is one of the best handling and most evocative cars Ferrari have ever produced.