1971 Ferrari Dino 246 GT

• Built in early 1971 in left-hand drive and delivered to its first owner in Rome
• Remains in left-hand drive and retains its original engine, gearbox and Rosso/Nero colour scheme
• Whilst in Germany, was treated to a three-part restoration between 1997 and 1999 addressing all areas of the bodywork, suspension and paintwork with invoices for 16,850 DM, 5,769 DM and 2,317 Euros
• Full engine rebuild in 2014 (30,000 Euros - invoice in file) with very little use since 
• Imported to the UK during March 2015 and immediately joined our vendor’s private collection
• On a 'NOVA' but the car has never been registered in the UK making export to Europe straightforward
• This pretty little M-Series is available to view by appointment and viewing is strongly encouraged

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', and unlike any previous road-going Ferrari, the Dino utilised a V6 engine (Tipo 156) which Alfredo himself had developed and advocated during his lifetime. 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 new Dino 246GT was an absolute delight from all angles, its beauty, handling, engine note, mid-engined layout, unusually good all-round visibility and comparative affordability made it absolutely irresistible. 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 and covered a tubular chassis that carried wishbone independent suspension at each corner. The 190bhp engine, with four overhead camshafts, was mounted transversely behind the driver and in front of the rear axle. Power to the wheels was transmitted via drop-gears to the transverse 5-speed gearbox, in unit with the differential and engine sump. With rack and pinion steering and a mid-engined configuration, it was a revelation in terms of road holding and stability, nothing had been made like this before and it left its larger V12-engined siblings in its wake.

This was a very modern car and a real step in Ferrari history announcing a new age for the company in concept and design. Sparkling acceleration and a top speed of 145mph combined with a comfortable interior and some usable boot space meant that it was a genuine 'Grand Touring' car. Proving a great sales success, production of the Dino 246 finished in 1974 with 2,487 finding homes.

The 246GT was built in three series - L, M and finally E with the M-Series cars, produced between September 1970 and July 1971, being the rarest and the lovely example on offer here, is indeed, one of those M-Series cars. Finished in Rosso red with black leather upholstery, it was delivered new to its first customer in Rome in 1971 built, naturally, in left-hand drive as it remains today, pleasingly also retaining its original engine, gearbox and colour scheme. It arrived in the UK a few years ago during March 2015 and immediately joined our vendor’s private collection. A 'NOVA' was obtained clarifying that all UK taxes and duties had been paid, but the car has never been registered in the UK which could be advantageous, post-Brexit, should its new owner wish to export the Ferrari to Europe.

From the car's history file we can see that whilst living in Germany, the Dino was treated to a three-part restoration between 1997 and 1999 addressing all areas of the bodywork, suspension and paintwork with invoices for 16,850 DM, 5,769 DM and 2,317 Euros during this period. It also confirms a complete engine rebuild in 2014 costing 30,000 Euros (invoice in file) with very little use since. The file shows both 'Fahrzeugbrief' and also the 'Fahrzeugpass' are present, as are copies of relevant bills for the work already described above.

The Dino 246GT is an automotive Icon, a word that is nearly always incorrectly used but, in this case, is totally appropriate and this is an opportunity for someone seeking to find one at a sensible investment level, and commence a journey of continuous improvement whilst still being able to drive and enjoy the car. It's been guided with a sale in mind and, as a left-hand drive European car, it may well appeal to our immediate European neighbours. This pretty little M-Series is available to view by appointment and viewing is strongly encouraged.

*Forming part of A Sale of Ferraris in association with Ferrari Owners' Club of Great Britain, the buyer of this lot will be entitled to one years free membership with Ferrari Owners Club of Great Britain*