1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT (E-Series)

Today, the 246 GT Dino is recognised as a fully fledged classic and values continue to remain strong as new collectors come to really appreciate the timeless styling, sparkling performance and incredible character imbued in these Italian masterpieces.

Introduced to the world in 1969, the new 2.4-litre 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 which 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.

Without question, this beautiful Ferrari Dino 246 GT would be a ‘benchmark’ car should it be shown at Concours events like Pebble Beach, Concorso D’Eleganza Villa D’Este or anywhere really. Such is the level of restoration, mechanical preparation and sheer milimetre-perfect accuracy that we believe it to be the best available in the market place today.

Produced by Ferrari SpA in November 1972, it was destined for the French market and still retains its original engine and gearbox with the body number 1440 just as it left Maranello. In December 1981, it was imported in to the USA, residing in Fort Lauderdale until returning to Europe through Monaco in October 2010. It subsequently lived in a fashionable square in London until our vendor, who was looking for the best example he could find, sanctioned an inspection prior to his purchase in June 2013. Whilst it wasn’t exactly as he would have wished, he was impressed by the car’s originality, and a deal was done with a potential restoration being considered.

By May 2014, the story of this extraordinary restoration begins with renowned Bentley, Rolls and Porsche specialists, Clark and Carter, the restorers of choice to Royal Households around the world, entrusted to execute a restoration that would grace any Blue Riband or Concours event anywhere in the world.

Originally finished in Argento (silver), the decision was eventually made to refinish the car in Giallo Fly, acknowledged as one of the best colours to complement the pure lines of these pretty Berlinettas. The complete documentation is in the history file, detailing every painstaking step from manufacturing specific body jigs, reproducing the factory-fitted air conditioning to laying out the original loom for inspection and re-insulation.  A quick addition of the invoices soon nudges £300,000.

Finished in June 2016, the car has formed part of our vendors small collection and still mesmerises to this day. It's impossible to fault this stunning Dino. Mechanically perfect with a full engine and gearbox rebuild and subsequent services this is a very special motor car. The registration number illustrated, 246 DBF, will remain with the car and does form part of the sale. Further details are available from our consignor.

Your early inspection is welcomed and encouraged to appreciate the absolute quality on offer.