1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GT

This car has had a tune up by Terry Keys Ferrari Silverstone and provided a condition report in lieu of a service and MOT

• UK-supplied through H.R. Owen and registered on the 10/10/1973 to the first of six former keepers
• Fully matching numbers - engine, gearbox and body and presents today in original colours
• Last documented repaint was in 1989, the car would benefit from cosmetic restoration to achieve a Concours standard
• Just 40,000 miles indicated. The engine was rebuilt in the early 2000s and the gearbox in 2011
• The history file is substantial and contains the original handbook, order forms, reams of receipts and MOTs
• Supplied to auction from a deceased estate we recommend closer inspection of this interesting motor car.

Following the 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. The voluptuous bodywork, which many people still 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 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.

In the 1971 TV series The Persuaders, the two international playboys needed a car each befitting their affluent lifestyle. Roger Moore's Lord Brett Sinclair naturally drove an Aston Martin DBS whilst his American crime-fighting partner, Danny Wilde played by Tony Curtis, drove a Ferrari Dino. The opening credits featured a race on the Cote D'Azur between the two cars and is now regarded as an iconic piece of footage, cementing the Dino as the playboy's car of choice. The 246 Dino was hugely successful but just 488 of them were produced in right-hand drive

According to the accompanying order form for this right-hand-drive car, Maranello Concessionaires Ltd. supplied it to H.R. Owen, London on 25/05/1973 and it was registered on the 10/05/1973 to the first of six former keepers. The car is full matching numbers (VIN, engine, gearbox and body) and has covered a mere 40,000 miles from new, fully supported by the substantial history file. It's finished in Rosso with a contrasting tan interior and red carpets and the dashboard has been re-trimmed in leather at some stage in its life. The interior has a nice patina to it but the passenger seat is split at the base.

The Dino last benefitted from fresh paint in 1989 and, although the panels fit well and the body is presentable, it could be improved, however, it's eminently usable as it is until the new owner commissions a body restoration to return the car to its former glory. The engine had a documented engine rebuild in the early 2000s whilst the gearbox was rebuilt in 2011. The car is fitted with a stainless steel silencer.

In 2017, the Ferrari car was bought by a young collector, James Harris, to join his 1972 Ferrari Daytona. Mr Harris' intention was to use the car regularly with the long term intention of fully restoring it. Unfortunately, Mr Harris passed away in 2019 and the car is offered from his estate. Presented to auction with a full and comprehensive history file which includes the original sales orders, handbook, previous invoices, MOTs, V5c, and the original yellow jack in its accompanying bag.

To conclude, this is an unusual opportunity to purchase a 246 that has benefited from continuous maintenance rather than a full restoration and has many years of use ahead before a restoration is on the cards.