14th Mar, 2009 15:10

Stoneleigh Park

 
  Lot 15
 

1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT

Sold for £78,750

(including buyers premium)


Lot details
Registration No: CMJ320L
Chassis No: 04334
Mot Expiry: Jan 2010

Heavily influenced by the Dino 206 GT Berlinetta Speciale concept car (a thinly disguised 206 S sports racer) which Pininfarina had unveiled at the 1965 Paris Salon, the roadgoing Dino 206 GT debuted in Turin two years later. Compellingly curvaceous and bodied in aluminium over a tubular steel chassis frame, it seemed a fitting tribute to Enzo Ferrari's late beloved son Alfredino. Boasting all-round, independent double-wishbone suspension, Koni shock absorbers, anti-roll bars and four-wheel disc brakes, the newcomer was the first Maranello production design to feature either rack-and-pinion steering or a mid-mounted engine. Although, the 1987cc 'quad-cam' unit in question was the work of Franco Rocchi, its inspiration came via Alfredino and the legendary Vittorio Jano (who between them had convinced Enzo Ferrari of the inherent engineering merits behind a compact V6 as early as 1956). Developing a quoted 180bhp at 8,000rpm, the free-revving powerplant was allied to five-speed manual transmission and promised a 140mph plus top speed.

However, despite sensational looks and inspired, race-bred handling, the announcement of an even faster variant at the March 1969 Geneva Motor Show saw 206 GT production cease in August 1969 after just 152 cars. Thankfully, its successor - christened the 246 GT on account of its larger 2418cc engine - retained the same sublime Pininfarina styling (albeit draped over a 60mm longer wheelbase). With a quoted 195bhp and 166lbft of torque on tap, it was reputedly capable of 151mph and 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds. To ease manufacture, the revised two-seater utilized a cast-iron cylinder block and steel bodywork. Inheriting its forebear's cabin architecture complete with steeply raked bucket seats, aluminium fascia, suede-topped dashboard and 'chrome fingered' transmission gate, the model typically rode on Cromodora 'bolt on' alloy wheels. Phased in around mid 1971, the final Series III or Tipo E Dino benefited from revised gear ratios and a different fuel supply system (though, little else was changed). Only in production for three years, just 1,431 Series III fixed-roof Dinos are thought to have been made (with RHD markets accounting for a mere 446 cars).

Sold new to Roy Allen Gibson of Chawston Manor, Bedfordshire by Maranello Concessionaires, this particular example - chassis number 04334 - was road registered as 'RAG 7' on August 1st 1972. A former custodian of the ex-Peter Sargent / Peter Lumsden Jaguar E-type Lightweight Racer '49 FXN', Gibson was no stranger to high-performance machinery and ordered his Dino finished in understated Argento Auteil (Metallic Silver) with black leather upholstery, headlight covers and opening quarter lights. Returned to Maranello Concessionaires not just for regular servicing but seemingly as a part-exchange when Gibson bought their ex-demonstrator 365BB, the 246GT appeared in an Autocar magazine article comparing it very favourably to the new 308GT4 on 16th August 1975. Reregistered as 'CMJ 320L', the Ferrari was bought by the Garsden-Fowler family (father and daughter) of Ascot, Berkshire that same year. Only with them for a comparatively short time, it had covered just 32,000 miles before passing to third keeper, C.J. Dix Esq. of Southcombe Garage, Chipping Norton during August 1976.

Treated to a major renovation and engine overhaul some six years later with many parts being supplied by Graypaul Motors, the Dino further benefited from a 1992 respray in its factory correct Argento Auteil. Having added just 10,000 or so miles to the odometer over the course of twenty-five years, Dix consigned 'CMJ 320L' to the August 2001 Bonhams & Brooks auction at Silverstone where it was acquired by Mike O'Brian of Speedsport Promotions Ltd, Towcester. Interestingly, the Silverstone auction catalogue made mention of the engine being refurbished with a balanced bottom end, electronic ignition, Cosworth 11:1 pistons and new exhaust manifolds / silencers; while attention was also said to have been paid to the car's suspension, steering and brakes. Little used during Mr O'Brian's stewardship albeit regularly MOT tested, the 246GT had yet to clock up 45,000 miles by the time the vendor, Managing Director of H&H Simon Hope, bought it in April 2007. Simon initially acquired the Ferrari on behalf of an overseas client but ended up taking possession when the deal fell through.

A joy to drive whenever it has been out, Simon has used the car often for nipping here and there. He took his wife on a memorable 3,000 mile European touring rally last summer which encompassed the Grand Route des Alpes, St. Tropez and the races at Dijon with the Bertie Gilbart-Smith crew. Running perfectly throughout the event, apart from an engine temperature sender problem (which erroneously made it look like the oil was overheating), the two-seater proved remarkably comfortable thanks to its opening quarter lights. While, 2008 also saw the Dino make an appearance at the inaugural Cholmondeley Pageant of Power.

Subtly modified to allow electrical power to be drawn from its cigarette lighter (the original is with the car) for Sat Nav systems and the like, 'CMJ 320L' is otherwise to standard specification. The paperwork (including recent correspondence with former keepers) shows the car has covered a mere 48,000 miles from new and argues that it has been astonishingly well looked after. Indeed, the Dino seemingly retains all its factory paraphernalia such as the original warranty card (copies of which are unobtainable), handbook, spare parts list, presentation wallet, toolkit, warning triangle, wheel block, window winder and jack etc. Riding on correct Cromodora alloys, this desirable 246GT is set apart as much by its ownership history as by its colour scheme and headlight covers. Eligible for historic class (free) road tax, 'CMJ 320L' is offered for sale with a valid MOT certificate and history file including copies of the original factory confirmation of order, factory invoice, and original sales invoice to Gibson plus a host of early service bills and other paperwork (copy of the 1975 Autocar article and 2001 Bonhams & Brooks auction catalogue etc).

 

All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

Auction: Stoneleigh Park, 14th Mar, 2009

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