1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT

Lot details
Registration No: ETV 48L
Chassis No: 03148
Mot Expiry: May 2008

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). H&H Classic Auctions Ltd are indebted to the vendor for the following account of his ownership:

"This car was originally purchased on 17th March 1972 by a gentleman in Jersey where it was registered as 'J655'. I completed an exchange deal on 4th March 1973 through a third party whereby I took possession of this Dino - now registered 'ETV 48L' - in exchange for the HWM Jaguar, 'HWM 1', which I had restored over previous years. The mileage on the Dino at that stage was 4,046 meaning that I have covered only approximately 16,000 miles in thirty-four years. Apart from outings to the AMOC Curborough Sprint (1973) and AMOC Wiscombe Hillclimb (1974, 1975), the car has not been used competitively. Taken off the road for various periods, 'ETV 48L' has never been driven in the winter and only occasionally has she been out in the rain when the weather forecast proved inaccurate! The Dino goes extremely well - more fun for driver than passenger! The only source of unreliability has been the electrics associated with the starter motor which I understand is a characteristic of Ferraris of this age. Over the years of storage under cover I found the odd small dent in the bodywork from time to time. Whilst these were always tidied up when found, it did result in tiny differences in the shade of red on the car. Finally, I could stomach this no longer and in 1997 a very good, bare-metal respray was undertaken. R&D Automotive Ltd of Manchester have looked after the car for the last two years. Last year they overhauled the water pump and carburettors (£718.76) and this year they fitted a new exhaust silencer system (£2,036.87)".

Variously described by its long-term custodian as being in "good" (electrical equipment), "very tidy / original" (interior trim), "very good" (engine, gearbox, chassis, wheels / tyres) or "excellent" (bodywork, paintwork) condition, 'ETV 48L' is accompanied by a handwritten log. As well as chronicling the Dino's mileage and maintenance, the little blue book contains some wonderful comments such as: "First Decent Run: Behaviour impeccable - roadholding, brakes, tractability - what a car!" While, its competitive efforts elicit the following comments: "No doubt there is more to come but it is too nice a car to bend" (Curborough) and "Car goes up the hill beautifully and is a delight to drive" (Wiscombe). The most original and lowest mileage Dino we have ever had the pleasure of offering for sale, this exceptional example is accompanied by the aforementioned log, various expired tax discs (1974 onwards), assorted old MOT certificates (1986 onwards), numerous bills / invoices (1973 to date) and several magazine road test articles as well as MOT certificate and historic class (free) road tax both valid until May 2008.