1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT

Lot details
Registration No: T.B.A.
Chassis No: 05266
Mot Expiry: July 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).

First registered on 20th December 1972, this particular right-hand drive example - chassis 05266 - had had five former keepers and undergone an extensive amount of mechanical and cosmetic restoration work prior to entering the current ownership during September 1997. Two accompanying MOT certificates issued on 16th March 1984 and 12th November 1992 list recorded mileages of 59,111 and 60,669 respectively. In between times, the Dino was treated to an engine overhaul and other mechanical fettling by Thomas Sedgwick (Eng) Ltd of Attleborough, Norfolk. As well as new shell bearings, pistons, valves / guides / springs / seals and timing chains etc, the V6 received attention to its distributor, ignition system, clutch, oil / water pumps, carburettors and camshafts. While, the gearbox and differential were stripped down, cleaned and fitted with fresh bearings / seals as necessary. The work cost some £4,448.97 but took nearly two years to complete (September 1988 - June 1990).

The powerplant was refitted by David Wall Vintage & Classic Cars of Wroxham, Norfolk in June 1991 and the following March the same firm received instructions to begin refurbishing the Ferrari's bodywork. Taken back to bare metal, repairs were made to the offside rear wheelarch, boot lid, engine cover, inner / outer sills, front / rear valances and door posts etc. With the welding and panel beating completed, a suitably prepared `05266' was then repainted in Chiaro Rosso. Treated to a revitalised interior (albeit some of the trimming was outsourced), replated bumpers and myriad other improvements, the two-seater was back on the road within the year. Though, returns trips to David Wall Vintage & Classic Cars during 1993 yielded a new engine / boot division and rejuvenated wheels etc. Invoices on file from the renowned Wroxham restorer amount to £9,388.99.

Despatched to marque specialists CCH Engineering Ltd of Hemel Hempstead, Herts in August 1998 (just under a year after the vendor had acquired it) the Dino was treated to a new crankshaft main oil seal, replacement clutch cover, fresh spark plug leads and general tune-up. The invoice records the total due as £1,869.15 and the mileage as 61,862. Over the course of the past eleven years, the car's odometer reading has increased by less than eight hundred to 62,622 miles (though, this figure cannot be warranted as representing the total covered from new). Kept garaged and used sparingly as part of a small private collection, this handsome Ferrari is offered for sale with the aforementioned paperwork and MOT certificate valid until July 2010.