1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT Coachwork by Scaglietti – Design by Pininfarina

1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT – Work In Progress

THE 246 Dino GT

“A major commercial success for Ferrari in the 1970s, the Dino line arose from the need to homologate a V6 engine for Maranello’s new Formula 2 race car. The first of the line, the Dino 206 GT, debuted at the Turin Motor Show in 1967, featuring an all-aluminum, 2-liter, four-cam V6 mounted transversely behind the passenger compartment, and driving the rear wheels through a five-speed transaxle. The coupe’s stunningly beautiful lines were by Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti, with production of the coachwork assigned to Scaglietti, Ferrari’s carrozzeria of choice.

After just 152 examples had been built, the 206 was succeeded by the 246 GT. Launched at the Turin show in November 1969, this new model was visually similar to its predecessor; however, it contained a number of significant changes. The most important were its more powerful 2,419cc, iron-block V6 engine and its use of steel, rather than aluminum, for the body. Also, the wheelbase was increased, by a mere 2.4 inches, and the fuel tank was enlarged.

The 246 was built in three series, referred to internally as “L,” “M,” and “E.” Series “L” cars, produced in late 1969 through 1970, have road wheels with a single knock-off spinner, front quarter bumpers that extend into the grille opening, and head rests mounted on the rear bulkhead. A short run of Series “M” cars were produced in early 1971; these had five-bolt road wheels, an internal rear boot lid release catch, and seat-mounted headrests. Series “E” cars were produced from early 1971 to the end of production in 1974. They incorporated all the changes to the Series “M” examples, together with further modifications to the engine and gearbox and detail revisions. A Targa-top version, the 246 GTS, appeared in 1972, and proved to be popular with North American buyers.

While not quite as fast in a straight line as its larger V12-engined stable-mates, the nimble Dino was capable of showing almost anything a clean pair of heels over twisty going. Though Enzo was intent on marketing the Dino as a separate, lesser marque, these beloved cars are currently considered “proper” Ferraris in every respect.”

DETAILS

“Delivered new to the United States, this Dino is one of 1,624 Series E 246 GTs built—the final and most developed example of the model produced from 1971-74. 

Distributed by Luigi Chinetti, s/n 03088 was delivered new to the Atlanta Ferrari dealer Donald W. Y. Fong in February 1972. Finished in Marrone Dino Metallizzato (color code 106-M-73)—a groovy medium brown metallic—over Beige (color code VM3218) leather, its first reported owner, in 1975, was T.L. Hunt of Hayward, California. Hunt owned the car for nearly a score of years, selling it to Glendale, California enthusiast Gene Young in 1994. A consummate collector, Young filled his garage with everything from an Aston Martin DB2/4 to a Lamborghini Miura. 

When he purchased s/n 03088, it was reported that there was some light damage to the left front corner of the car. Gene had the metalwork straightened out and the car resprayed in the Rosso Corsa paint it wears today. Later in life, he was hit by a motorcycle and lost the lower part of his right leg. While he could no longer drive a stick, he retained his car collection until his passing, at which point this Dino was acquired by the current owner—a friend of Gene’s—in February 2015.

Sparingly used in recent years, the car has been recently serviced in advance of the auction but will require some degree of fettling prior to any long drives. The interior appears to have been retrimmed in tan leather sometime in the last 30-40 years while the three-decade old repaint could do with being redone. A long-time California car that wears a set of blue plates that likely indicate it has been a resident of the state since new, it is an honest example that is ready for a new home. Completed with a reprinted owner’s manual and parts handbook, this Dino, from the final and fully evolved E-series production, offers the next owner the opportunity to sympathetically refurbish or completely restore the car to their liking.”

Link to auction puchase listing: Bonhams | 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT