The Dino, named for Enzo Ferrari’s son Alfredino, was Ferrari’s answer to market demand for a junior racer with a production-based engine, designed to meet Formula 2 regulations. The new Dino was an out-and-out hit on the track, as evidenced by Derek Bell and Ernesto Brambilla each winning stages of the European Championship in 1968, followed by Andrea de Adamich’s victory in the Argentine Temporada series the same year, all driving the Dino.

Powered by a 2.0-liter, six-cylinder engine, the aluminum-bodied Dino 206 GT was launched at the Torino Motor Show in 1967. By 1969, a larger engine and longer wheelbase version was required – enter the 2.4-liter 246 GT. The body was designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti in steel. The new Dino 246 weighed a little more than its aluminum-bodied predecessor, but with its more powerful 2.4-liter engine the weight gain was deemed inconsequential. The resultant Dino 246 evolved through three series, the last of which began after July 1971, benefiting from former series improvements. A year later, the Targa-top version was introduced under the denomination Dino 246 GTS, of which only 1,274 units were built in total.

This late-production 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS was completed on June 12, 1974, and is one of only 313 built in the last year of production. According to Dino authority Matthias Bartz, chassis 08492 was mated with engine 135 CS 000 0012064 at the factory, and they have remained united ever since. After leaving the Scaglietti atelier finished in Nero (Black) paint with a Nero/Rosso (Black/Red) interior, 08492 was delivered to Chinetti Garthwaite Import Inc., in Pennsylvania. On September 28, 1974, the car was purchased for $19,920 by Arlyne H. Feintuch, as documented by the original Bill of Sale on file. Over a decade later, Donald Weber acquired the Dino and it has remained in his collection ever since.

Still donning Nero paint, this Ferrari now sports tan and black Daytona seats. Service records dating from 1975 document the car’s maintenance, and show the level of service it has received, including years of handwritten test-drive results. Today, this Dino shows approximately 15,600 miles on the odometer and is accompanied by the original registration, service records, tool kit, manual and sales service agent book, parts and owner’s manual, US-instruction supplement, warranty card, and original Bill of Sale.

This lovely, low-mileage 246 GTS presents beautifully, appearing correct and appropriate for a historic Ferrari from 1974. Its body number 3059 can even be seen scrawled in chalk on the back side of the firewall. A superlative example of Ferrari’s first mid-engine, road-going sports car, this Dino is primed and prepped for its next adventure – on the road, in a collection, or at specialist marque events.