Exquisite, fresh restoration and desirably equipped with Daytona seats, P/W, A/C.1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GTSChassis No. – 04136Engine No. – 0008836Gearbox No. – 458EBody No. – 1134Exterior Color – Russo Rubino (20-R-350)Interior Color – Tan Leather Engine – 2.4-liter transverse mounted 6-cylinderTransmission – 5-speed manual transaxleCurrent Miles – 21,392 miles (TMU)Highlights of this Dino 246 GTS-Comprehensive two-year professional restoration to high standards-Outfitted with factory cold blowing Borletti Air Conditioning and Power WindowsGeneral OverviewDesigned by the legendary Leonardo Fioravanti, responsible for some of the greatest Ferrari designs while at Pininfarina, the original 206 Dino GT was a delightful design combining a curvaceous body and innovative performance engineering inspired by racing successes Ferrari had achieved with their mid-engine prototypes. The heart of the Dino was the compact 65-degree V6 engine displacing 1987cc. With triple Weber 40DCF carburetors, the engine offered 160hp, a potent amount for a lightweight two-liter car. The transverse mid-engine design mated with a 5-speed transaxle offered spirited acceleration, besting many larger displacement competitors. Attributed in name to the tragically lost Dino Ferrari, son of Enzo, the Dino brand would launch Ferrari into higher volume production and world-wide acclaim with this affordable offering. Shortly after release, the 206 advanced to the larger displacement 246 Dino GT as public demand grew and production output increased for the mid-engine car. The 246, stamped in steel using higher volume practices, would become one of the most popular sports cars of the period. Europe and America loved the sleek bodywork and nimble performance, responding with record sales. Performance was also key as the 246 had a claimed top speed of 146 mph and zero to 50 of 5.5 seconds, competing favorably against the slower Porsche 911S, while also being competitively priced. The Dino 246 GTS, first shown in 1972 at the Geneva International Motor Show, was mechanically similar to the 246 GT, offered with a removable targa-type roof. This allowed open air driving with the rigidity of a closed car. Orders came flooding in, especially in the United States. By 1974, when production ceased, 1,274 Spiders had been delivered, with the vast majority of these shipping to the US.
History of this Dino
Assembled at the Ferrari factory in June 1972, this Dino is one of 1,274 GTS models built in total production. Rare by any measure, the vast majority of these cars were given proper care in their earlier years of use, but few have been lavished with professional restoration as comprehensive as what has been performed on this example. Beginning with a very sound original Dino, the current owner commissioned the restoration with top Ferrari specialist Naples Classic Car, Naples, FL in 2019. Concluded two years later in 2021, this Dino would be one of the last cars restored by this establishment as the proprietor retired shortly after completing this car. During the restoration, as documented with numerous photos and featured in the restoration booklet provided with this car, this Dino was completely disassembled, and the body stripped to bare metal. As the body condition was quite nice and free from damage, body work was minimal, all glass was removed, and all areas prone to rust were treated and the car was prepped for paint. Every component, system, all hydraulics, hoses, electrical, engine and transmission were comprehensively rebuilt and properly refinished to factory specifications. After the restoration was completed, the owner engaged Intrepid Motorcar Company, Sparks, NV to further refine the mechanical aspects and complete final detailing. In 2021, Intrepid removed all three carburetors replacing the jets and accelerator pump diaphragms and cam. A new set of front quarter glass and frames with new left and right vent window latch assemblies were installed, new halfshafts installed, distributor timing set, carbs and ignition adjusted with new timing, removed the left rear brake caliper for service, brake system flushed and bled, and the parking brake mechanism serviced. Later that same year, a fire extinguisher was installed in the trunk, front clear paint protection film installed, and four new stainless steel hub caps were installed.
General ConditionToday this Dino presents in exceptional condition with a beautiful, smooth, and glossy paint surface. The paint has excellent coverage and depth with no notable flaws in the stunning deep red finish. Overall, the finish has been properly detailed and professionally prepared when it was restored and while under current ownership. The doors shut with a crisp latch and hold position flush to the body surfaces, with excellent fit to the body surfaces. Both the front lid, engine, and trunk lids open and close properly as activated by the door jamb chrome handles. The exterior chrome trim is excellent throughout including the bumpers, side marker bezels, side view mirrors, and window trim. The distinctive emblems and badges are in excellent condition including the beautifully finished yellow Dino wheel centers. Glass lenses and turn indicator lenses are also in beautiful condition and properly detailed. The Cromodora wheels are correctly refinished and maintain excellent luster featuring Michelin XWX 205/70 VR14 radial tires. The wheels are mounted with five lug center caps featuring Dino script. The black Targa top fits properly and is correctly finished inside and out. The tan interior creates a stunning impression of elegance and sporting flavor particularly with the black accented Daytona seat inserts. Not only are the seating and door panel surfaces supple, beautifully stitched, and nicely presented, the correct foam structure, excellent corner details and piping have been beautifully rendered. Tan and black Daytona seat inserts offer a sporting touch to the interior. Carpeting, headliner, and side trim panels are in excellent condition as are the mouse fur dash material and further interior accents. The center console is very nicely presented with the 5-speed gated shift plate, signature Dino details, and correct electric switches. Functional factory correct Borletti Air Conditioning not only blows cold, the system dials and electric motor work properly. The delightful array of gauges located in the instrument binnacle are in excellent condition with bright numeric indication and white needles. In all, the beautifully finished interior presents as a handsome pairing to the rich ruby red exterior perfectly complimenting the sumptuous exterior body lines. Under the hood, the transverse Dino V6 engine has been thoughtfully prepared and beautifully detailed with originality in mind. The engine number falls in sequence with the chassis number and is believed to be correct for this car. The transmission number also falls in sequence to the chassis number consistent with original cars in this series. The raw cast alloy engine components are honest, clean, and unpretentious, reflective of the mechanical beauty and natural casting finishes presented when new. As with the entire car, attention to detail is quite rewarding from correctly finished raw metal parts, proper air intake plenum, correct carburetors, proper hoses, and hardware, and the correct factory chassis number stamped on the driver’s side upper metal support. The rear trunk area is nicely restored and lined with black carpet, while the front storage compartment features a full-sized spare tire with matching wheel, and a correct inner molded tub. The underside of the car is finished to a high level of detail consistent with fewer than 200 miles covered since the restoration was completed. The underside finishes remain worthy of show presentation with no evidence of damage or structural compromise noted on the chassis or suspension mounting points. The suspension components and correct ANSA exhaust are in excellent condition and also finished with the same level of detail and attention to factory correct specifications. Driving this Dino, one is reminded of the harmony achieved with the mid-engine layout, V6 power, and 5-speed manual gearbox. Shifting through the gated selector, power comes on strong in each gear, pulling from low rpm progressively into glorious higher revs. The wide powerband and delightful sounds particularly in the higher rev range are welcome features of spirited open-air driving. Just as enjoyable, however, one can equally appreciate modestly cruising on a hot day with the top in place and cool AC refreshing occupants on a long drive up the coast. Braking and suspension are responsive for the era, modestly improved by a set of correctly sized Michelin XWX tires showing ample tread. This 246 Dino GTS offers many of the very best features of a vintage yet surprisingly modern Ferrari. Perfectly balanced, it’s no surprise to find that this is the seminal sports car that established the ideal foundation for decades of future mid-engine Ferraris. With its stunning Pininfarina design, beautiful color combination, rare GTS designation, and nimble performance capability, this 246 Dino GTS remains as a lasting Father’s tribute to his son Dino Ferrari - a beautiful performance statement celebrating a legacy of uncompromising beauty. Included with this 246 DinoThis Dino is accompanied by a jack, an assortment of tools and tool roll, two sets of wiper blade arms (one set removed from the car), a set of Dino wheel center emblems, a copy of the restoration documentation book, a blank warranty card, and an empty leather case suitable for owner manuals.