To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' St. Moritz event, 17 September 2021.
Estimate:
CHF320,000 - CHF375,000

• One of just only 497 M-series examples produced from 1970 to 1971
• Matching-numbers body, chassis, engine and gearbox
• European-specification model in unique darker shade of red over black interior
• Period-correct Cromodora alloy wheels with matching spare
• Restored by Garage Roland Affolter in 2012 to the cost of over 100,000 CHF
• Accompanied by a history report compiled by Ferrari expert Marcel Massini

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Introduced in 1969 as a successor to the earlier 206 GT, the Dino 246 GT furthered Ferrari’s ambition to nurture a “junior” range of cars that were less powerful than many of their Maranello stablemates, but more affordable as a result. Building on the debut Dino’s established formula as a lightweight car with a mid-engine chassis cradling a transverse-mounted V-6, the 246 GT was made with a slightly extended wheelbase; engine displacement was increased to 2.4 litres. The recognisable shape of the body was designed by Pininfarina, and the Scaglietti-crafted coachwork of the 246 GT was made from steel rather than aluminium. Between 1969 to 1974, more than 3,700 examples were manufactured of both the 246 GT and the GTS, the Targa-style open-top sister model.

This European specification model was originally finished in Bianco Polo over a Nero vinyl interior. Configured in left-hand drive, the Tipo 607 (M-Series) chassis represented the third iteration of the 246 GT, with only 497 made. The enhanced Dino offered a redesigned gearbox and improved brakes, as well as stylistic changes such as a smaller steering wheel, five-bolt alloy wheels, and redesigned bumpers. Completed by the factory in May 1971, chassis number 02020 was delivered new to Renato Nocentini Automobili, a vehicle dealer near Florence, Italy. In the same month, the Ferrari was acquired by its first owner, Mr. Lino Giudi, residing near Lucca. The car is recorded to have been exported to California, United States, where it spent much of the 1980s.

Since returning to Europe, this Dino 246 GT has been owned by two prominent Swiss car collectors. In 2012, it was subject to a restoration by Garage Roland Affolter in Porrentruy, Switzerland, to the cost of over 100,000 CHF; the car was stripped down and repainted in the rare colour inspired by Ferrari’s official shade of Rosso Bordeaux, combined with a newly installed black leather interior lined with dark red piping for a finish that is both stylish and unique. One year after this restoration, the Ferrari received over 8,000 CHF worth of new parts including tyres, wheel bearings, brake calipers, and a battery at Sportgarage Bruno Wyss in Rütschelen, Switzerland.

In its current presentation, the Ferrari sits on stylish Cromodora wheels, also accompanied by a matching spare. Documents accompanying the sale of the car include restoration photos and an historical report by the Ferrari marque expert Marcel Massini, which confirms that the body, chassis, engine and gearbox are matching numbers original. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/sm21.