1 of 5 Produced. Strong running and largely original example offered with books, tools, and Marcel Massini Report.1972 Dino 246 GTChassis No. - 04970Engine No. -Rosso Chiaro with Black Leather Interior- One of Five US delivery “Chairs and Flares” 246 Dino GTs delivered- Original California purchase with same ownership spanning 41 years- Optioned with A/C, power windows, wide Campagnolos, and Daytona seatsAmong the most important and beautifully designed Ferraris, the Dino holds a special place in Ferrari history. Designed by Leonardo Fioravanti, who penned some of the greatest Pininfarina/Ferrari designs, the original 206 Dino GT was the first mid-engine road going Ferrari, named after Enzo Ferrari’s son Alfredino (“Dino”) who tragically died of muscular dystrophy at age 24 in 1956, the 2.0-liter dual overhead camshaft V6, was supplanted in 1972 by a 2418cc engine which would become the definitive 246 GT. The fabulous quad cam V6, the nimble handling, and gorgeous design offered a wonderfully balanced and enjoyable driving experience which introduced new buyers to the magic of the Ferrari experience.Priced competitively against the Porsche 911S, Dinos sold very well in the United States eventually including the later GTS models. Of the GT models produced, a uniquely featured variant of standard production resulted when wider 7.5” Campagnolo wheels were ordered, requiring all four fenders to be “flared” to accommodate the new stance. Additionally, the second notable option, Daytona Seats, ordered with the wider wheels resulted in what would eventually become known as a “Chairs and Flares” Dino. This combination, while more common on the GTS models, was rarely chosen for US market Dinos, resulting in just five known factory GT examples specified with chairs and flares. According to a copy of the Marcel Massini report and history conveyed by the original and former owners, this Dino was completed in November 1972, finished in Rosso Chiaro with black interior, and optioned with air-conditioning, power windows, Daytona seats, Campagnolo 7.5” wheels, and US speedometer in miles. In 1973, the car was dispatched to William Harrah’s Ferrari dealership located in Reno, NV and sold to the first owner through Griswold Ferrari, Berkeley, CA. The first owner, Alfred Thomas, a US Air Force Major residing in Sacramento, CA, thoughtfully maintained the car to a high standard including returning to Griswold in 1975 for a repaint in the original color. In 1976 Thomas retired from the Air Force and purchased a tire franchise. This venture allowed Thomas to pursue another passion, racing where he campaigned a Porsche 911 RSR with his crew chief and former Ferrari mechanic, Greg Hurt, maintaining the Dino. In 1981 Thomas rejoined the air force and always had his Dino transported to new locations as part of his military service. Eventually settling in Tucker, GA, Thomas commissioned regular care for his Dino with experts FAF Motorsports and other service centers when relocating to Orlando, FL and Colorado. Thomas’ ownership spanned 41 years until it was sold to the next owner in 2014. The second owner maintained the car in keeping with the high standards of preservation with just over 30,000 miles accumulated under two owners before being sold to the next owner in 2019 and purchased by the current consigning owner in 2024. Today the odometer indicates 31,488 miles which are believed to be original.The car is accompanied by service records spanning more recent ownership covering mechanical and cosmetic improvements including the 2019 installation of a set of Daytona leather trimmed seats and headrests, services for the coolant and air-conditioning systems, fabrication of new portions of the exhaust system, welding repairs for the mufflers, install central water pipes, and new heater hoses. Additional work continued in 2021 and 2022 including installation of the windshield wiper motor, a new oil sending unit, new oil cooler and oil hoses, remove, clean and rebuild gauges as needed (including clock), vacuum test air conditioning system, alternator rebuild, front, rear caliper, park brake, and master cylinder rebuild, service proportion valve, install new brake valve, new brake pads, machining brake rotors, new choke cable, starter rebuild, replacing one coil, and the installation of a new MSD ignition unit. In preparation for sale, a new battery was installed.Today this Dino exhibits a satisfying combination of preserved original and sympathetically maintained components. Though offering a pleasant visual presentation, enthusiasts seeking a low mile Dino GT with known history and rare factory options will find this to be an irresistible candidate for a premier restoration. The paint is believed to be the same repaint applied by Griswold Ferrari in 1975, today offering a consistent overall glossy finish and good coverage both on the exterior surfaces, underside surfaces, and inner jambs. Trim and plating are of very good quality overall, as are the original Sicursiv branded side and rear glass. The various rubber parts throughout the exterior, original Dino emblems, and script are nicely maintained with factory fit and finish. The doors, trunk, and engine cover open and shut easily and display excellent fit. The trunk and front storage compartment are correctly prepared and detailed, each displaying original finishes and correct components including the original spare tire tub, Campagnolo spare wheel, and yellow wheel stop. The beautiful Campagnolo wheels and spare tire are all in excellent condition, shod with correct Michelin XWX tires.The interior offers original finishes cohesively matched with more recently refurbished pieces including an original set of Daytona black leather seats and seat belts, both recently installed. The dash mousehair, center console, and door panels are believed to be original to the car. Having benefited from indoor storage and thoughtful maintenance, the features and details include the original equipment air conditioning which remains in place with a functional blower, though the system is currently not blowing cold, and the heater controls will need servicing. Both power windows raise and lower from the console switches, and the gauges are functional. The carpets are very good overall as are door and door sill trim, inner jambs, and hinges very likely still retaining the original factory paint.The correct and original engine remains in place and has been properly maintained and serviced as needed. The unrestored engine compartment has benefited from preservation to the correct factory components, general servicing, and attention to authentic finishes, though not prepared for shows. Hoses, fittings, and assorted factory hardware have been replaced as needed with correct parts. The undercarriage is reflective of original finishes with some areas refinished as needed including the exhaust and brakes. The chassis is consistent with dry climate cars indicating 31,000 miles, proudly displaying patina from mild use, though maintained with care. Importantly, the chassis shows no visual evidence of structural compromise to the floor pan or any of the suspension mounts. Many of the visible suspension and engine components exhibit factory finishes and casting marks further supporting the originality of this Dino GT.The car starts and runs smoothly having benefited from recent mechanical services. Acceleration is delightful with smooth clutch engagement from the 5-speed manual transmission. Handling is delightfully engaging, reminding anyone how exciting a mid-engine car with cornering and braking from this era can truly be. The mid-engine performance balance delivers a dynamic driving experience, just as automotive journalists recounted in 1972. Highway speeds prove very rewarding as well, tracking smoothly with confident four-wheel disc brakes and manual downshifting just as Ferrari intended when developed for sporting road use. This rare 246 Dino is offered with an original tool roll and tools, a tire jack and case, a yellow wheel chock, recent service records spanning 2019-2022, an original owner’s manual, various original literature, and an owner’s leather pouch.One of five Chairs and Flares Dino GTs built for the US market featuring 41 years of original ownership and preservation, this low-mile example presents as an ideal opportunity for an enthusiast to enjoy as is or restore this worthy candidate to Platinum level concours distinction. Rare and uniquely positioned as the car that jump-started Ferrari into world-leadership for mid-engine design and engineering, this Dino will delight anyone seeking a rare Chairs and Flares Dino GT.