Chassis No. 06874

Engine No. 11230

Transmission No. 2296

In November 1969, exactly two years after the debut of the mid-engine 206 GT under the newly-formed Dino marque, Ferrari unveiled the Dino 246 GT. Its appearance at the Turin Motor Show that year came shortly after Fiat took a 50 percent stake in Ferrari, which included moving production of the new Dino 246 GT to their Turin plant where the Fiat Dino had been in production since 1966. The 246 GT, therefore, represented a more refined Dino, with Fiat's major investment and manufacturing might ushering in a new era of mid-engine Ferrari road cars.

The Dino's timeless Pininfarina-designed coachwork, now rendered in steel, remained almost identical to its predecessor-its engine cover slightly elongated to accommodate its 2.1-inch longer wheelbase. The Formula Two homologation regulations, which had necessitated the 206 GT's two-liter displacement, were no longer in effect, allowing Ferrari to increase the Dino's engine capacity to 2.4 liters. Still transversely mounted and topped with triple Weber carburetors, the enlarged V6 produced a claimed 195 horsepower, more than compensating for the added weight. At the 1972 Geneva Salon, a new open-top model was introduced as the Dino 246 GTS. Distinguished by its removable roof panel and sail panels with three distinctive louvers replacing rear quarter windows, this variant swiftly captivated enthusiasts, especially in the American market, where its open-air appeal made it a highly coveted model through the end of production in 1974.

Delivered in July of 1973, this particular Dino 246 GTS hails from the exclusive group of U.K.-supplied right-hand drive examples, of which only 235 were ever produced. Finished in the highly desirable Grigio Ferro Metallizzato (106-E-8) over a Rosso leather (VM 3171) interior, chassis number 06874 is one of merely two U.K.-delivered cars adorned in this striking color scheme. As documented by Maranello Concessionaires, this Dino was also specified with the optional full leather interior and electric windows, further distinguishing its already rare configuration.

Delivered new to William Shand Kydd, a member of British high society and brother to Princess Diana's stepfather, this GTS began its life in rarefied circles. The car then passed through the hands of a further two British owners before finding its way into the hands of Adrian Hamilton, son of 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Duncan Hamilton. In a 1984 letter, Hamilton fondly recalls this Dino as one of his favorite cars, noting its exceptional condition required little attention during his stewardship. The car's journey continued through several distinguished owners, including historic racer Malcolm Ricketts and Jack Gertson, who kept the car in pristine condition through clean, dry storage for a decade.

In August 1994, chassis 06874 was acquired by a noted Ferrari collection, known for only acquiring the very finest examples. It remained in the collection for an impressive 25 years, during which time it was treated to careful storage and periodic maintenance. In 2017, recognizing the need for mechanical attention after its period of storage, the Dino was entrusted to U.K.-based Ferrari specialists Barkaways for recommissioning work. Following its acquisition by a new owner in 2019, the car was sent to renowned marque specialist Nick Cartwright. This work included rectifying a stiff gear change, installing a new clutch assembly, addressing minor oil leaks, fitting a new alternator belt and roof weather seals, and mounting new tires. All work is meticulously documented in the car's extensive history file.

Throughout its well documented history, chassis 06874 has been cherished and preserved, never undergoing a full restoration, thereby retaining a remarkable degree of originality. With its matching-numbers engine (11230) and transmission (2296), and having covered approximately 29,376 miles from new, this Dino is undoubtedly one of the finest and most original examples of the model offered in recent memory. It is accompanied by its original warranty card stamped by Maranello, handbooks, jack, and tool kit.