1972 FERRARI DINO 246 GT - CLASSICHE CERTIFIED

This Ferrari Dino 246 GT is a beautiful example of the later ‘E-series’ model, which is supplied with an excellent history file, has Ferrari Classiche certification, and is presented in superb condition throughout. The Dino is powered by its original 2.4-litre V6, which produces around 195bhp, and drives the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows that the car has covered just 30,512 miles.

Replacing the original, aluminium-bodied Dino 206 in 1969, the mostly steel-bodied 246 GT features a 60mm longer wheel base, as well as a cast-iron rather than aluminium cylinder block. From its introduction until 1974 when production ended, the Dino 246 GT underwent three minor revisions, referred to as series ‘L’ (1969 – 1970) ‘M’ (early 1971) and ‘E’ (1971 – 1974). This is an example of the latter, which features the correct front bumper section, before it was changed to a different design from approximately chassis 04580 onwards.

Specified in Rosso Chiaro with ‘Skai’ vinyl Nero upholstery, this original right-hand drive E-Series car was ordered from Maranello Concessionaires Ltd, Surrey in July 1972 and collected by its first owner from the Modena factory later that year. The car then covered around 30,000 miles between 1972 and 1975, when it was placed into storage due to corrosion on the rear wings and under-tray fixings.

It was kept in his possession for the next 25 years in this stage, until – in 2000 – the car was extracted and a full, bare-metal restoration process commenced. The car was meticulously repaired and refinished over the next decade, and was finally sold on once complete in 2011 when it still had just one owner from new. With only one other private owner since then, it is now offered for sale directly from its current collector owner.

Today, the car’s elegant Pininfarina-penned bodywork is in excellent condition, thanks to its extensive restoration which was carried out between 2000 and 2011. As well as recreating a number of panels, this also included replacement of the under-tray’s aluminium pop rivets with stainless steel items and the fitment of a rear windscreen from Dino Parts in Germany, which was sourced after the original cracked during the car’s reassembly.

Fully repainted in 2007 with extra coats having been applied to ensure a superior finish, the Rosso Chiaro paintwork has a glossy and even appearance across the body, and is free of any noticeable marks, blemishes or signs of damage.

While headlight covers and a ‘nudge’ bar were specified and fitted by the Concessionaires when new, and at least one wing mirror would have been fitted in the UK, these were removed during the car’s restoration, returning it to its original ‘production line’ specification. The car rides on the correct set of 14-inch cast Cromodora silver wheels with black centres and black-on-yellow Dino centre caps. All four are in outstanding condition with no evidence of damage.

While the exterior was fully restored, the interior is believed to be highly original. The cabin of this 246 GT still presents particularly well, with the robust Nero upholstery which covers the seats now showing a handsome patina, and the coverings over the door panels and transmission tunnel also presenting in very good order. The deep red carpeting and a cream perforated headlining are in great shape, and again look period-correct and original. Its flocked dashboard covering is in excellent condition, and may have been re-trimmed. The seller states that all of the interior buttons, switches and electrical items work as they should.

As with the exterior and cabin, this Dino 246 GT’s mechanical components are in excellent condition. During the restoration, the V6 engine was stripped and inspected, and no issues were found, so it was carefully reassembled with new gaskets and seals. All of the brake discs, pads and all four shock absorbers were replaced as part of the restoration, with parts sourced direct from Ferrari UK.

The car’s current owner has had it routinely serviced, and it has just had a full service in January 2021 carried out at Maranello Egham totalling around £1,400. In 2020, the drive belts were replaced by Knowl Hill Performance and Luxury, and within the last few years, it has been serviced by Carrs Ferrari and Dick Lovett Ferrari.

Although it is exempt due to its age, the car has nonetheless undergone a recent MOT test, which was conducted on 11 January 2021 at 30,509 miles, resulting in a first-time pass without a single advisory. The seller states that all four of the P205/70 R14 Pirelli P4000 Super Touring tyres were fitted in 2019 and remain in as-new condition.

This superb classic sports car will be supplied with myriad original documents and accessories, including its certificate of authenticity and red binder from Ferrari Classiche, correspondence between the original owner and Maranello Concessionaires, the original book pack, tool kit and jack, as well as numerous invoices for servicing and parts.

Offered in fantastic condition throughout, this numbers-matching Dino 246 GT benefits from an extensive restoration, and it boasts well-documented single ownership for the first 39 years of its life. Presented in its original Rosso Chiaro hue over a Nero interior, this gorgeous classic will make a spectacular addition to any collection, and it sure to delight and charm its next owner whenever they choose to get behind the wheel.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.