1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS

Named for Enzo Ferrari's son, Alfredino the vaunted Ferrari Dino was a total, innovative break with tradition, it was proportionately smaller and more agile than any other street-going Ferrari of the time and is today the cornerstone of any collectable classic collection.

Recognising the potential for small displacement, high-technology six-cylinder engines, Alfredo Ferrari’s original vision is more relevant today than ever before. “Dino,” a trained engineer, passed tragically at the age of 24, just as he began making a case for performance-oriented six-cylinder engines for the brand’s racing efforts.

The small V6 eventually made it into production as a 1,987 cubic centimetre unit, which allowed Ferrari to qualify for Formula Two racing. For 1969, the Dino’s V6 was enlarged to 2,418 cubic centimetres, giving the 206 its new 246 nomenclature and cementing the car as a hallmark within the storied history of one of the greatest automakers.

It was a success almost immediately at its public launch, and it spawned the open-top GTS Spider in 1972 on its way to becoming one of the most beautiful and collectable sports cars of all time known for its throaty exhaust note, a chassis that feels nothing short of alive beneath you and for having one of Ferrari’s most driver focused cockpits ever designed.

Corresponding to the Heritage Certificate accompanying it, this exceedingly original, factory right-hand-drive and numbers matching Ferrari Dino 246 GTS was delivered new by Maranello Concessionaires, England in 1974 ordered in Rosso Chiaro over Nero Trim.

Total worldwide production totalled just 258 cars for right-hand-drive GTS’s and this car is believed to be the third last car off the production line, something incredibly special. Exported to Australia in the early to mid-1980’s under private ownership where it has remained ever since this Dino 246 GTS carries an intoxicating road presence.

The subject of a recent mechanical overhaul with Australia’s leading classic Ferrari specialist this exceptional Dino still features correct and original parts from the Cromodora wheels fitted with period correct Michelin XWX tyres, to the Hella headlamps and correct Carello light lenses, small details like the St Gobain glass still present and the correct Pininfarina badging. All indicative signs of a cherished car.

Inside the cockpit the trend continues from the original soft plastic switchgear that never loses its novelty and a full gamut of crystal clear Veglia Borletti instrumentation to the beautifully preserved leather bound MOMO steering wheel, original driver moulded seats in pristine order and even the correct carpets perfectly form fitted.

Accompanying this Dino 246 GTS is a detailed history dossier with Maranello Concessionaires certificate confirming the cars originality, owner’s manual kept within the original leather Dino wallet as well as modern service records with the most recent service undertaken in March of this year.

Seated within the cockpit and peering over the two prominently curved fenders is perhaps the most evocative road going drivers view ever produced. To own and drive a Ferrari Dino like this is to be transported back in time to when every millimetre of a sports car was designed for the driver, designed to excite. There is nothing else like driving a well-heeled Dino.

Beautifully well-kept and excellently prepared for its next custodian, this original right hand drive car is ripe to breathe life into your weekend drives.