1972-Ferrari-246 GT Dino

Description

1972 Ferrari 246 Dino GT
s/n 03120
Rosso Corsa with Black Interior

Designed by the legendary Leonardo Fioravanti, responsible for some of the greatest Ferrari designs while at Pininfarina, the original 206 Dino GT was a delightful shape, full of lush Italian curvature and sensuality. The heart of the Dino was the compact V6 engine, developed by Dino Ferrari, son of Enzo, whose name would ultimately spawn this new brand and thus establish Ferrari as a world car leader. Shortly after release, the 206 advanced to the 246 as public demand for more power increased production output for this excellent handling mid-engine car. Stamped in steel using higher volume practices at Pininfarina, the new Dino wowed Europe and America with sleek bodywork and nimble performance, establishing Ferrari as far more than a small volume manufacturer.

The new engine, a 2418 cc 65-degree, dual-overhead-camshaft, 9.0:1 compression ratio, iron block with alloy heads, produced 195 bhp (at 7,600 rpm) in European trim. The American version used an exhaust air-pump, and modified timing to deliver 175 hp through three Weber 40 DCNF/6 or 40 DCNF/7 carburetors. A total of 2,295 246 Dino GTs were built. Of these, the last iteration Series III cars received new gearing, improved fuel supply, and multiple advances as production demand grew. A total of 1,431 Series III coupes were built. The 246 had a claimed top speed of 146 mph and zero to 50 of 5.5 seconds, competing very favorably against the slower Porsche 911S, while also being competitively priced. The Dino engine would go on to power the mighty Lancia Stratos, making it one of the most successful rally cars of the period.

According to the Dino Registry, this Series III example numbered 03120, was delivered to Algar Enterprises, PA in 1974. The car is noted as Midnight Blue with black vinyl interior, power windows, and Cromodora wheels. Six owners are logged in the registry from 1974-2011 with two dealer sales in 1985 and 1989. From 1989-2000, Mike Humphries owned the car and in 2000, before selling it, repainted it red. The last owner listed in the registry is Motorcar Gallery in 2011 where the car was listed for sale.

Currently this driver quality Dino presents very well with nice glossy paint and very good trim. The paint has minor swirl marks and a few small nicks in various places. Of note is a section roughly 2” in length at the leading edge of the grille opening where paint has cracked due to a light tap in the bodywork. The rocker panels and lower doors have some waves in an otherwise smoothly finished body. The rest of the car presents nicely with solid gloss and acceptable paint prep throughout. The doors shut with a crisp latch and hold position flush to the upper body surface, with the driver’s door requiring slightly more effort shutting against the seals. The fuel door opens quickly via a nice chrome lever, as does the engine compartment and trunk. The trunk fit is slightly off needing some adjustment to the closure and loose hinging. Chrome trim is good overall on the top surfaces of the bumpers. The side view mirror has pitting on the post and backing. Two of the fender mounted turn indicator lens housings are no longer chrome plated, revealed in beige plastic. Door glass trim surrounds are clean and free of major pits but show some aging. The Cromodora wheels were finished sometime ago and are showing some mild yellow toning as well as curb rash on some of the bead edges. The underside of the car is well maintained but has not been finished to a high level of detail. While no evidence of major damage has been noted, there are road marks and various scuff marks along the front lower valance and rocker panel areas.

The interior is handsomely and recently finished with the current owner having spent considerable time sourcing correct materials and finishes to redo the seats, carpeting, dashboard top (in correct material) and door panels. The headliner is finished in matching black to complement the newly completed interior. The steering wheel is nicely trimmed with tightly stitched wrapping, in all a very well done interior package.

Under the hood, the beautifully finished Dino V6 engine has been thoughtfully rebuilt using authentic parts and refinished with attention to correct period details. The rebuild is documented with photos and records of parts and labor, completed in 2015. Additionally, the suspension, shocks, and new springs were sourced and serviced as needed while the engine was out for rebuild. In total, close to $45,000.00 was spent in 2015. Records and descriptions are on file with the car.

Driving this Dino, one is reminded of the very pleasant balance achieved with the mid engine layout and V6 power. The gearbox shifts smoothly and power comes on strong in each gear, pulling through low rpms and waking up in the high revs much to the driver’s delight. Braking and suspension are well sorted out and responsive with added grip offered from the new Pirelli tires and recently replaced springs and shocks.

The 246 Dino offers many of the very best features of a vintage Ferrari yet containing the very DNA of all future mid-engine Ferraris produced decades later. With stunning Pininfarina coachwork and nimble performance capability, the 246 Dino remains a passionate Father’s salute to the vision of young Dino Ferrari; a rolling sculpture celebrating their mutual dedication to sports cars and racing.