Fantasy Junction

Description

1972 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino
s/n 04376
Rosso Corsa with Tan Leather Daytona Seats

The Pininfarina/Ferrari design collaboration has resulted in some of the most lasting and dynamic sports cars for over half a century, and continuing to this day. The original 206 Dino GT was among one of the most innovative results of this team effort, creating a delightful shape, exhibiting 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 (and tragically due to his untimely death) spawn this new brand and establish Ferrari as a world car leader. Shortly after release, the 206 advanced to the 246 as the public demanded more power and production increased for this excellent handling mid-engine car. Stamped in steel at Pininfarina using higher volume practices, 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. 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 246 GTS, first shown in 1972 at the Geneva International Motor Show, was mechanically similar to the 246 GT, however offering a removable targa-top roof. This allowed open air driving with the rigidity of a closed car. Orders came flooding in, especially in the United States. By 1974, when production ceased, 1,282 Spyders had been delivered, with the vast majority of these shipping to the US.
This car, chassis number 04376, began life as a very rare factory painted Pino Verde car (believed to be only one of six from the factory) with Daytona seats and black inserts. The current owner is a southern California resident, having acquired the car from the previous owner of 20+ years. Evidence of former California ownership dates back to the late 1970’s when offered for sale as a red on tan car in the LA Times, March 1979 and later at Ferrari of San Diego in April, 1979. In 1987 it was offered for sale through Lyle Tanner Enterprises in Carson, CA. The prior Los Angeles based owner purchased the car in 1992 maintaining it to a high standard with the aid of proper specialists and restoration experts in Southern California. The current owner then acquired the car and believes the current 81,861 miles to be original. The current owner has recently done extensive work including the installation of a very nice new interior, new spare tire tub, general servicing, a thorough detailing, and mechanical freshening as needed, including a complete tune up, carburetor servicing, and all fluids checked and serviced as needed.

Currently the car presents very nicely with high gloss paint and nice exterior details. The professional quality paint was performed by a Ferrari specialist to a very high standard just a few years ago, and remains beautiful today, due primarily to indoor storage and excellent care. During most of the past 20 years, Blackhorse Motorsports in Los Angeles, experts in Ferrari repairs and restorations, performed general service and repairs as needed. Continued visual inspection reveals excellent glass, rubber trim, and various chrome pieces in very good condition, as are the nicely detailed emblems and script. Lighting and lenses are beautiful throughout with very nice chrome surrounds. The black rubber trim on the bumper surfaces is in very good condition both front and rear. The wheels are in excellent shape with no curb rash or chips along the bead edges. Tires appear as new.

The interior is one of the nicest features of this car, showing attention to detail throughout the cabin, having been redone a few months ago, using high quality materials and finishes. The correct Daytona style seats have been nicely finished with black perforated inserts, proper piping, and excellent padding. The carpeting is very nice overall with correctly accented edge binding and black insert footmats. The black and tan theme is carried through to the correctly covered door panels. The mouse-hair dash pad has been expertly redone in correct materials with excellent fit and finish, particularly around the tight areas where seams typically drift away from the crisp edges. The dash exhibits a very nice original fascia with excellent instruments, very nice color and depth, with correct dash and console switches. The radio is an aftermarket JVC unit with cassette capability, ready for your best college mix-tape when you hit the open road.

Under the hood, the car is in good condition displaying beautiful castings and finishes so thoughtfully done when new. The correct black air-cleaner housing and proper red ignition wiring nicely accent the satin aluminum castings. The engine compartment is not only visually tidy, it has clearly been detailed by a mechanic who respects the integrity of these cars by using proper original components. Under the front storage compartment, the condition repeats very handsomely with excellent finishes, properly finished and crack-free spare tire tub (newly replaced), featuring a factory-correct full sized spare tire with matching rim in excellent condition. The trunk compartment is nicely carpeted with correct style black carpeting. All opening features function as expected with nice closures and good, activated by properly functioning hidden drivers-door latch releases. The undercarriage is in good condition, with the lower suspension finishes reflecting only moderate road use this Dino has received over the past decades. The undercarriage shows no obvious evidence of damage or significant structural compromise, further supporting the 81,861 miles, which are believed to be original.

The car starts easily and idle settles in smoothly. As it warms up this properly tuned Dino settles into a nice warm burble, reminding you of the distinctive Ferrari performance heritage with each revolution. Once on the road, you immediately become aware of the driving prowess these cars exhibited when new. The dynamic mid-engine performance capability of these cars comes quickly to even the most novice drivers with ease and joy. Every corner becomes an invitation to slightly more speed and effort as the Dino responds with accuracy and eagerness. Shifting is smooth with compliant clutch action. Braking is firm and capable even when coming down from highway speeds. In all, this Dino captures the essence of what mid-engine driving should be – a bit of a push to your abilities, with the rewarding smoothness of a touring car.

This expertly maintained 246 Dino GTS is a wonderfully finished, long-term Southern California car ready to be driven with joy and shown at any local car event with confidence. The visual condition, recent refinements to the interior and exterior finish, beautifully detailed engine compartment, and excellent driving nature will delight even the most particular enthusiast.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608