Fantasy Junction

Description

1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT
s/n *03932*
Dark Blue with Tan Vinyl

Named for Enzo Ferrari’s son, Alfredino, who had died in 1956 at the age of 24 as the result of muscular dystrophy, the Dino was, fittingly, a ‘baby’ Ferrari that was dimensionally smaller and more nimble than any other street Ferrari previously offered. Its mid-placed engine was a Ferrari first for a street car, while the quad cam V6 was a soulful engine that capitalized on Ferrari’s racing experience gained from building racing V6’s. Styling was of course by Pininfarina, and the Dino has long been a favorite among Ferrari enthusiasts thanks to its beautiful lines and proportions, lovely engine, and balanced chassis.

This particular example is a European specification car, likely an Italian market car. It has been owned by its current owner since 1987, when he purchased the car at Ferrari of Los Gatos. The car was repainted at that time in its current shade of dark blue. He has spent a over $25,000 in the last few years and 3,000 miles on mechanical work, including a complete engine rebuild less than 3,000 miles ago. Other work has included rebuilding the brake calipers, master cylinder and replacing the brake lines, as well as rebuilding the carburetors, replacing the thermostat, and rebuilding the radiator and replacing the radiator hoses. The transmission was overhauled as well, and the front and rear suspension were also rebuilt with new bushing and ball joints. The car went to Patrick Ottis in January 2010 for further sorting, including rebuilding of the alternator, changing of the coolant and replacement of the cooling hoses, and replacing the oil pressure sending unit. In February 2010, Mr. Ottis also performed an inspection and compression check, which yielded compression numbers between 150 and 155psi. He also noted that all major systems worked normally.

The body of the car is in good shape, being straight and substantially solid. The paint has good luster and is an extremely attractive color, however it is showing shrinkage and chipping in certain areas. There is little corrosion in the body, though there are areas of bubbling on both doors. The chrome is very good throughout, and the glass and lights are very nice, though one of the front turn indicator lenses is missing. The car has nice Cibié headlamps, and European lenses throughout. The wheels are original and complete, but the finish is showing age in places. The car sits on nice Michelin XWX tires.

The interior appears to be substantially original, with nice vinyl upholstery in the original style. The dashboard also appears to be original and is very nice considering this, with light fading but no shrinkage. The instruments and controls are in very good shape, and there is a vintage Blaupunkt radio fitted as well. Mr. Ottis took care to note in his inspection with an exclamation point that the clock even works! The carpets and headliner both appear to be original and very nice considering this.

The engine compartment and trunk are both original in appearance and are quite tidy, though they would respond well to being thoroughly cleaned. The front compartment is complete with inner panels, spare, and spare hold-down. Underneath, the car is very nice, with no chassis rust in evidence. The longitudinals are good, and the body looks good as well.

On the road, this Dino drives very well. The gearbox and transaxle are both very nice in operation. The brakes work well and pull the car evenly, and the car has a nice coherent feel that makes it a pleasure to use.

This is a great opportunity to acquire a relatively late closed Dino that drives very nicely. The car has some cosmetic needs, but would be an outstanding driver following a comprehensive bare metal paint job. Alternatively, the car works so well as is, and is cosmetically serviceable so that it would be an ideal car to drive and use regularly without the concerns about parking or puddles usually associated with a cherished classic. The car comes with records back to the late 1980’s, as well as books.

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