Fantasy Junction

Description

1973 246 GTS Dino
s/n 06158, Engine no. 11592
Rosso Corsa with Beige Leather Interior

Designed by the legendary Leonardo Fioravanti, the same man responsible for some of the greatest Pininfarina/Ferrari designs, the original 206 Dino GT was a delightful shape, oozing 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 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.

According to the Ferrari Classiche Certificate, # 6158 was delivered in October 1973 to Chinetti-Garthwaite Imports. Classiche notes it as Blu Dino Met. (106-A-72 Salchi) with Pelle Beige VM 3218 interior. According to the Dino Registry, the car is noted “delivered in White with tan interior”. This is not unusual as there are records of cars being built with different paint color, but delivered to dealers with last minute changes to the original order. The second owner, Bob Pond, purchased the car from “The Fine Car Store” in 1989, owning it until 2014 and maintaining it with very low miles (12,400 miles). The car was sold to the current owner at the 2014 RM Auction for $440,000. Most recently this 246 GTS has been in the possession of a respected Ferrari collector and has shared a stable with other historically significant Ferraris.

Currently the car exhibits amazing preservation with particular attention to the original components, matching numbers engine, and beautifully preserved interior. Painted a very nice bright red, the finish is very well done overall exhibiting high gloss throughout, excellent coverage, and only minor small chips from occasional road use. Trim and plating are of very good quality overall, as is glass and various rubber parts throughout the exterior. The doors open and shut with excellent fit and the top is easily removed and stowed in the original black vinyl bag, behind the seats. The trunk is properly lined with carpet which is in nice condition overall and appears as original. The trunk and engine lid open easily. Fit around the perimeter of all opening features is rather nice, better than most other Dinos with no edge damage from opening and closing.

The interior appears to be original and the finishes are quite impressive for a car of this age. Clearly stored indoors and properly maintained, this GTS has an excellent original dashpad, and wonderful original steering wheel with only minor play. The original equipment air conditioning is still in place and functional. The original instrumentation and switches are all in excellent condition, with bright dials and excellent color. Carpet is very nice overall as are door and door sill trim, inner jambs, and hinges. The seats are in good structural condition exhibiting some inner foam structural deterioration on the driver side seat bolsters as one might expect from a forty-plus year old car. The leather finish is rather nice, smooth, and stitching is also nicely preserved. Door panels have been well maintained in contrasting colors with good overall fit and finish.

The engine compartment appears original with the original engine in place (Engine no. 11592 documented by Ferrari Classiche Certificate). There are no major issues cosmetically. Thankfully this car has not been restored and those familiar with original features on these cars will be delighted by the overall visual impact. Hoses, fittings, and factory hardware are well preserved. Detailing of all components has been recently done, further confirming the honesty of this 12,000 mile example. Rarely does one find such a tidy original, which has been cared for over long periods of time. The undercarriage is very nice overall, but is much as one might expect an original car to be – with a few scuffs and marks from mild driving, yet properly stored. Nearly all the visible components still exhibit the factory paint and finishes.

The car starts and runs smoothly, having recently been serviced and tuned by Ferrari expert Patrick Otis. Otis did a detailed inspection of the engine start, idle, and run sequence including compression testing all cylinders.

Cylinder #1 – 160 psi
Cylinder #2 – 160 psi
Cylinder #3 – 165 psi
Cylinder #4 – 160 psi
Cylinder #5 – 170 psi
Cylinder #6 – 170 psi

After assessment, a new distributor cap was installed, spark plugs replaced, carburetors adjusted and improved with new accelerator pump and insulator blocks, and various details corrected. A three-page invoice and $4,000 later, we are happy to report the car accelerates briskly, with high revs coming on smoothly and power solid at highway speeds. Acceleration is quick off the line with just a slight low speed burble. Smooth clutch engagement and excellent gearbox action are easily achieved in city driving. Dino boxes often loosen up with age and use, but this one exhibits none of those traits, as you might expect from a low mile car. Suspension is firm and compliant, with crisp cornering capability. Brakes are solid and immediate offering responsive compression from highway speeds to complete stops.

This 246 Dino GTS is among one of the finest original, low mile cars that we have seen. It can be driven with joy and shown at any car event with confidence. The visual condition, originality, known long term ownership, and desirability of this Dino 246 GTS make for a wonderful driving car that is sure to delight any admirer of beautiful Italian coachwork, Ferrari performance, and highly coveted originality.

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