Fantasy Junction

Description

1974 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino
s/n 8300
Red with Tan Leather Interior

Named for Enzo Ferrari's son, Alfredino, who 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. Its mid-placed engine was a Ferrari first for a street car, and the engine itself is a gem: a lovely quad cam V6 that reflected the lessons learned from producing V6s for Dino race cars like the 206 SP. The styling for the car was done by Pininfarina, and remains to many one of the most beautiful and exotic Ferraris of the period. Certainly the view from the driver's seat over the two prominently curved fenders is one of the most evocative roadgoing driver's seat views.

This particular car was supplied by Luigi Chinetti to Algar Ferrari in Paoli, Pennsylvania, who sold the car new. The original window sticker is included, totaling $18,890, including optional Daytona seats. The car was offered for sale in July 1976 by a Dr. Minnick in Ohio, having covered 16,000 miles. The car was sold by Joe Marchetti’s International Automobiles in Chicago and was in Florida by 1979, and was soon part traded on an SWB Berlinetta. It then found its way to St. Louis, and in 1982, was sold to a long term owner in Texas who kept the car for 32 years, until 2014.

In 2009, the car received significant mechanical work, including comprehensively rebuilt engine, gearbox, and new clutch. The pistons, bearings, guides, and valves were replaced, and the ancillary systems also serviced and rebuilt as necessary. This included rebuilt fuel pump, new points, distributor cap, spark plug wires, hoses, thermostat, rebuilt oil cooler and much other work. The gearbox was also rebuilt with new synchromesh, shift fork, bearings, resurfaced flywheel, and new clutch. The brake calipers were also rebuilt as needed. The work totaled $70,000 and was performed by Broadway Ferrari in Plano, Texas. The interior and paint were renewed to high standards by Ferrari of Houston in 2010.

The car has covered a few hundred miles since the cosmetic restoration work, and as a result, it makes a strong cosmetic impression. The body is straight and solid, with excellent fit and gaps. The paint was done to high standards and shows virtually no wear, just the occasional chip on the edge of certain panels such as the engine lid. The chrome on the bumpers is excellent, while the remaining chrome is very good, with some light pitting and haze in selected areas. The lights and lenses are excellent and the car is equipped with headlight covers and Cibié headlamps. The windscreen has light wear and there is some chrome peeling from one of the plastic side marker surround trims. The wheels and tires are in excellent condition.

The interior makes a strong impression with excellent leather upholstery to the seats and door panels. The vinyl upholstery on the door caps, center console, and sills is excellent and is of the correct type. The dashboard was also retrimmed and the carpets are excellent. The gauges, switches, and instruments are excellent as well.

The engine compartment is attractive and correct in appearance, in addition to being quite clean. The ancillaries and engine were correctly refinished during the rebuilt and are quite clean, but not quite to show standards. The correct decals were sourced and applied to the airbox. The factory emissions equipment is still in place, which is quite unusual for a Dino.

The trunk has the correct carpet in good condition, and the original accessories are present with the car, including jack, tools, and books. The front compartment is in very good condition and appears to be unrestored. The unrestored spare is in place with correct hold down. The plastics are intact and the windscreen washer bag is also in place. The radiator foam has disintegrated, which is a common problem in these cars.

The car runs and drives beautifully, and is among the finest driving Dinos we have encountered in recent memory. The engine sounds great and is well-tuned, making good power. The gearbox works well, including all synchromesh. The clutch grabs progressively and positively, and the steering and suspension are well-resolved, giving the unmistakable agility that is one of the Dino’s hallmarks. The brakes work authoritatively but progressively, and there is a coherence to the entire driving experience that is confidence-inspiring and satisfying.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a cosmetically and mechanically excellent Dino GTS. A high level driver, this car was originally fitted with desirable Daytona seats and has an extremely complete books set that includes the original window sticker, manual pouch, FIAMM battery guarantee card, Audiovox warranty card, 246 Consumer Information insert, 1974 USA Supplement, Operating and Maintenance Handbook, Sales and Service Directory, Warranty and Service Booklet and Spare Parts Catalog. The car also has its tool roll with tools and jack bag with jack and chock. It has a fresh motor and gearbox, as well as recent paint and interior, ensuring that it is a turnkey car with no significant mechanical or cosmetic needs at this time.

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