Fantasy Junction

Description

1974 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino
s/n 07976
Light Blue Metallic with Beige 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 is a largely original unrestored example that was sold new on the 22nd of June 1974 at Newport Imports in Newport Beach, California, and remained in the same family until 2013. It is an exceptionally undisturbed and complete example that perfectly embodies the appeal of an unrestored car. The car received its first service at 561 miles at Hollywood Sports Cars in Hollywood, California on the 15th of June 1974, and its second service on the 4th of September, also at Hollywood Sports Cars, at 1268 miles. The car’s first owner, Harry Stovall, kept it until its death, when his son inherited it, keeping it until 2013. The car has seen considerable recent maintenance work from 2012-2014, including recored radiator, new coolant expansion tank, miscellaneous electrical fixes, carburetor tuning, new fuel pump and filter, Pertronix ignition, new spark plug wires, new spark plugs and distributor rotor, set timing, and set distributor.

The car makes a strong cosmetic impression with a straight body with very good panel fit and gaps. There is no visible corrosion, and thanks to the car’s lifetime Southern California history, the structure is impressively solid an undisturbed throughout. The paint was done to good driver standards, with some minor imperfections such as orange peel and evidence of prep work on close inspection. There is a handful of small scratches and chips but the overall condition of the paintwork is very good. The brightwork on the bumpers and window trims is excellent and there is minor pitting on the door mirror. The glass and lights are excellent as well. The wheels are in very good condition as well.

The interior gives an impression of a very well-preserved original car. The leather appears to be original and is very good considering this with some wear and creasing and light cracking to the inserts. The car is equipped with Daytona seats. The door panels are excellent as are they vinyl trimmed door caps, sills, and center console, all of which appear to be the correct and original material. The carpets are very good and the dashboard also appears to be the original material which as survived very well, particularly in light of how fragile the original dashboard material is on these cars. The switches and instruments also appear to be the correct original material.

The engine compartment is tidy, attractive, and well-maintained, if not freshly restored, which is consistent with the rest of the car’s presentation. 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 common in these cars.

The car runs and drives extremely well, with excellent motor and gearbox. The chassis and suspension are compliant while providing good body control and there is an agility and composure to the car that encourages the driver to drive enthusiastically in a way that larger cars do not. The noise from the engine is fantastic.

This is an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire a highly undisturbed Dino that has been a Southern California car its entire life. Remaining in the same family for nearly forty years from 1974 to 2013, the car has outstanding provenance and remains remarkably original and complete. It comes with tool roll with tools, jack bag with jack, tire iron, and an extremely complete books set which includes pouch, warranty card and owner’s service booklet, chassis service manual abstract, spare parts catalog, consumer information insert, lubricants chart insert (two copies), pperating, maintenance, and service handbook, dealer directory, and USA version supplement. Additionally, the car has been recently serviced and is a fantastic driving turnkey example 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