Fantasy Junction

Description

1974 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino
s/n 07906
Silver Metallic with Blue Interior

When first released as the 206 GT, the delightful, compact Dino offered Italian sensuality combined with the latest in mid-engine technology. Designed by the legendary Leonardo Fioravanti, the same man responsible for some of the greatest Pininfarina/Ferrari designs, the heart of the Dino was the all-new V6 engine. This engine and platform, developed by Enzo’s son Dino Ferrari, would ultimately (and tragically due to his untimely death) spawn the Dino brand and establish Ferrari as a world car leader. Shortly after release, the 206 advanced to the 246 as public demand for more power 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 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, but with a removable targa-top roof (bodied by Scaglietti). The targa offered open air driving with the structural 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 late series Dino has a very detailed history with copious service documentation covering the past seventeen years of dedicated ownership. Originally built March 26th, 1974, it was delivered to official West Coast Ferrari distributor Modern Classic Motors in Reno, Nevada, in the stunning color combination of Argento Auteuil Metallizzato (106-E-1) with Nuvola Leather interior. This car is one of only nine Dino GTS models delivered from the factory with this color combination (ref. Mattias Bartz, Dino Compendium), further documented with the Ferrari “Original Vehicle Colors” Certificate #20408. Originally delivery included the following options: Daytona Seats, Instrumentation in Miles (per US delivery spec), Borletti Air-Conditioning, Electric Windows, and Chrome Grille Guard. The car is further equipped with four optional Campagnolo cast alloy wheels and the original Cromodora spare.

#07906 was delivered new to Bruce Bowers of Greenwich, Connecticut in 1974. Bowers owned the car until 1983 (8429 miles), when he sold it to Jonathan Asch, also of Greenwhich, who owned the car until 1988 (10,000 miles). The car was consigned to Fantasy Junction in 1991 (roughly 12,000 miles) and sold to Alfred Baxter of Oakland, California in 1992 (15,000 miles). In 1994 Fantasy Junction sold the car once again, with the next reported owner, a Southern California resident who purchased it in 1999 (19,203 miles – as recorded by Patrick Otis receipt June 26, 1999). The current owner has fastidiously maintained this car using only qualified Ferrari specialists in Los Angeles, including Fine Auto Service and more recently Exotic Performance (29,994 miles recorded with receipts to June 2016) before consigning the car.

Currently the car presents in excellent condition overall, showing just over 30,000 original miles as documented in the service records and revealed in a detailed visual inspection. The high quality driver silver metallic paint has a uniformed high gloss finish throughout all body panels. Some minor imperfections are found along the glass trims and minor road chips at the front of the car, but the overall condition is generally quite nice.

The original components and beautifully preserved interior have been maintained with attention to detail. Trim and plating are of very good quality overall, with only minor fogging or haze on the bumpers. All glass appears very nice overall and rubber gaskets remain in very good condition, some having been recently replaced. The doors open and shut with excellent fit and the top is easily removed and stowed behind the seats. The trunk is properly lined with very nice carpet, which appears to be original. The trunk and engine lid open and shut easily. Fit around the perimeter of all opening features is excellent with even gapping and snug closures. All three access latches operate easily with the factory locking latch clasp still in place.

The interior has been faithfully maintained, retaining original components and materials throughout. Given the finishes and patina exhibited, the presentation is among the nicest to be found for a low mileage car. The car appears to have been stored indoors most of its life as the excellent original dashpad, nicely finished steering wheel, and stunning blue seats and door panels remain in very fine condition. The leather finish in all surfaces is consistent and smooth, with nicely preserved stitching. The black carpet is very nice in both passenger and trunk compartment as are the contrasting original blue door panels, door-sill trim, inner jambs, and hinges. The original equipment air conditioning is still in place and blows but not cold. The instruments are in nice shape overall with bright dials and excellent color.

The engine compartment appears original with no major deviations from the original finish. The original cold start mechanism (frequently removed or broken) is still in place and functions properly. Hoses, fittings, and factory hardware are well preserved with attention having been given to maintaining the originality of this 30,000 mile example. The undercarriage is very nice overall, exhibiting only a few marks from mild driving. In the front storage area, the molded cowl shroud is nicely preserved, as is the similar molded trunk shroud, both of which commonly crack in multiple areas due to stress and excessive road conditions.

The car starts and runs smoothly, having recently been serviced (June, 2016) and thoughtfully prepared by Exotic Performance, CA. The car starts easily both warm and cold and accelerates with ease. The carburetors operate very well in both low speed, idle, and high revs. Highway speeds are smooth and power consistent. Acceleration is quick off the line with no hesitation. Smooth clutch engagement and excellent gearbox action are easily achieved in city driving. The gearbox shifts very nicely particularly in second gear, and all other gears are very nicely articulated, as you might expect from a well-maintained low mileage car. Suspension is crisp and offers wonderful cornering capability, riding on Michelin XWX tires. Brakes are solid and immediate, resulting in smooth stops from highway speeds and nice progressive pressure on corners.

This beautiful Dino is being offered with a correct and complete tool roll, jack kit, and leather handbook folio (containing the original owner’s manual), parts catalogue, service book, and US version supplement. A file of service records is also included dating back nearly two decades, with detailed invoices indicating the mileage and comprehensive care given to this fine Dino 246 GTS.

Exceptional provenance, superb original color scheme, low mileage, and desirable options combine to make this late-production Dion 246 GTS an exceptional car. Any enthusiast seeking a distinctive and well-kept 246 GTS will find this example to be one of the finest available, ready to enjoy, show, or drive with the intent Ferrari originally envisioned for their passionate clientele.

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