Vehicle Description
When the first 206 Dino made its public debut at the 1967 Turin
Motor Show, the idea of a junior Ferrari was not a new one. The
commercial failure of the ASA 1000GT was still fresh in everyone's
mind but Enzo Ferrari was dead-set on building a car that could
compete head-to-head with Porsche. He charged his development team
with designing a new car from the ground up, using principals that
were advanced by his late son Dino, who had passed away in 1956. A
gifted engineer, young Dino was a proponent of the V6 engine and of
mid-engine construction. Enzo was immensely proud of his son's
accomplishments, and all V6 engines from Modena would carry the
"Dino" script on their cam covers. When the time came for a new
entry-level sports car, it was decided the car would feature a
mid-engine, transverse V6 layout, so it was only fitting that
Dino's name would proudly adorn the nose. The Dino 206 GT first
went on sale in 1968, wearing a stunning body designed by Leonardo
Fiavoranti of Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti. The chassis was
powered by a 2-liter, four-cam, alloy V6 engine mated to a 5-speed
transaxle. Unlike the little ASA that came before it, this "Baby
Ferrari" was a pure-bred Maranello machine, built in-house and sold
as an official Ferrari product (although it was never badged as
such). The first major update came with the 246 GT, with engine
displacement increased to 2.4 liters and the body construction
switched to steel to save costs. The buying public and motoring
press alike fell head over heels for the Dino, with near universal
praise for its gorgeous design as much for its razor sharp,
kart-like handling. In recent years, values for Dinos have
skyrocketed, as collectors have come to realize this sublime little
car that never officially wore the Prancing Horse badge is one of
the greatest driving Ferraris ever built. We are very pleased to
feature this beautiful 1974 Dino 246 GTS, serial number 07892. This
outstanding example is a US-specification, E-series model, with a
documented chain of ownership from new. S/N 07892 is an original US
car, and one of fewer than 300 cars fitted from new with the
optional Campagnolo alloy wheels and steel fender flares. It also
features air conditioning, electric windows and Perspex headlight
covers. The ownership history is known from day one with documents
showing it was originally purchased by David Williams of
Lawrenceville, Georgia in 1974. He then sold to it Alberto Amezcua,
who owned and cherished the Dino from approximately 1977 through
1993. Service records show it was exceptionally well cared-for
while in Mr. Amezcua's stewardship, with the car being regularly
serviced with little regard to cost. Mr. Amezcua sold the Dino in
1993, and it passed through two short term owners before finding
another enthusiast who owned it from 1999 through 2009. Along the
way, the Dino was used sparingly, kept in top condition and
extensively maintained in excellent mechanical order. Upon
acquiring the car in 2009, the most recent owner handed it over to
the renowned Ferrari specialists at Bob Smith Coachworks where it
was comprehensively sorted and serviced. Today, this outstanding
Dino shows just 30,370 miles from new. It is a fabulous driving
example in excellent condition throughout, with high quality red
paint and straight, crisp coachwork. Panel alignment is excellent
and factory steel flares, necessary to accommodate the optional
wide Campagnolo alloys and correct Michelin XWX rubber, add a touch
of aggression to the Dino's shape. The interior is trimmed in
proper black leather, which presents in excellent condition. The
supple, fine grain hides show only very light creasing on the
inserts. The sills and door cards are trimmed in correct black
vinyl and the notoriously delicate map pockets remain fully intact.
Records show that the black carpet was replaced by Bob Smith
Coachworks in 2010, and it remains in like-new condition today. At
the same time, the targa roof seals were also replaced and numerous
other details addressed. Instruments and switchgear are excellent,
including the original Veglia Borletti aircon controls. A period
correct Becker Mexico AM/FM Cassette player is fitted and the
"mouse fur" upholstery remains in very good condition. Space in the
front trunk is occupied by the spare wheel, battery, fuse boxes and
correct Foredit washer bag. The rear trunk, correctly trimmed in
black carpet, houses the original jack with room leftover for a
weekend's worth of luggage. Mechanically, this Dino remains in
outstanding condition. The engine, gearbox and chassis feel healthy
and well-sorted, and we are happy to report the car is an absolute
joy to drive, with the signature kart-like handling and evocative
V6 bark. This is the ideal example for an enthusiast to fully
experience the pleasure of driving a properly-sorted 246 GTS. As
well as running and driving beautifully, the engine, suspension and
undercarriage are very well detailed in presented in very clean,
tidy condition. This is a fabulous Dino 246 GTS in highly desirable
specification, one of just a handful of cars originally delivered
with flared fenders and Campagnolo wheels. With a long history of
attentive owners, this fine Dino is ready to be fully enjoyed on
numerous tours and rallies or on your favorite twisty roads, where
this exquisite driver's car is best appreciated.
