Vehicle Description
Late in the 1950s and into the early 1960s, Ferrari developed a
series of V6 engines for use in Formula 1, Formula 2, and sports
racing cars. As a budding engineer, Enzo's young son Alfredo "Dino"
Ferrari played an essential role in the development of these
engines and was a leading proponent of the V6 layout. These engines
proved to be very successful for Scuderia Ferrari in many forms of
motorsport, including securing the 1961 Formula 1 World
Championship with the Tipo 156 driven by Phil Hill. Sadly, Dino
suffered from a form of muscular dystrophy and passed away in 1956,
never getting to see his efforts come to fruition. In a personal
tribute to his son, Enzo ensured, and Ferrari V6 engines would
carry the Dino name on the cam covers from then on. Later in the
decade, the V6 engine would play a pivotal role in one of Ferrari's
greatest ever road cars. With the compact and versatile V6 in the
company portfolio, talk of a junior-level Ferrari to take on the
likes of Porsche and Jaguar resurfaced, even as the commercial
failure of the ASA 1000GT was still fresh in everyone's mind. This
time, Ferrari was better prepared to produce a car that could
compete head-to-head with vehicles like the new Porsche 911. The
stars aligned in 1965 when changes to the Formula 2 rules called
for a minimum of 500 engines be produced for homologation purposes.
Ferrari, in turn, struck a deal with Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli to
provide engines for a top-line V6-powered Fiat sports car. The
arrangement allowed Ferrari some time to develop their own sports
car to suit the latest Dino-branded engine. Several prototypes and
styling exercises hinted at what was to come, and production of the
Dino 206 GT began in 1968. Aldo Brovarone and Leonardo Fiavoranti
penned the stunning body at Pininfarina, and Scaglietti built the
bodies out of aluminum. Motorsport influenced the design of the
tubular chassis, and transverse V6 mounted amidships, making it the
first volume production, mid-engine Ferrari road car. While the
Dino was developed in-house at Maranello, the car was marketed
under the separate Dino banner, devoid of all exterior Ferrari
badging. After 154 vehicles, the 2.4-liter, steel-bodied 246 GT
replaced the 206 GT. 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
and sonorous engine. The Dino's place in Ferrari lore is
significant, as it signaled the start of a shift toward
industrialized volume production methods. In recent years, Dino
values skyrocketed as collectors have come to appreciate this
sublime little car as one of the greatest driving Ferraris ever
built, despite never officially carrying the Prancing Horse badge.
It is with distinct pleasure that we offer this stunning 246 GT,
serial number 05036, fresh from a world class restoration by Fran
Roxas, and presented in its original colors of Rosso Chiaro over a
black interior. S/N 05036 is a desirable E-series, European
specification Dino, completed in September 1972 and delivered new
to Germany. The Dino Registry indicates it left Germany in
approximately 1976, headed to California for then-owner, John
DiGiorgio. In 1978, Mr. DiGiorgio sold S/N 05036 to Frank Anthony
Vizcarra of Richmond, California, who cherished his Dino for the
next 34 years. By 2012, 05036 was in need of a freshening, and Mr.
Vizcarra sold it to a dealer in Florida, who in turn sold it to the
most recent owner. Upon taking delivery, the new owner initially
planned to reinstall the engine (which had been removed by Mr.
Vizcarra for repairs) and simply enjoy the car as-is following some
mechanical sorting. However, the project quickly evolved, and soon
05036 was stripped to bare metal shell in preparation for a
methodical, nut and bolt, concours-quality restoration. Photos of
the restoration process reveal the car has an exceptionally
straight and rust free body and structure. The exquisite paintwork,
in factory-correct Rosso Chiaro, is exemplary of the sort of work
Mr. Roxas built his reputation on. The color is applied to
laser-straight panels with crisp lines and precise, consistent gaps
all around. Chrome and brightwork exhibit the same exceptional
quality and precise fitment. The car wears all new body rubbers,
and the car retains the correct European side markers and new
Carello headlamps. Proper 14-inch Cromodora alloy wheels fitted
with Michelin XWX radials achieve the factory-correct stance on the
road. Inside, we find the same attention to detail, with
beautifully restored seats in correct fine-grain black leather,
updated with contrasting red Daytona-style inserts. The dash was
stripped and restored in original-style low-glare "mouse fur"
material, while the door panels, rear panel, and sills are trimmed
in original-type heavy-grain leatherette. The original Dino-branded
Veglia instruments and original controls are fully restored, and a
period Becker Grand Prix is fitted. In addition, a set of
custom-fitted Cocomats is included to protect the fresh black
carpet. As with the exterior, the interior of this Dino is
gorgeous, exquisitely finished and absolutely fresh. Beneath the
engine cover sits the original 2.4-liter V6 engine and 5-speed
transaxle, both comprehensively rebuilt and assembled using proper
hardware, plumbing, and fittings. It runs and drives beautifully,
as one would expect from such a recent and complete restoration.
Braking and cooling systems are fully overhauled using genuine
factory components, and the exhaust is a new, correct Ansa system.
The chassis and undercarriage are virtually spotless, featuring
restored dampers in proper Koni orange, painted suspension arms,
and fresh cadmium plated fasteners. Every component received the
same attention to detail, and the finish work is outstanding, from
the suspension to the belly pans, to the last piece nut and bolt.
In addition to the history of 05036 as provided by the Dino
Registry, a complete Massini Report is included, verifying this
car's original engine, gearbox, colors and specification. Included
in the sale are the original books and manuals in the leather
wallet, original tool kit and roll, and original jack and pouch,
obtained directly from Mr. Vizcarra. With its flowing lines and
delicate proportions, many enthusiasts consider the fixed-roof GT
to be the purest expression of the original Dino design; and this
car's impeccable presentation highlights that undeniable beauty.
One of the finest examples we have encountered, S/N 05036 is ready
to debut on the concours circuit. However, it is on the road where
the Dino is best appreciated, as the sublime chassis and V6 engine
blend seamlessly to into one of the greatest driver's cars to ever
pass through the hallowed gates of Maranello.
