To Be OFFERED AT AUCTIONEstimate:
$300,000 - $350,000
- One of 357 early 'L-Series' cars with 206 GT styling
features
- European-specification example, delivered new to Switzerland
with long-term Californian history
- Received an FCA Gold award at the 2010 Cavallino Classic
In 1969, Ferrari updated their mid-engined 206 Dino with the Dino
246 GT. Following a production run of only 150 206 Dinos, the major
update with the Dino 246 GT was of course its larger 2.4-liter
engine. The earliest Dino 246 GTs, internally designated as the
L-Series, were considered by enthusiasts to be the "bridge" between
the 206 and 246 Dinos. As such, these cars retain many desirable
features normally associated with the 206 Dinos, while benefitting
from the 2.4-liter engine. Additionally, they're fitted with
206-style seats, dashboard, a deeper passenger footwell with a
folding footrest, a Daytona-style steering wheel, and knock-off
wheels. Most significantly, L-Series Dino GTs feature handmade
lightweight alloy doors and decklids, which sets them apart from
the later, heavier, all-steel-bodied M- and E-series Dinos.
Delivered new to through Ferrari's official Ferrari dealership in
Geneva, this particular L-Series 246 Dino GT, which bears chassis
number 00690, was originally finished in Rosso Corsa over Nero. By
1974, the car was exported from Le Harve, France to the United
States, where it was purchased by George Ider of San Francisco,
California. Several documents in the history file chronicle the
car's importation and early service work in California in Ider's
ownership, which include invoices for body repairs to the front
end, indicating damage and subsequent repair and paintwork in
1984.
Ider owned the Dino through at least 1984 and further documents on
file show that it was in the ownership of Alex Albarian of
Glendale, California in 2008. By this time, the car's interior had
been restored with the correct black vinyl upholstery. Albarian
commissioned a Southern California-based marque expert to perform a
mechanical restoration, which included a rebuild of the suspension,
and overhaul of the steering rack and brake. Further work included
ca cleaning of the carburetors and distributor, which were cleaned
and rebuilt as needed.
Two years later, Albarian showed the car at the Cavallino Classic
in 2010, winning an FCA Gold award and scoring 92 points. The car
was purchased by Tom Shaughnessy in 2010 and subsequently sold to
the consignor in 2011. Imported to Canada, the car has been
regularly serviced by Ferrari of Ontario during his ownership, and
it is accompanied by an owner's manual, parts book, jack, and tool
kit.
L-Series Dinos rank amongst the most desirable 246 Dino's for their
carry-over features from the 206 Dinos and relative rarity to the
rest of 246 Dino production. Presented in its original color scheme
and having spent the majority of its life in California and FCA
Gold award at the Cavallino Classic speaks to its impressive
presentation. This would be an excellent Dino to drive and enjoy
and would be a welcome addition to any Ferrari collection. To view
this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please
visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo20.