Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 07738
The lucrative American market in the 1960s was hungry for sporty
and exhilarating open-top sports cars, especially those from
Europe. The Germans produced the beloved Porsche 911 Targa and the
Mercedes-Benz SL line, while the British were responsible for a
variety of Austin-Healey roadsters and the Jaguar E-Type Roadster.
Naturally, the Italians were responsible for numerous examples of
fantastic open-top sports cars, with one notable exception:
Ferrari. Of course, open-top Ferraris were available, but only in
limited numbers and on a special request basis.
The winds of change first arrived in 1968 when the Dino marque was
unveiled. Initially launched as the 206 GT coupe, the third and
final series of production appeared in June 1971, with customers
eager for an open-topped Dino waiting until February 1972 for the
debut of the 246 GT Spyder. Ferrari now had a car, well-positioned
to capture a new market for them. The GT Spyder became a resounding
sales success, with clients ordering a remarkable 1,282 GT Spyders
in just two and a half years of production, with nearly half being
sold in the US market.
A revised and enlarged engine was the most significant of many
upgrades from the 206 GT to the 246 GT Spyder, with the V6's
displacement increasing from 2.0 to 2.4-liters and a name change to
reflect this upgrade. Cars destined for the American market, like
the car on offer, produce 175 hp breathing through three Weber 40
DNCF/19 carburetors. The Dino's transmission was revised to
complement the upgraded engine. While the driver still shifts
through the familiar gated five-speed, each gear features a longer
ratio increasing comfort and drivability.
This particular 246 GT Spyder comes from the final year of
production and is finished in distinctive Rosso Chiaro over the
optional Beige Scuro Connolly leather with black inserts creating
an excellent contrast inside and out. The seats are the optional
and highly desirable Daytona style, named for those found in the
365 GTB/4. Other noteworthy options for this well-equipped US
market car include electric windows, air conditioning, and Autovox
radio with an electric antenna.
Research indicates that this GT Spyder was the recipient of a
sympathetic restoration approximately ten years ago. During this
restoration, chassis no. 07738 received a fresh coat of paint in
the original and classic shade of Rosso Chiaro, and the Cromodora
Dino script wheels were refinished to the factory standard. The
interior received attention as well, with the optional Daytona
style 'chairs' receiving new leather. This work was done to a high
level, with an eye for authenticity, which is readily apparent
today. Following the completion of this restoration, this Dino
entered the discerning collection of the consignor, where it has
been regularly enjoyed. Comprehensive service invoices are on file
from 2016 and 2021. Today, this Dino 246 GT Spyder remains in very
much the same condition as when it emerged from its restorative
work and, as such, would be an ideal candidate for inclusion in any
collector's stable looking for a vintage al fresco Ferrari sports
car.
