Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 03058
Engine No. 0009031
Ferrari introduced the Dino 246 GT in 1969 as the next evolution of
its first mid-engine, V6-powered road car, marrying a 2.4-liter
Formula Two-bred engine with Pininfarina-styled coachwork. By mid
1971, the "E Series" embodied the most refined evolution of the 246
GT, featuring enlarged dual-Weber DCNF/13 carburetors that boosted
output to approximately 195 horsepower and raised top speed to
nearly 150 mph. The revised five-speed transmission, with subtle
changes to final gearing, and a reworked dashboard-now with
provision for a radio and sliding heater controls-enhanced
practicality. With 1,431 examples of the Series E GT produced
between 1971 and 1974, these models represent the 246 GT in its
final and most mechanically sophisticated form.
This early E-Series 246 GT, chassis number 03058, was completed on
20 December 1971 according to research conducted by Ferrari
historian Marcel Massini. It was finished in a classic Rosso Dino
(Dino Red) livery over Nero (Black) Connolly hides, just as it
appears today, and equipped with U.S.-market side marker lights and
emissions equipment. Notably, as a 1971 model-year example, it
retains some earlier M- and L-Series features such as its "clapping
hands" windshield wipers that rest in the center of the cowl, as
well as artful front bumpers that extend fully into the front
grille. Massini's research notes that it was delivered new in
January 1972 to Chinetti-Garthwaite Imports of Paoli, Pennsylvania,
before passing to its first owner, Mr. John W. Ebell of Woodland,
California.
For more than two decades, 03058 remained in California with Ebell
maintaining custody until 1984, John Fitzpatrick of Sacramento
until 1989, and Carey L. Kendall of Santa Barbara until 1995. At
that point, Paul Pellerin of Avon, Connecticut, acquired the Dino
before relocating to Japan, where both owner and car would reside
for the following 19 years. The car returned to American shores in
2014 and entered a prominent collection, where it would benefit
from a comprehensive mechanical refurbishment.
In July 2017, the Dino was serviced by the marque specialists at
GTO Engineering of Los Angeles, with another service in November
2019. In the latter service, work included modifying the sump oil
pickup, replacing the rear brake pads, adjusting the clutch,
optimizing the set-up of the carburetors and rebuilding the
distributor. Additional invoices in 2018 from Leydon Restorations
of Lahaska, Pennsylvania included a steering rack rebuild, brake
line replacement, coolant expansion tank repair, engine tune, and
road test. Service work to this Dino between 2017 and 2019 totals
just over $14,000.
In August 2022, chassis 03058 was acquired by the current caretaker
through Broad Arrow's inaugural Monterey Jet Center Auction and has
since been maintained in his state-of-the-art Ferrari collection
facility, further preserving the car's originality. Few Series E
Dinos combine such documented provenance, a matching-numbers
drivetrain, and an attractive factory livery specification with
documented specialist service. Chassis 03058 represents a
delightfully authentic example with the unmistakable feel of a
preserved and cherished car that has never required a full
restoration, retaining many original factory finishes throughout
with just the right amount of subtle patina that speaks to its
genuine history. Ferrari's mid-engine foray is now ready to excel
in concours preservation classes or be enjoyed on historic tours
for its delightful V6 exhaust snarl and deft mid-engine
handling.
