For Sale at Auction: 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT in Carmel, California

Chassis No. 03630
Engine No. 0009595
Transmission No. 823E
Body No. 812

The Ferrari Dino 246 GT evolved from the Dino 206 GT, created to meet Formula Two regulations and to homologate the Dino 2.0-liter V6 engine. The first Ferrari to receive this engine, the car was quickly praised as soon as it was unveiled, examined, and driven. The 246 GT was fitted with a 2.4-liter Dino V6 engine with twin overhead camshafts, producing 195 horsepower and fed by three Weber twin-choke carburetors, paired with a five-speed transmission. Its success was such that orders continued to pour in when production came to an end in 1974.

Three series of the Dino 246 GT existed, with 3,061 examples of the E-Series GT produced; these models represent the 246 GT in its final and most mechanically sophisticated form. Chassis number 03630 was completed in April 1972 and delivered through official Ferrari East Coast distributor Chinetti-Garthwaite Imports, finished in Oro Chiaro Metallizzato over a Black leather interior and factory-equipped with the highly desirable power windows and air conditioning. According to a report compiled by Dino historian Matthias Bartz, the car's known history has remained entirely within the United States.

Beginning in 2018, the car underwent an important restoration, with nearly $100,000 invested in the project. The work is extensively documented by a substantial file of invoices for parts and labor, along with a collection of photographs documenting the restoration. The restoration was orchestrated and supervised by Gran Turismo of Los Angeles, which sourced components from Italian Auto Parts while entrusting the bodywork to the highly regarded Conejo Valley Auto Center in California.

All body panels and exterior trim were removed, allowing the body shell to be meticulously prepared for paint. The process included stripping the existing finish, repairing areas as required, color matching and repainting in its current Rosso Corsa finish, followed by clear-coat application, anti-corrosion treatment, and final wet sanding and polishing.

The interior was restored around a highly desirable set of Beige Daytona leather seats with Black inserts, acquired specifically for the project. Complemented by Beige carpeting and Black vinyl trim, the result is a particularly elegant and well-balanced cabin.

Mechanically, the restoration concentrated primarily on the suspension and steering systems, including the rebuilding of the steering rack. The work was focused on improving reliability, carrying out the necessary adjustments, and restoring the car's road manners.

Gran Turismo of Los Angeles then carried out a broader phase of mechanical recommissioning, including servicing, alternator and drive belt replacement, cooling and air-conditioning work, electrical repairs, front suspension renewal, and the fitting of four new correct-specification Michelin XWX tires.

Retaining its original numbers-matching chassis, engine, transmission, and body, this charming Ferrari Dino 246 GT is further enhanced by its desirable factory options and recent comprehensive restoration. Equally well suited to Ferrari Owners' Club events as to historic touring, it promises many rewarding miles and memorable experiences for its next caretaker.