Dino 246 GTS (1973)

The much sought-after Ferrari 246 Dino GT was named after Enzo Ferrari's son Alfredo, who died in 1956, aged just 24. Enzo Ferrari credits his son with the inspiration for a series of successful small and medium capacity V6 racing engines built by Ferrari from 1956, and in turn, the name was given to a new line of mid-engined production Ferrari V6 coupés, which first went on sale in 1969. The Dino 246 GT has proved to be one of the most satisfying and successful automobiles built by Ferrari and paved the way for the emerging generation of mid-engined Ferraris. It is widely regarded as one of the best-handling and most gratifying automobiles of the early 70s, it is one of the most attractive, delicately balanced designs ever produced by the masters at Pininfarina. As a result, Dinos have enjoyed a well-deserved recent surge in popularity.

The GTS version of the 246 Dino arrived at the Geneva Salon in March 1972, it was built on the series III platform and featured a removable targa roof panel that could be stowed behind the seats. The chassis was also modified with reinforced extra bracing along the sides and front of the engine frame. Aside the targa top visibly the GTS could be identified by the lack of rear three-quarter windows, these being replaced by a bank of three vents carved out from each sail panel. Production of both the GT and GTS came to an end in 1974, just 1274 GTSs were built.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.

This Dino GTS was supplied new in Bianco Polo Park over Blu 135 with Blue Carpets and electric windows. Completed in October 1973, the car was supplied new by Pennine Motors of Harrogate, through the UK market importer, Maranello Concessionaires Ltd. The invoiced price to Pennine Motors in November 1973 was £5,572.95 including delivery, less the dealer's 17.5 % discount.

The car was purchased in August 1974 and until 2021, this example resided within the large and significant collection of His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed Al Saud, grandson of the founder and first ruler of Saudi Arabia. Understood to have been a gift by his wife, the Dino was purchased in the UK and fitted with a rather fitting cherished registration ‘3 HRH’ which it wore until 1993, leaving the UK in 2007.

The Dino would follow the Prince to his Geneva residence, where it would change to a full diplomatic registration mark denoted by the precursory ‘CD’, an abbreviation of ‘Corps Diplomatique’, at the start. In total, this GTS would remain in the care of His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed Al Saud for 47 years.

Invoices in file document restorative works with Geneva-based Ferrari Modena Motors SA totalling £67,000 in 2009 and more recently, further works carried out by trusted main dealer and notable classic Ferrari specialist, Niki Hasler Ferrari of Basel amounting to a further £80,000. Purchased by a close friend of the Prince in 2021, this wonderful Dino is today offered for sale publicly for the first time since 1974.

Presenting today superbly, in its striking original colour combination of Bianco Polo Park over Blu, this Dino GTS, certified as matching numbers and understood to be genuine mileage, is available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately.