Dino 246 GTS (1974)

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.

This Dino GTS was supplied new by Maranello Concessionaires and their records show it was first delivered in March 1974 to Mr Thompson. Originally specified in Rosso Bordeaux over Beige, this car was originally specified with electric windows and the addition of both the extremely rare and highly desirable wider, sand-cast Campagnolo alloy wheels, flared arches and the leather ‘Daytona’ seats. As such this example forms the ultimate roof-off, Dino specification; a "Chairs and Flares" GTS, built as one of just 6 RHD examples of such worldwide.

Accompanying this example is a large history volume including a copy of its original order document and continuing from there. Purchased by its second owner in 1977, a Mr Guthrie of Devon who would service the car regularly, close to his home using a local rally and motorsport specialist. The car received its first MOT in 1977, three years after delivery marking the mileage as 18,270 miles. At the time of sale, Mr Guthrie confirmed the history of the car to this point, verifying the mileage and that it had only ever been used during the summer months.

This GTS had 3 owners in the UK averaging 2000 miles per year up until 1982 when the car was purchased by its fourth owner. Mr D. Parkinson purchased the car in the UK ahead of movement to his home in South Africa. He had the car loaded in Rotterdam ahead of its transport by sea to Johannesburg. Mr Parkinson would retain the car for just shy of 20 years. Servicing the car in locally, the file details requests for countless parts from UK suppliers including Graypaul Ferrari of Nottingham and Maranello Concessionaires who delivered items to his UK business before finding their way to him in South Africa.

In 2012, the car was purchased by Mr McCryst who instigated a comprehensive, bare-metal restoration of the GTS with Carrozzeria Viglietti. At this time the colour was changed to the brighter Rosso Corsa hue that the car would remain in until 2020

The Dino was purchased by a South African resident who repatriated the car to the UK when the owner moved in 2018. The car remained in our storage facility until 2020 when DK sold the car to its current keeper. Intent on returning the car to its as-new colours and condition, the new owner tasked DK Engineering with a comprehensive bare metal and total restoration.

Over the course of 18 months, DK Engineering carefully and meticulously stripped the car to bare metal, to execute the body restoration. At the same time every mechanical component was rebuilt in house to concours and detail correct specification. With the metal work complete, the car was once more refinished in its original Rosso Bordeaux. Assembly was carried out within our workshops before trim work was completed by O’Rourke of Guildford.

Since completion in 2020, this example has found home as a part of a prominent global collection. Offered for sale today, this is a rare opportunity to acquire one of just 6 RHD 246 GTS ‘Chairs & Flares’ built by the factory. Accompanying this car is its history file, original leather Dino pouch, jack, toolkit and Ferrari Red Book Classiche Certification.

• 1 of just 6 RHD 'Chairs & Flares' GTS built
• Supplied new to Maranello Concessionaires in March 1974
• Rosso Bordeaux over Beige, as per its original build specification
• Comprehensively restored by DK Engineering in 2020
• Accompanied by its original leather pouch, toolkit and jack
• Ferrari Red Book Classiche Certification