1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT, Coachwork by Scaglietti - Design by Pininfarina

1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT
Coachwork by Scaglietti - Design by Pininfarina
Chassis no. 03496
2,419cc DOHC V6 Engine
3 Weber Twin-Choke Carburetors
195bhp at 7,600rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Exquisite restoration by MPI and other marque specialists
*Tasteful livery of 'Blu Scuro Dino' over Tobacco
*Highly-optioned from factory, US-delivery Dino 246 GT
*Accompanied by Marcel Massini Report and restoration records

THE FERRARI DINO

A major commercial success for Ferrari in the 1970s, the Dino line arose from the need to homologate a V6 engine for Maranello's new Formula 2 race car. The first of the line, the Dino 206 GT, debuted at the Turin Motor Show in 1967, featuring an all-aluminum, 2-liter, four-cam V6 mounted transversely behind the passenger compartment, and driving the rear wheels through a five-speed transaxle. The coupe's stunningly beautiful lines were by Pininfarina's Leonardo Fioravanti, with production of the coachwork assigned to Scaglietti, Ferrari's carrozzeria of choice.

After just 152 examples had been built, the 206 was succeeded by the 246 GT. Launched at the Turin show in November 1969, this new model was visually similar to its predecessor; however, it contained a number of significant changes. The most important were its more powerful 2,419cc, iron-block V6 engine and its use of steel, rather than aluminum, for the body. Also, the wheelbase was increased, by a mere 2.4 inches, and the fuel tank was enlarged.

The 246 was built in three series, referred to internally as "L," "M," and "E." Series "L" cars, produced in late 1969 through 1970, have road wheels with a single knock-off spinner, front quarter bumpers that extend into the grille opening, and head rests mounted on the rear bulkhead. A short run of Series "M" cars were produced in early 1971; these had five-bolt road wheels, an internal rear boot lid release catch, and seat-mounted headrests. Series "E" cars were produced from early 1971 to the end of production in 1974. They incorporated all the changes to the Series "M" examples, together with further modifications to the engine and gearbox and detail revisions. A Targa-top version, the 246 GTS, appeared in 1972, and proved to be popular with North American buyers.

While not quite as fast in a straight line as its larger V12-engined stable-mates, the nimble Dino was capable of showing almost anything a clean pair of heels over twisty going. Though Enzo was intent on marketing the Dino as a separate, lesser marque, these beloved cars are currently considered "proper" Ferraris in every respect.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Completed at the Ferrari factory on March 1, 1972, this Dino Coupe, chassis no. 03496, was built to US market specifications. The new Dino configured as left-hand drive, and generously optioned with power windows, air conditioning, and Cromodora wheels. It was finished in Bianco Polo (white) over a Rosso Scuro (red) interior. This Dino was sold new to Ferrari importer Luigi Chinetti Motors, through whom it found its first owner, a Mr. H. Olson. About a decade later, Dino 03496 was in the hands of a Mr. Rayburn B. Dobson of Woodbury, Connecticut, and was then sold to a Mr. Ari Embiricos of Cherokee Station, New York, by the end of the 1980s.
In 2005, while in the hands of the previous owner—a Connecticut based collector—this exceptional 246 GT was treated to a comprehensive, careful, and factory-correct restoration by renowned marque specialists. The beautiful Scaglietti body was refinished by the late Wayne Obry's Motion Products of Neenah, Wisconsin, in a color much like the period-correct Dino color 'Blu Scuro Dino' while the car's mechanical systems were attended to by ENI Motorsports of Brookfield, Connecticut. The interior was refurbished by Coachtrim of Danbury, Connecticut in the finest leather available, with the "Daytona style" seats were retrimmed in a gorgeous Tobacco brown, with black inserts. Wayne Carini's F40 Motorsports refurbished, and set up the car's suspension, while replacing any bushings or joints needed, and rebuilding the shock absorbers. Lastly, the Dino received the proper post-restoration sorting and tuning, to ensure all systems would function as they should, and that the Dino would perform and handle as well as these spectacular cars do when set up right.
Since 2012, Dino 03496 has resided in a prominent Texas-based collection of sportscars of impeccable quality. The car remains in beautiful condition and is accompanied by Marcel Massini's history report and restoration records. With its elegant color combination and impeccably well-restored condition, this Dino, from the final and fully evolved E-series production, can be enjoyed on the open road, and shown with pride.