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40 Years Owned: 1973 Ferrari 246 GT Dino

This 1973 Ferrari 246 GT Dino has just recently emerged from long-term one-owner care, with the listing claiming that it spend 40 years with a solitary caretaker. The 246 GT is the fixed roof model that came with more power than the original 206GT, and is a desirable European market example which made the full 192 b.h.p. promised by the larger engine, as opposed to the 175 b.h.p. in detuned America-spec. At one time considered the “affordable” vintage Ferrari, that is clearly no longer the case, with this example listed here on eBay with a Buy-It-Now f $267,500, and offered for sale by Gullwing Motor Cars.

Thanks to Barn Finds reader Patrick S. for the find. The listing notes the Dino was purchased new in Italy and later shipped stateside, which is a huge deal for collectors of this striking vintage Ferrari. Like seemingly every other great car, overzealous U.S. emissions requirements resulted in American consumers getting stuck with a detuned example of the 246GT, thus nullifying some of the gains made by the more powerful engine. Thankfully, this one shouldn’t have that problem assuming it hasn’t been federalized at some point. The asking price may blow your mind, but the configuration with this Dino is about as desirable as it gets.

The listing describes the Dino as an unrestored example, and in need of recommissioning at this time. However, it’s not the sort that would require you to tear the whole car down for a multi-year restoration; no, it seems like this car can be sorted out mechanically and driven, as the cosmetics appear quite sound and the interior just has the hallmarks of being gently used. The long-term California ownership is a must-have when pursuing a vintage Italian, as in addition to the favorable climate, there’s plenty of Ferrari shops and other specialists out there to serve the needs of the rich and famous. Given the seller notes the Dino will come with service records, it seems likely this car was maintained up the point of being parked.

The color is also a nice change of pace from the usual red that many cars either left the factory wearing or were later painted to look like they did. Blu Scuro is its factory color, along with the beige interior, and the Dino is sold with a Marcel Massini history report which likely confirms the color combo as its original configuration. Other items of note include the original jack and spare, and factory air conditioning. All numbers match, and the seller notes this is the first time the Dino has been offered for sale in over 40 years. Expensive, but likely worth it – especially if the mechanical restoration can be contained.

Comments

  1. Avatar alphasud Member

    Beautiful car! Looks great in blue. I was working one Saturday at the Alfa dealer when a good customer who owned Ferrari’s and used Alfa’s as his daily driver stopped on with his 206 Dino. He gave me the keys and said drive it like you mean it! Working at the shop we had certain test loops we used to shake down cars ( Italian Tune-up’s) and I made the best of it. Came back and he said what did you think? I was all smiles telling him I really had fun with it. At the time I thought the Dino wasn’t a true Ferrari until he told me what it was worth. I almost soiled myself! Now the same car is worth 3X more. Yea, fun times back in the day.

    Like 12
  2. Avatar RayT

    I’ve driven both varieties of Dino — NOT “Ferrari,” by the way — 246, the GT coupe and GTS targa versions, and have to say I prefer the coupe, though I found it a little tight. The hardtop felt a wee bit more solid, though the Spyder was quite enjoyable.

    Somehow, I have a feeling I saw this car when I lived in California; there can’t have been very many dark blue Dinos around at the time. It’s a good color.

    However, if I could — or would — spend this kind of coin for a Dino, I think I’d up the ante slightly and look for a Dino 206. Essentially the same car, but with a smaller, higher-winding (and thus, more of a treat for the ears) engine. It felt a bit more nimble than the later 246s, as well. I got to drive one once, and if I could have had my way, the “test drive” would be continuing to this day.

    Like 4
  3. Avatar Haig L Haleblian

    I wned a 71. Stunning looks. Behind the wheel the high fenders remind me of an early 70’s Can Am car. No guts under 3500, but it becomes a bit more fun after that. Nice car but no interest in another one though I like the color of this one. For this money I’ll buy a 05/06 Ford GT.

    Like 4
  4. Avatar William

    I remember a car mag article from decades ago where a pair of writers were delivering a Dino cross country and wrote about it. Said, the public responses were quite polarized. Strong emotions about it, or actually, the type of person people felt owned such a car. The writers loved the car, though as it was dead of winter, said the heater was useless.

    Like 4
    • Avatar Steve R

      It goes to show that jealousy and spite never goes out of fashion.

      Steve R

      Like 0
      • Avatar William

        The class wars have never been settled in a formal peace treaty, just slowly simmer with minor skirmishes, just like Korea.

        Like 1
  5. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    Intrusive footwells & unopenable big vent windows in the doors – no thanks.
    Even more ridiculous when you consider that the Yugo’s opened up! …
    http://rustybuttrusty.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/1986-yugo-gv-interior.jpg

    Like 0
    • Avatar Achman

      You literally just compared a Dino with a Yugo for the first time in automotive history.

      Like 11
  6. Avatar DETROIT LAND YACHT

    I knew it was GWM car before I even read through the write up. The setting for the pics…and the crack pipe asking price gave it away. Gorgeous car nonetheless.

    Like 4
    • Avatar doone

      Have you ever been to this place? They try to convince that a lump of coal is really a diamond in the rough.

      Like 4
      • Avatar Jef Fowler

        That’s what diamonds are – coal – just waiting…

        Like 0
    • Avatar Horse Radish

      Setting for the pictures ?
      They are always different, because these people are too lazy to even take new photos. They always use the ones that are supplied to them from the previous sellers, even if it is years down the road !

      Like 1
  7. Avatar Horse Radish

    Gullwing motor cars, what a complete disaster for the hobby of old car enthusiasts.
    But I guess if it wasn’t for their greed it would be somebody else.

    Like 9
  8. Avatar Bruce

    I also have driven one and I also own a couple of mid engine Lotus. The visibility out is much better than either the Esprit or especially the Europa. It is an interesting blend between the two. Heavier then you might expect and not as much power as the Esprit Turbo but with handling near that of the Europa. I can not say about the heater as I drove in in the fall of the year. It is however comfortable to drive, as well as getting in and out of. The placement of the engine makes some of the engine upkeep a total pain in the ass.

    The big thing for me was RUST. These are notorious for being rust buckets. There was little to no rust prevention measures taken back then and they ALL RUST. I would not consider the purchase of any of these without a complete review of the body and structure. The rest of the car is normal for the period but the body can be a nightmare to fix if the tin worm has been busy.

    Sadly they are one of the most beautiful cars ever designed. A mini P-4 for the street. They are elegant in a way that few other cars are. Driving the Dino 246 is like going into the best restaurant in town with Sophia Lauren in a sexy cocktail dress on your arm. Everybody knows what she is about and they all wonder who the hell you are. Even if you can never own one if you ever have the chance to drive besides one take the opportunity to look at the reflection off that body. Just amazing.

    With a little more power and accessibility it could have been one of the top 10 cars of all time. I absolutely love the car and the design but I am not certain I would want to put up with the ownership of one.

    Like 6
  9. Avatar Malcolm Boyes

    As said this is a “Dino”..the Ferrari moniker did not appear anywhere on it just the lovely yellow” Dino” badge…the car was a tribute to Enzo’s late son Dino. There were also two different versions of a front engined Fiat Dino..coupe and convertible.IMHO they should just have called the whole line”Dinos” as they shared engines and much other stuff..That said..to me..all Dinos are great cars..but the Fiat badged ones now seem a bargain compared to the so called Ferraris.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Joe Elliott

      It’s my understanding that what you suggest was part of the original plan, but then the Fiat executives decided they’d get more marketing bang for their buck if the applied Fiat badges to ‘their’ Dinos. (And yes, while badged “Dino,” the 246 is very much a Ferrari in terms of who designed it, where it was assembled, VIN, whose logo is on the title page of the service manual, etc.)

      Like 0
  10. Avatar John

    In my mind, the most beautiful Sports/GT ever built by anyone at any time. I cannot afford it, but if I could I would figure out how to deal with its many shortcomings. Mine would never rust because I would never allow a piece of dust or moist air touch it. When I was young, I dreamed of Raquel Welch or Sophia Loren. Tonight I will dream of a 246 Dino.

    Like 2
  11. Avatar Peter J Weinzierl

    I don’t care what you call it…..Ferrari or Fiat. I love the styling of these!!! The mindset of the designers were incredible! Childlike in thought and adult in fruition. I could look at this all day in amazement. These and the Lambo Miura, in my mind, are the most beautiful cars designed at every angle.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar David Miraglia

    I desire any Ferrari, but it is out of my price range. Se La Vie.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar t-bone bob

    This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available.

    Like 0

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