Description
This car is Lot 131 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Quail Auction on Friday August 15, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Wednesday August 13 from 09:00 until 18:00, Thursday 14 August from 09:00 until 18:00, and Friday 15 August from 08:30 onwards, at The Quail Lodge.
Lot 131
1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT
Registration no.
Chassis no. 04072
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
* Delivered new in Italy
* Exported to Japan in 1978
* Garage stored from 1990 to 2025
* Offered for restoration
THE DINO 246 GT
It was the need for a production-based engine for the new Formula 2 that had prompted the introduction of a 'junior' Ferrari, the Dino 206 GT, at the Turin Motor Show in 1967. Building on experienced gained with its successful limited edition Dino 206S sports-racer of 1966, Ferrari retained the racer's mid-engined layout for the road car but installed the power unit transversely rather than longitudinally. A compact, aluminum-bodied coupé of striking appearance, the Pininfarina-styled Dino - named after Enzo Ferrari's late son Alfredino Ferrari and intended as the first of a separate but related marque - was powered by a 2. 0-liter, four-cam V6 driving via an in-unit five-speed transaxle. The motor's 180 brake horsepower was good enough to propel the lightweight, aerodynamically-efficient Dino to 142mph, and while there were few complaints about the car's performance, the high cost enforced by its aluminium construction hindered sales.
A 2. 4-liter version on a longer wheelbase - the 246 GT - replaced the original Dino 206 in late 1969. Built by Scaglietti, the body was now steel and the cylinder block cast-iron rather than aluminium, but the bigger engine's increased power - 195bhp at 7, 600rpm - adequately compensated for the weight gain. A Targa-top version, the 246 GTS, followed in 1972. The Dino 246 was built in three series: 'L', 'M', and 'E', these designations reflecting detail changes in the specification.
THE CAR OFFERED
Completed on 22nd May 1972, E-series chassis number '04072' was delivered to the official dealer M Gastone Crepaldi Automobili in Milan, Italy and later that same year was sold to local resident Mr Luigi Ciocca. The Dino was originally finished in Giallo Fly (yellow) with Nero (black) interior (see accompanying Massini Report).
In 1978 the car was exported to Japan and owned by a Mr Hachioji, passing to Dr Toshimasa Maeda of Wakayama, Japan in 1982. In 1989 the Dino was sold to a friend and fellow Doctor, by which time it had been painted white. Sidelined by a snapped throttle cable, the Ferrari was placed in garage storage, remaining there from 1990 to 2025 when it was retrieved and shipped to the USA. Presented in 'barn find' condition, '04072' is offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed. A potentially most rewarding project for the dedicated Ferrari enthusiast.
While not quite as fast in a straight line as its larger V12-engined stablemates, the nimble Dino was capable of showing almost anything a clean pair of heels over twisty going. Truly a driver's car par excellence, it is still highly regarded today; every Ferrari collection should have one.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
