Highlights
- Fresh from a superb twelve-year restoration, documented by a substantial photographic record
- Factory right-hand drive, UK-supplied example
- Subject to a full mechanical rebuild
- Extensive history file spanning back to the original purchase invoice and including a wealth of invoices amassed during the restoration
- Sparingly used since completion, with only around 1,100 miles covered
- Rare M-series car made only for 1971
The Appeal
In 1971, this was just about the coolest car in the world.
Tony Curtis was galavanting around the Riviera in a Dino on-screen, Keith Richards had one, as did Nick Mason… It’s hard to believe now, but Maranello’s engineers were apprehensive about launching a non-V12 road car in high numbers, so much so that the ‘Cavalino Rampante’ and Ferrari moniker weren’t anywhere to be found on the vehicle at the time. It was instead badged simply as “Dino” in homage to Enzo’s son who had been instrumental in designing the DOHC V6 which powered it.
With hindsight, we know that Ferrari should never have worried about the Dino’s success. Its curvaceous Pininfarina lines and 911-beating performance put pay to any doubts, and the Dino remains today amongst the most highly regarded Ferraris of all time.
We’re honoured to offer this superb 1971 246 GT, which has recently emerged from a painstaking twelve-year rebuild. An immensely sought-after rarity in right-hand drive form, this Dino was selected as an eminently worthy candidate for full restoration and a substantial early history file.
After twelve years of extensive work, it emerged into the daylight once more as one of the best-restored examples you will find, resplendent in a gleaming new coat of ‘Giallo Fly’.
We’re honoured to offer this superb 1971 246 GT, which has recently emerged from a painstaking twelve-year rebuild. An immensely sought-after rarity in right-hand drive form, this Dino was selected as an eminently worthy candidate for full restoration and a substantial early history file.
After twelve years of extensive work, it emerged into the daylight once more as one of the best-restored examples you will find, resplendent in a gleaming new coat of ‘Giallo Fly’.
Since then, only around 1,100 miles have been covered, just enough to run in the freshly rebuilt mechanicals and iron out any issues. Naturally, this Dino is in exemplary condition throughout and the vendor assures us that it is an unadulterated pleasure to drive. Now’s your chance to add this four-wheeled masterpiece to your collection.
The History and Paperwork
- UK-supplied example in right-hand drive
- Retains its original purchase invoice, factory and various other early paperwork
- Five former keepers - all of which are detailed within the history file
- V5C present
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
- Featured in several renowned publications during recent years (copies of which accompany the car)
- A substantial collection of photographs accompanies the car, depicting various stages of the extensive restoration
- Restored over twelve years
- Approximately 1,100 miles covered since the completion
The Condition
- Refinished in Giallo Fly as per original 1971 specifications
- Stripped down to bare metal with numerous panels repaired or replaced
- All inner panels were removed and the inner shell sandblasted
- Original bumpers re-chromed
- Brand-new reproduction wheels from Superperformance (as the vendor didn’t trust the structural integrity of 52-year-old magnesium alloy)
- High-quality reproduction steering wheel fitted
- Correct door vinyls obtained from Italy
- The original rear interior panel was preserved/restored
- Seats and leather-faced dashboard recovered
- Factory upholstery material remanufactured in Holland with superior fade resistance and costing upwards of €350 per two meters
- New factory front and rear screen finishers from Maranello at a cost of over £1,000 each
- The vendor reports that all instruments and switches work, including the clock
- Re-silvered Carello headlamps
- Replacement rear lights
- Now wear some Ferrari badging at the rear
Penned by Pininfarina and built by Scaglieti, the Dino was destined to look incredible, but perhaps nobody could have prepared for how utterly gorgeous it turned out. The vendor cites a childhood bedroom wall poster as the spark which ignited their Dino passion and twelve years of restoration later, they can report that it still doesn’t disappoint.
As is not uncommon for an Italian car of this vintage, this Dino was treated to an extensive and exhaustive restoration. This work has been completed to a superlative standard and you’ll note how sharp this car looks in its fresh Giallo Fly paintwork. As many original features as possible were preserved, including its bumpers, which were re-chromed, and even its Carello headlamps which have been re-silvered.
The car presents beautifully throughout, with no discernable wear, damage or any defective functions. Climbing aboard really does feel like you’ve just been handed the keys to a brand new Dino in 1971, which is a sensation that’s hard to beat.
The Mechanics
- 2,418 cc DOHC V6 engine
- Five-speed gated manual gearbox
- Rebuilt engine: fully balanced, rebored and fitted with four new camshafts and new pistons
- Stainless steel exhaust and manifolds fitted (an upgrade from original spec)
- Original Weber carburettors rebuilt and balanced
- Rebuilt gearbox and differential
- Rebuilt suspension: poly bushes and metalastic type bushes fitted to inner wishbones
- All wishbones powder-coated and equipped with new ball joints
- Original Koni shock absorbers rebuilt
- Rebuilt braking system
- New wiring loom fitted
- New alloy petrol tanks re-manufactured in conjunction with Superperformance
- Circa 1,110 miles completed since the restoration, allowing the rebuilt mechanicals to bed in
Transversely mounted amidships, we find a 65-degree, alloy, twin-cam V6 originally developed for Formula 2 racing by Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari. Mated to a gated five-speed manual gearbox, this sonorous engine powered the Dino to a claimed top speed of 146 mph and carefully managed weight distribution ensured its handling was lauded by spirited drivers.
Having undergone a full mechanical rebuild incorporating several upgrades afforded by modern manufacturing techniques, this Dino is in rude health, ready for its next owner to unleash some of its legendary performance.
The vendor reports that it is immensely fun to drive, with vast reserves of tractable power and beautifully weighted controls. Naturally, it runs without fault and with a few miles under its belt since restoration, this magnificent Dino 246 GT is now prepared to embark on its new lease of life.
The vendor reports that it is immensely fun to drive, with vast reserves of tractable power and beautifully weighted controls. Naturally, it runs without fault and with a few miles under its belt since restoration, this magnificent Dino 246 GT is now prepared to embark on its new lease of life.
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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