1973 Ferrari 246 Dino GTS

“Of all the mid-engined cars of which I have had experience the Dino stands head and shoulders above the rest … If you have never driven a good mid-engined car then you cannot start to really appreciate the handling, the ride, the stability and the feel that such a car imparts …” – Motor Sport magazine, on the new Dino 246 in 1971.

A jewel in Ferrari’s crown, the Dino 246 is one of the most delicately balanced, thrilling to drive and exquisitely designed Ferraris ever built. Epitomising the last of the classically styled Enzo era Ferrari’s.

Penned by Pininfarina, built by Scaglieti and named in honour of Enzo Ferrari’s late son, a powerful emotional story in itself, the Dino was the marque’s first mid-engined road car. 

A revelation in both form and function, equally at home on a B-road as it was copping glances outside a Riviera café, although its soap-bar styling stole the show, the Dino’s revvy four-cam V6, lifted directly from the 196 SP, 206 SP, 246 SP and the V6 powered F2 Ferraris, was the ace up its sleeve.

Completed at Maranello April of 1973 and delivered new to Maranello Concessionaires the following month, the car available here was sold through Ian Anthony Limited, optioned with electric windows and first registered in the United Kingdom as ‘WEN 150L’, a number plate it still proudly wears today. 

One of just 235 right-hand-drive 246 GTS models built for the UK market, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire a superbly restored example of Ferrari’s seminal mid-engined V6 sports car.

The Dino 246 GTS is the most accomplished and refined evolution of Ferrari’s first mid-engined road car. Benefitting from a redesigned gearbox and a host of subtle engineering improvements, these final-series Dinos transformed the model from a nimble sports car into a truly rounded Grand Tourer. One defined by poise, comfort and flexible usability with a feral edge when pushed rather than the rawness of the early ‘L’ and ‘M’ series cars.

The introduction of the targa-topped GTS in 1972 at the Geneva Motorshow brought a fresh character to the design. Its removable hard roof stowed neatly behind the seats, while the deletion of the sail-panel windows gave the open-top Dino it’s signature triple louvered vents above its rear haunches.

In total, just 1,282 examples of the Dino 246 GTS were ever built, the majority destined for North America in federalised form with side repeater lamps, minor detail changes and a detuned engine producing 20hp less than European cars. Of these, only 401 were left-hand-drive, Euro-specification examples, and just 254 were right-hand-drive. A truly miniscule production number that makes it the most desirable variant to own today.

Finished in period-correct Blu Sera Metallic (504/C), this Dino’s lithe lines are shown to stunning effect. Removed from long-term storage, over a period of two years between 2013-2014, Carrs Ferrari, Exeter were commissioned to oversee the world class, ground-up restoration of this car. 

The body was taken to bare metal and refinished by Stallion Motor Body Specialists, including the superbly applied satin-black lower body treatment, as per factory specification. And, put simply, the result was a concours level depth of finish to the paint and bodywork that survives still today.

For the interior, many new/old stock parts were sourced through Carrs Ferrari. From the correct contrasting black ‘mouse hair’ dashboard, black carpets, seals, door glass, black vinyl-trimmed upper door caps and aluminium instrument fascia, every exhaustive effort was made to ensure every surface of this interior remained faithful to factory specification, with a meticulous attention to detail paid to installation.

This particular Dino’s mechanical pedigree is as impressive as its aesthetic condition. During the restoration, Carrs removed the engine, stripped and rebuilt the gearbox, also renewing the clutch assembly. The cylinder heads were refurbished, all head studs replaced, new cam shafts and various chain guards were fitted with all new valve guides and valve stem oil seals, with a full timing setup and valve clearance adjustment carried out. Engine mounts were replaced, the steering rack was overhauled, the heater matrix was re-cored, and a new brake master cylinder seal kit was fitted. Importantly, Carrs also installed a new Dinoplex ignition system, distributor and points, plus associated wiring.

In recent years, this Dino has further benefitted from a programme mechanical renewal by leading marque specialists, Nick Cartwright Specialist Cars between 2020 and 2021. Purchasing the car for re-sale, NC Specialist Cars spent over $50,000 on works encompassing a detailed recommissioning of the engine, ignition and fuel systems, refurbished braking components, new Koni shock absorbers, new fuel lines and breather hoses, and a beautifully finished, period correct stainless-steel exhaust system.

Further works included new gearbox and differential oils, re-surfaced brake discs, sand-blasted and refinished suspension parts, and detailed cosmetic refinishing throughout the engine bay - even down to replated throttle linkages, and bead-blasted cam covers.

All of these works are well documented within the car’s extensive lever-arch history file with service works and parts receipts dating to 2001, MOT’s, photos, insurance valuations and most importantly copies of the original Ferrari order forms and factory archive information. 

This large compendium is also complemented by the original owner’s handbook, parts catalogue, and warranty card kept within the correct Dino wallet, alongside the tool roll, spare wheel and both sets of keys. All hallmarks collectors pine after, reinforcing the car’s completeness and authenticity.

Today, the odometer reads just over 25,000 miles, approximately 2,000 miles post restoration and was owned in the UK for two years by the current owner before being imported to Australia in 2024, forming part of a superb private collection.

Mechanically, this superb car runs with the crispness and verve expected of a well-maintained car. Its engine bursting into life at the twist of the key, eager to rev, the gearbox exhibiting that light, tactile feel for which these Dino’s are so beloved and a throttle response that makes it feel as though your right-foot is connected directly to the motor.

For collectors and connoisseurs, the 246 GTS marks an essential chapter in Ferrari’s evolution. The last and most refined to wear the Dino badge, yet the first to perfect Ferrari’s formula for the modern mid-engined sports car. It's blend of delicacy, proportion, and mechanical intimacy derived directly from Ferrari's star studded motorsport programme remains unmatched which, is why we see interest and values continue to uplift.

This exceptional Blu Sera Metallic over Tan example, restored by the very best in the business, represents a Dino at its absolute peak: elegant, authentic, and perfectly prepared to enjoy. With its exquisite colour palette, meticulous restoration pedigree, rarity as one of just 235 UK-market cars, and fantastic history folio, it is a car that would not look out of place in any world-class Ferrari collection, or indeed, on the open road on a perfect spring morning, where it truly comes alive.