1972 Ferrari 246 Dino GT

1972 Ferrari 246 Dino GT
Sold For $363,000 Including Commission
RM | Sotheby's - AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA 2015
Chassis No.03154
Three owners and less than 27,500 miles from new
Still wears its original Argento Auteil finish
Ferrari Classiche certified
190 hp, 2,418 cc DOHC V-6 engine, five-speed manual rear transaxle, unequal length A-arm front and rear suspension with coil springs and anti-roll bars, and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 92.1 in.
The Dino heralded two important firsts for Ferrari. Not only was it the first production car from Maranello to boast a V-6 engine, but it was also the first production car from Ferrari to feature rear-mid engine placement. While the Dino didn’t bear any Ferrari badges (save for its data tag), it was undoubtedly near and dear to Enzo’s heart, as it was in part a tribute to his late son Alfredo, or “Dino,” as he was known to his family. Dino, who had been educated as an engineer, had suggested to his father that the company utilize a V-6 engine in their racing cars, and there is no doubt that he would have been thrilled with the production of the 206 and 246 Dinos, as well as their 206 S and SP prototype forbearers. While the 206 Dino of 1968 and 1969 only saw the production of a mere 153 units, the gem of the Dino family of Ferraris would be the 246 GT and open-top GTS variants.
This Canadian-delivery 246 GT Dino is a later E-Series model that was produced in January 1972. It was purchased new at Luigi Sports Cars in Montreal, Quebec, by a M. Seiling, of Montreal, and at this time, it was finished in Argento Auteil over a beautiful Bordeaux leather interior and fitted with Cromodora wheels. Seiling would retain the car for his whole life, and it was left to his wife following his passing. Mrs. Seiling sold the car to another local enthusiast, who was also the proprietor of Ducati Montreal.
In 2001, the car was bought by its third owner, a well-known Montreal-based collector, and at this time, its odometer displayed just over 25,000 miles. In 2005, he had the engine fully rebuilt by Ferrari of Montreal, at a cost of $37,000. At that time, the car was also fitted with a Tubi muffler and exhaust, making it somewhat more spritely overall. Lastly, the car’s original Cromodora wheels were fitted with period-correct Michelin XWX tires, furthering adding to its already high level of originality and correctness. That same year, the consignor also decided to restore the interior. Most importantly, it still wears its original coat of Argento Autil paint, although the trunk lid was repainted to ensure a perfect finish after a non-original Ferrari badge on the trunk lid was removed.
The Dino has also recently been granted Ferrari Classiche certification, confirming that this car is as correct as when it left the factory. In its present ownership, the car has only accumulated an additional 2,000 miles of warm-weather driving, in an effort to preserve its mechanical condition through regular exercise. When at rest, it shares garage space with a 275 GTB/4, 365 GTB/4 Daytona, and a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster. Finally, it is also important to note that the Dino still retains its original books and tools, which are the finishing touches on a motor car that simply needs nothing else.
This Dino has clearly been very well maintained since day one, and it is truly a remarkable example of its kind, not only for its cosmetic and mechanical condition, having accumulated just under 27,500 miles from new, but also for its remarkable ownership history, as it boasts three long-term Montreal-based owners. This occasion marks the first time that this particular Dino has been for sale on the open market, as it has only traded hands privately twice before. It is in excellent condition both inside and out, and it would be an ideal acquisition for the collector looking for a no-compromise example of the best V-6 road going Ferrari ever built.