Story and History

1972 Ferrari Dino 246GT - original unrestored condition & 77.500 miles only

It's a while since we have enjoyed a Dino here in the Mews and whilst it's an iconic period piece, in terms not just of it's superb design (let's face it to put one on the wall as a piece of pure art is highly justifiable) it stands in historical terms as the beginning of all small, mid engined Ferrari's

So successful was this little masterpiece that a completely new range of mid engined "supercars" were to follow from Modena - 308 / 328 / 348 / 355 / 360 / 430 / 458

Each slightly larger, more powerful and faster than the next - in fact the beauty of the early examples is that they were truly delightful, small to behold and to drive too

The latest cars have actually now outgrown beyond the original philosophy and are the antithesis of the Dino in this respect

Our thoughts are that the original Berlinetta is purer than the GTS which was introduced when this car was produced - and many share our view too as prices for the two versions are now quite close together

Our latest inhabitant in the Mews is a well known example and has been cared for by the previous owner for the last 4 years - always maintained by a renowned Ferrari specialist without thought to cost (bills for �9.000 in this period) - and is running fabulously

There is a nice deep induction roar on these engines with their stack of Weber down draught carburettors gasping for air whenever the accelerator is floored

The large history folder contains many recent invoices for works, together with old MoT's dating back to 1983, the original supply invoice from 1972 (cost then was �5.470), correspondence from when the Dino was ordered and the initial deposit was paid (faired in headlights, Rosso Chiaro with black - as she is now)

She also has a pigskin dash top and fascia covering, exterior door mirror, a Momo Prototipo steering wheel and a full stainless steel exhaust system fitted

The correct tool roll is within the boot and the original blue instruction manual, Maranello Warranty card (blue), list of Ferrari period agents (yellow) are also within the comprehensive folder

Also there is a complete listing of ever owner since new together with the duration of their tenure, copies of the log books and many notes on maintenance carried out over the years

The speedometer was overhauled in 1989 at 43.791 miles (considered correct from history and professional inspection by a Ferrari specialist, with particular attention paid to cam lobes & brake discs). At which point it was reset to zero, since when another 33.697 have been covered, making a total of 77.488 only since new

So good is this Dino that respected motoring journalist John Simister used it for a few days and wrote of his experiences in a special Ferrari Supplement produced by our friends at Octane magazine - a copy of which accompanies the car

A most unusual example, known from new and still to original specification - very few remain in this continuous condition, with papers to match, so please do not confuse with a barn find which has then, through necessity, been restored