A magnificent example of Ferrari’s first midengine, road- going sports car, this 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS was recently the subject of a no-expense-spared restoration by renowned Coachwerks Restoration in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, specialists in the restoration of limited-production, hand- built, exotic sports cars. Named after Enzo Ferrari’s son Alfredino, a brilliant engineer in his own right who passed away prematurely at just 24 years old, the Dino concept made its debut at the 1965 Paris Auto Salon as the 206 S Speciale, a midengine display prototype built on a racing chassis with alluring Pininfarina-designed coachwork. The first working prototype, the 2.0L/180 HP V-6-powered Dino Berlinetta GT, appeared a year later at the Turin show, but it was another year before the first Dino 246 GT appeared, again at Turin, and again powered by the eponymous Dino V-6 DOHC engine designed by the young Ferrari just before his passing in 1954. With a slightly extended wheelbase, the more powerful 2.4L/195 HP transversely mounted V-6 engine, a 5-speed manual transaxle, 4-wheel independent wishbone suspension with coil springs, and 4-wheel disc brakes, the Dino 246 GT proved an immensely enjoyable driver’s car that was quick, highly maneuverable and comfortable. Writing in Motorsport magazine, motorsports journalist Denis Jenkinson declared, “Of all the mid-engine cars of which I have had the experience of testing, the Dino stands head and shoulders above the rest … once you have experienced it, it makes all front-engined or rear-engined cars obsolete.” Production commenced in the second half of 1969 and, in 1972, Pininfarina took advantage of the car’s exceptionally solid construction to produce the targa-roof 246 GT Spyder. The fact Dinos did not carry the Ferrari name has never detracted from their value as a superb enthusiast’s car, and there hasn’t been any uncertainty about its respected place in the Ferrari lineage. Traditionally adorned in Rosso Corsa over a tan leather interior with Daytona-style black seat inserts, this 1973 246 GTS’ signature features include Michelin XWX radial tires on 14-inch Cromodora wheels, factory air conditioning, Dino- branded Veglia Borletti instruments, power windows and a Becker Europa radio. It also comes with receipts totaling more than $200,000, a significant documentation of its restoration and the resulting marvellous presentation.
