Only 37,400 miles from new
1971 Ferrari Dino 246 GT Coupé

• Original UK right-hand drive model
• Ownership trail known
• Professionally restored 1988/1989 (bills available)
• Only circa 5,000 miles since the engine rebuild
• Present ownership since 1993
• Good history file

A compact, aluminium-bodied coupé of striking appearance, the Pininfarina-styled Dino - named after Enzo Ferrari's late son Alfredino Ferrari and intended as the first of a separate but related marque - was powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cam V6 driving via an in-unit five-speed transaxle. The motor's 180 brake horsepower was good enough to propel the lightweight, aerodynamically-efficient Dino to 142mph, and while there were few complaints about the car's performance, the high cost enforced by its aluminium construction hindered sales.

A 2.4-litre version on a longer wheelbase - the 246 GT - replaced the original Dino 206 in late 1969. Built by Scaglietti, the body was now steel, and the cylinder block cast-iron rather than aluminium, but the bigger engine's increased power - 195bhp at 7,600rpm - adequately compensated for the weight gain. A Targa-top version, the 246 GTS, followed in 1972. The Dino 246 was built in three series: 'L', 'M' and 'E', these designations reflecting detail changes in the specification.

Finished in Rosso Corsa with Magnolia trim, this right-hand drive 246 GT comes with a good history file containing a copy of Maranello Concessionaires' original order. The car was specified in Giallo Fly (yellow) with black interior and electric windows. The Ferrari's first owner was one A Morello of North London and its original registration was 'HPL 14K'. The history file contains a list of eight identified owners in total, including the present one, and several changes of registration mark. One of those listed is Mr J Sykes, proprietor of Triumph specialists, TR Bitz, who carried out a complete restoration circa 1988/1989, which included stripping the car to a bare shell and a mechanical rebuild by renowned Ferrari specialist, Bob Houghton at 32,000 miles. There is a file of restoration records and photographs available.

Our vendor acquired the Dino in 1993. The car comes with a folder of most MoTs dating back to 1978 and service invoices relating to the present ownership. Servicing during this time has been carried out by Talacrest and Maranello Concessionaires (but not regularly, as our vendor was happy to work on his car himself). From 2016 onwards services have been carried out by Automotive Solutions of Henley-on-Thames, their most recent invoice being for repairs to the cooling system in October 2024 costing £2,000. The wheels were refurbished that same year. Additional documentation includes a V5C Registration Certificate, an owner's handbook and numerous Dino magazine articles.