LOT 11
1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT Coachwork by Scaglietti Design by Pininfarina Chassis no. 03752 Engine no. 0009506
Sold for US$459,200 inc. premium
Lot 11
1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT
1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT
Coachwork by Scaglietti
Design by Pininfarina
Chassis no. 03752
Engine no. 0009506
Coachwork by Scaglietti
Design by Pininfarina
Chassis no. 03752
Engine no. 0009506
2,419cc DOHC V6 Engine
Three Weber Twin-Choke Carburetors
195 bhp at 7,600rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
* Matching numbers engine, as confirmed by factory records
* Delivered new as US-market specification through Chinetti Motors
* Retains factory-correct and rare Rosso Dino (20-R-350) exterior over Nero VM8500 leather
* Single high-quality repaint in original color
* Workshop manual, and factory technical documentation
* Highly original and unrestored example, maintained by a single owner since 2000
THE FERRARI DINO 246 GT
The Dino, a name that has captured imaginations with its elegance and technical sophistication, stands as one of Ferrari's most beloved models. Conceived as a tribute to Enzo Ferrari's late son, Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari, the series was to bring refined mid-engine performance to a wider audience. Announced at the 1965 Paris Motor Show as a Pininfarina-penned dream, the production Dino 206 GT launched in 1968 and soon evolved into the more potent 246 GT by 1969. The latter brought with it essential revisions: a larger V-6, a steel body for added durability, improved power, and slightly extended dimensions, all while preserving the siren-like handling that defined the original design.
At its core, the 246 GT is powered by the intriguing 2.4-liter V-6 engine, initially developed for Formula 2 racing. Featuring a 65-degree aluminum block with dual overhead camshafts and fed by triple Weber carburetors, the engine produced a distinctly melodic, high-revving soundtrack synonymous with Ferrari's racing lineage. Mated to a close-ratio five-speed gearbox and riding on a rigid, well-balanced steel chassis, the Dino delivered one of the most intuitive and rewarding driving experiences of its era.
Pininfarina's coachwork evolved gracefully from the angular lines of the early 206 to the sensual curvaceous form of the 246 GT, blending compact elegance with aerodynamic prowess. The new steel construction ensured the Dino's lasting presence in the collector world, while the adoption of wider Campagnolo wheels and larger disc brakes improved both handling and stopping power. These advancements laid the groundwork for Ferrari's later mid-engine road cars, marking the Dino as a formative model in Maranello's history.
The 246 GT was also significant for Ferrari's burgeoning presence in the vital American market. US-specification models, such as the example offered here, were equipped with additional safety features, revised lighting, and emissions controls in order to meet stringent Federal standards of the era. Though subtle in appearance, these details further distinguish the rare US-market Dinos in the eyes of astute collectors.
Original color combinations play a significant role in the appeal of a Dino, and the beguiling Rosso Dino—a vivid orange-red hue introduced in period—remains among the most coveted and rare. The contrast of Rosso Dino with the Nero (black) leather interior is an especially evocative pairing, highlighting both the car's Italian flamboyance and modernist, purposeful interior architecture.
Throughout its production from 1969-1974, fewer than 2,500 Dino 246 GTs were produced, with numbers for well-preserved and highly original examples exceptionally low today. The Dino's combination of design purity, driving enjoyment, and Ferrari heritage has ensured its lasting desirability, and original examples with documented provenance are among the most sought-after of all Maranello road cars.
Collector interest has grown steadily in recent decades, elevated by the Dino's intrinsic beauty, rewarding road manners, and its position at the confluence of two legendary automotive houses: Ferrari and Pininfarina. Prime, unrestored examples are increasingly regarded as reference standards, offering unique appeal to purists and aficionados alike.
Today, the Dino 246 GT is recognized not only as a cornerstone of Ferrari road car development, but as a superlative sports car in its own right—celebrated for its character, engineering sophistication, and undeniable charm.
THE CAR OFFERED
The Dino 246 GT presented here, chassis number 03752, occupies a place of particular distinction. Completed in 1972 for the United States market, it was delivered new through famed North American importer Chinetti Motors—an origin detail cherished by knowledgeable marque enthusiasts.
Verified by detailed provenance and factory documentation, this car retains its original, matching-numbers V-6 engine (no. 135 CS 000 0009506) and five-speed manual transmission (type 888 E), as documented by factory records.
Immediately striking is the car's exceptionally rare and desirable color combination: Rosso Dino (20-R-350), a vibrant, period-correct orange-red, over Nero VM8500 leather. This alluring specification, seldom seen on US-delivered cars, accentuates both the Dino's lithe proportions and its high-style 1970s Italian heritage. The car retains its original glass and a highly original interior, displaying a remarkable level of preservation seldom encountered among Dinos of this provenance.
A single high-quality repaint was executed in the original Rosso Dino, carefully preserving the factory appearance while refreshing the car's unmistakable visual allure. The interior, including seats, door panels, and dashboard, believed to be unrestored in original Nero VM8500 leather. This balance of diligent cosmetic stewardship and preservation demonstrates the meticulous care this car has received throughout its life.
Under long-term private ownership since its acquisition on January 6, 2000, the current owner has maintained the car in well preserved condition. The Dino shows 24,568 miles at the time of cataloguing, a figure reported to be original.
Additionally, the car is accompanied by original accessories, including its set of original keys, owners' manuals, factory tool roll, and a period workshop manual for the model, as well as Ferrari technical documentation the 'Dino Compendium'.
It's a rare and factory-correct color specification, sparingly documented mileage, and single-owner provenance for over two decades make it a standout among its peers—a ready candidate for preservation awards, concours exhibition, or continued enjoyment as a reference-standard example of Ferrari's formative mid-engine masterpiece.
For the astute collector, chassis 03752 presents an opportunity to acquire a truly authentic, highly original Dino 246 GT.
Additional information
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