LOT 2
1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS Coachwork by Scaglietti Design by Pininfarina Chassis no. 05496 Engine no. 1966 E
Estimate: US$600,000 - US$700,000
Lot 2
1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS
1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS
Coachwork by Scaglietti
Design by Pininfarina
Chassis no. 05496
Engine no. 1966 E
Coachwork by Scaglietti
Design by Pininfarina
Chassis no. 05496
Engine no. 1966 E
2,419cc DOHC 65-degree V6 Engine
Three Weber 40 DCNF/7 Carburetors
192bhp at 7,600rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
* Retains original, numbers-matching engine and gearbox as confirmed by archival documentation
* Factory US-market example, delivered new to Chinetti Garthwaite Import Inc.
* Rare and evocative original Marrone Dino Metallizzato (106-M-73) over beige leather
* Substantial documented restoration and servicing in 2024, including concours-quality repaint and specialist dash reupholstery
* Includes extensive service records dating to 1974, Dino Compendium Certificate of Authenticity, original manuals, tool kit, and warranty book
* Best in Show and Platinum Award recipient, Lime Rock FCA Meet, 2000
THE FERRARI DINO 246 GTS
In the vibrant tapestry of Ferrari history, the Dino occupies an especially prized and lyrical niche. Conceived in honor of Enzo Ferrari's late son, Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari, the 246 series marked a significant departure for Maranello. It was the marque's first mid-engined, six-cylinder road car—an eloquent bridge between motorsport and the open road, named not Ferrari, but simply "Dino," suggesting both reverence and a sense of evolving identity.
Launched in 1969, the Dino 246 GT captured the imagination of enthusiasts and the public alike, blending Ferrari's commitment to mechanical excellence with shapely, Pininfarina-penned coachwork by Scaglietti. The 246 GTS, unveiled in 1972, built on this legacy, introducing a targa-style variant that added a new dimension of open-air motoring while preserving the coupe's distinctive proportions. With its removable roof panel, "GTS" offered an intoxicating union of Supercar drama and the sunshine of la dolce vita.
At the heart of every 246 beats the revered 2.4-liter dual overhead cam V-6, derived from Formula 2 roots and characterized by responsive power delivery and thrilling aural character. Triple Weber 40 DCNF carburetors, alongside a 5-speed dogleg manual transmission, imbue the car with an unmistakable sense of mechanical connection—supple and tractable enough for daily use, but transcendent at the redline.
Chassis sophistication was equally advanced, with an all-independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes—features that gave the Dino surprising agility and composure. Lightweight and balanced, the 246 quickly earned a reputation for purity of handling; its steering and throttle response remain benchmarks for driver involvement.
The Dino's coachwork, with its curvaceous flanks and delicate details, is widely regarded as one of Pininfarina's masterpieces. Interior appointments were no less considered—the laid-back driving position, aircraft-inspired Veglia instrumentation, and available Daytona-style seats made each journey an event.
Originally intended to challenge rivals like the Porsche 911S, the Dino instead carved out its own cult following. Only 1,274 GTS models were built between 1972 and 1974; a mere fraction were finished in rare metallics and special-order paint schemes (like Marrone Dino Metallizzato), marking such examples as true connoisseur's prizes today.
In the decades since production ended, the Dino's reputation has matured immeasurably. Where it was once an "almost-Ferrari," it is now recognized as one of the marque's most poetic and influential creations. The GTS models, in particular, capture an era of playful, unrestrained artistry in both mechanical design and visual language.
THE CAR OFFERED
Chassis 05496 represents a singular opportunity: an exceptionally well-documented and lovingly preserved 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS, ordered and retained in its original, highly coveted Marrone Dino Metallizzato (106-M-73) finish over beige leather (VM3218).
Built on April 19, 1973, this E Series U.S.-specification Dino is notably one of only 215 examples delivered in this evocative livery—a color that imbues the timeless Pininfarina bodywork with depth, elegance, and a warm period authenticity rarely encountered.
The car's provenance is both rich and meticulously maintained. Delivered new through legendary importer Chinetti Garthwaite Import Inc., it was first sold to Don Fong's Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia. Its ownership chain is exceptionally well-attested, traced through prominent collectors and enthusiast caretakers in Texas, Connecticut, Mississippi, California, Florida, Ohio, and Montreal, each contributing to a continuous narrative of use, preservation, and service. This unbroken chain is verified by a trove of archival documents, including service invoices and repair orders spanning nearly half a century—among them, rare period entries from Simpson Automobili (Houston, 1976), Eurocar Werk (1978), and Woodard's World of Wheels (1979).
Beyond its provenance, 05496 stands as a model of originality. The car retains its original, numbers-matching 2.4-liter V-6 engine (no. 1966 E) and 5-speed manual gearbox—both confirmed by an authoritative certified archival summary performed by Dino expert Matthias Bartz in June 2024.
Benefitting from consistent preservation-minded ownership, the car now shows just 52,500 miles from new—a figure substantiated by successive service and repair records as well as state and dealer registrations. In addition to noteworthy authenticity, 05496 was specified with highly desirable factory options when new, including the iconic Daytona seats, power windows, and air conditioning.
In 2000, the significance of its preservation was formally recognized, earning both Best in Show and Platinum Award honors at the Lime Rock Ferrari Club of America meet—a testament to the car's presentation and correctness amid the highest standards of the Ferrari judging community.
In 2024, the Dino was entrusted to marque specialists for a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic recommissioning totaling over $45,000. This included a complete windows-out repaint in its factory-original shade, painstaking repairs to the radiator and underbody, and the installation of fresh rubber seals for the removable top. The dash was reupholstered using correct "mouse hair" material, ensuring period texture and appearance. Additional work encompassed a new oil pressure sender, correct exhaust hanger, aluminum back plate level holder, fresh battery, and thermostat, while the carburetors were tuned to perfection. Upon reassembly, the car received a full wet-sand and detailed polishing, leaving the presentation both dazzling and authentic.
Throughout its life, 05496 has always been maintained with diligence, as attested by the original tool kit, jack, keys, manuals, warranty documents, and over four decades of maintenance records—all of which accompany the sale. The Dino Compendium's Certificate of Authenticity further confers peace of mind regarding the car's identity and mechanical fidelity.
This Dino exemplifies the ideal collector's paradigm: rare, dazzlingly original, exceptionally well-documented, and ready for both spirited touring and the concours lawn. With its intoxicating color, pure mechanical specification, comprehensive provenance, with only over 52,500 original miles, chassis 05496 stands not merely as a fine Ferrari, but as an irreplaceable chapter in the story of the Dino marque.
Here is an invitation to experience one of Maranello's most lyrical creations—preserved, cherished, and poised for its next custodian.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAuction Viewings
- 3 May 2026, 08:00 - 10:30 EDT
