Single Family Ownership with Just 10,895 Miles From New. A Time-Warp Preservation Candidate to Show or Enjoy, Accompanied by Original Books, Tools, and Detailed Maintenance History.1973 Ferrari 246 Dino GTS s/n 05514Silver with Dark Blue Leather InteriorDesigner Leonardo Fioravanti, responsible for some of the greatest Pininfarina/Ferrari designs in history, including the original 206 Dino GT, designed the production Dino with both artistic passion and engineering reverence. The compact V6 engine, developed by Enzo Ferrari’s son, Dino Ferrari, would eventually spawn the Dino brand as an entry into Ferrari ownership. Shortly after release, the 206 advanced to the 246 as the public demanded more performance from these top selling cars. Production increased in part because of favorable pricing but also due to Ferrari having engineered an excellent handling mid-engine car. The Pininfarina production steel body used higher volume manufacturing practices, assuring better build quality. The new Dino wowed Europe and America with sleek bodywork and nimble performance, establishing Ferrari as far more than a small volume manufacturer. The new engine, a 2418 cc 65-degree, dual-overhead-camshaft, 9.0:1 compression ratio, iron block with alloy heads, produced 195 bhp (at 7,600 rpm) in European trim. The American version used an exhaust air-pump, and modified timing to deliver 175 hp through three Weber 40 DCNF/6 or 40 DCNF/7 carburetors. The 246 had a claimed top speed of 146 mph and zero to 50 of 5.5 seconds, competing very favorably against the slower Porsche 911S, while also being competitively priced. The Dino 246 GTS, first shown at the 1972 Geneva International Motor Show, was mechanically similar to the 246 GT, however offering a removable targa-top roof, allowing for open air driving without sacrificing the chassis strength of a closed car. Orders came flooding in, especially in the United States. By 1974, when production ceased, 1,282 Spyders had been delivered, with the vast majority of these shipping to the US. Certainly, any Dino is today highly regarded as both collectible and preferred by enthusiasts who enjoy driving their cars. Yet in recent years, finding a one-owner, low mile, original example with detailed history has become nearly impossible. Such is the case with this exceptional preservation grade 246 GTS. Delivered new in Silver with Dark Blue leather interior, this Dino must surely be counted as one of the lowest mileage, documented original Dinos in existence. Sold on September 14, 1973, this car was purchased at Le Mans Motors Inc. in Denver, Colorado and still remains under ownership by the consigning single-family owners; father and son. The father, a highly respected and well-known 1950s and 1960s racer with numerous period racing victories in a Porsche RSR and other iconic cars, became an avid Ferrari collector, purchasing not only this Ferrari but also a 250 GT Cabriolet, 330 GTC, Daytona, including the ownership of an original 250 GTO. His automotive resume was not only impressive from a collector perspective but also as a motorsports enthusiast, event participant, and official. His legacy continues today through similar efforts and motorsports activities by his son. Following the purchase of this Dino, the senior owner was careful to record every service and mechanical repair performed on the car, with much of the work being executed by his internal staff mechanic, familiar with high performance Ferraris. Detailed notations in each of the many service documents show the meticulous care that both family members exacted on each of the items performed on the car. After purchasing the car, in September 1975, Western Motor Works, Denver, CO, installed a radio, antenna, and speakers. The following are a sampling of the many detailed examples of service entries, all documented in the handwritten service booklet with multiple page entries include November 1980 - 3,438 miles bleed brakes, 1987 – 7,900 miles replace fuel hoses, 1995 service with 8,865 miles - Front wheel bearings repacked with Pennzoil 707L, lube speedo and clutch cable, oil leather, plugs BP6ES - .020 gap, distributor points + adv. + clean, new cap file-lube advance. Other service includes a February 1996 carburetors rebuilt (photos included) detailing the items performed during the rebuild. With the records of service and preservation grade condition of the car, substantial evidence supports the 10,895 original miles currently showing on the odometer.Having been cared for, safely stored, and properly serviced, today this Dino exhibits an excellent preservation grade finish throughout. The car retains the major factory original Ferrari components including the matching numbers engine, gearbox, most of the original paint, factory glass, and the factory original interior. Exhibiting handsome and cohesive cosmetics throughout, the overall visual impression is quite rewarding. The paint is very nice throughout with high gloss and excellent sheen, and some typical small marks here and there around the body, visible when pointed out, or when viewed up close. There is a slight variation in the metallic finish when examining the passenger door in relation to the front and rear fender. This is consistent with a 1995 notation for “Door repaint” in the service documents. Also, of note is a slight change in texture to the hood area which appears to have been more recently painted and clear coated. The exterior trim and plating are of very good quality overall, as is the original glass and various rubber parts throughout the car. The original Dino emblems and script are in place and in very nice condition. The doors, trunk, and engine cover open and shut with excellent fit. Opening the driver’s door and inspecting the door jamb lever locks, the often-broken locking arm remains in excellent condition, shielding the chrome plated levers, which easily release the three openings. The removable Targa top is smooth and evenly preserved and comes unlatched for storage, which can be easily slipped into the original vinyl bag and stowed behind the seats. The tight fit of the Targa roof attests to the integrity of the unmolested original construction, particularly in the header fit, confirming this car has never been structurally damaged. The underside and jambs of the various openings are beautifully finished and nicely detailed, each reflective of original finishes and correct latches. The beautiful cast original Dino wheels and spare tire with cast aluminum hold down are all in excellent condition. The interior has a wonderful original appearance complete with the look and feel of factory materials throughout. The factory dark blue leather seats, dash mousehair, and door panels are remarkably nice with just one small notable blemish on the top of the instrument pod surface, likely traces from an adhesive mounted accessory. Clearly stored indoors and fastidiously maintained, this GTS has excellent original instrumentation with bright contrasting dials with vivid color, wonderfully preserved switches and center console details, as well as a very nicely preserved original steering wheel completes the dashboard presentation. A factory air-conditioned car, the vents and switches are in excellent visual condition. The various accessory switches and controls are in excellent condition including the power window switches. The matching dark blue carpet is very nice overall with just a hint of use in the drivers footwell area. The door panels, headliner, doorsill trims, inner jambs, and hinges are further evidence supporting the originality and history of this 10,000 mile Dino. The original seats are in excellent structural condition exhibiting only mild foam compression on the seat bolsters. Unlike so many original leather seats found in Dinos, the leather finishes are smooth, and the stitching is remarkably well-preserved, showing only minor lower inside bolster seams beginning to slightly open. Overall this original interior car will truly delight anyone who appreciates preservation grade cars of high quality with excellent cosmetic presentation, remarkably fine leather, and properly preserved factory components and materials. The engine and engine compartment also exhibit original finishes with special care having been given to proper servicing, but also preserving the authentic factory finishes throughout. Hard lines, fittings, and factory hardware, nearly all of which appear original, are well preserved and nicely detailed, though much of the softer hoses and lines have been appropriately tended to or replaced as needed. Rarely does one find such a nicely preserved original engine and engine compartment, which have both been cared for over singular, consistent ownership. The undercarriage is very nice overall, remaining as one might expect from an original car, with some evidence of mild road use. Though not detailed to a show level of finish, the undercarriage has been maintained with care and exhibits no evidence of structural compromise to the floor or any of the main structural mounting points. Many of the visible suspension and engine components still exhibit factory finishes and casting details unique to Ferrari manufactured components. In every respect this truly is an exceptional preservation grade Dino. Under the front hood compartment, the original spare tire tub is properly in place and, unlike many cars, remains free from cracks. The originality of the car is evident in many areas including the proper spare tire, electrical components, fuse boxes, proper aluminum spare tire hold-down handle, and original window washer bag. An owner-installed discrete kill switch is located on the driver’s side in the front area. Having been serviced and properly tuned, the car starts and runs very nicely with a quick twist of the ignition. Acceleration is quick off the line with smooth clutch engagement and excellent gearbox action both cold and w