We rarely run news stories simply to announce cars which have come freshly to market. However, Kidston SA is offering two that are so familiar – and so universally admired – that we couldn’t resist...

First, the Ferrari. Anyone who’s a regular at the Goodwood Revival is likely to have seen this 1960 Ferrari Dino 246S, chassis no. 0778 (and, happily, engine no. 0778), demonstrating its remarkable speed and agility up against much more powerful machinery. What few of the spectators will have realised is the extensive Works history of this car.

Chassis 0778 made its debut in early 1960, in Buenos Aires, driven by Froilan Gonzales and Ludovico Scarfiotti. It then appeared at the Targa Florio in May, along with its two Dino siblings, ‘0786’ and ‘0784’ (this latter the Phil Hill/ Wolfgang von Trips car which finished second overall – and another regular at Goodwood). ‘Our’ car, chassis 0778, finished fourth.

Later that month, however, the car had a less happy outing at the Nürburgring 1000km. A refuelling incident in the pit lane saw the car catch fire, melting most of the rear and left side of the aluminium body and leaving the spaceframe exposed. Rebuilt at the Ferrari factory, it was then sold to Luigi Chinetti’s North American Racing Team (NART). It was raced by NART at the 1961 12 Hours of Sebring, where it finished 5th overall and first in class.

After spending many years in the legendary Mas du Clos collection of Pierre Bardinon, in 1997 the car was restored to its former glory by Terry Hoyle in the UK. The current, UK-based owner has raced it regularly in high-profile historic meetings, with great success.

As Kidston now points out, this Dino 246S is cosmetically similar to the fabulous 1959/60 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. While it is, in fact, even rarer (only three Dinos were built in this series, one 196S and two 246S models, with ‘0778’ the only 246S remaining in this body style), it is nevertheless available at a rather more attractive price. What that price is, you’ll have to contact Kidston SA to discover.

But if Aston Martins are more your thing, how about the 1962 DB4GT Zagato? This car, chassis no. DB4GT/0190/L (engine no. 370/0190 GT) is one of just 19 examples built, and one of only eight left-hand drive cars. While Kidston describes this as ‘the most desirable Aston Martin GT car of all time’, we’d like to add that (in the Classic Driver office, at least) it’s probably one of the most desirable cars of all. Anywhere. Ever.

Aside from the much-venerated, bulgy and curvaceous styling, this particular car has a race-winning history in the hands of Roy Salvadori. Meanwhile – as one would expect – the lucky owner will also enjoy the comfort and luxury of a true granturismo.

Rare as it is for a DB4GT Zagato to come to market, ‘0190/L’ is even more special than that. With a clear and blemish-free history from new, plus a unique specification, ‘0190/L’ is one of the most important British granturismos in existence.

Originally ordered by Commander James Murray, thought to have been the U.S. Navy Attaché in Paris, it was built with a number of special features at his request. Among these are a unique grille with two prominent horizontal bars (reminiscent of the DBR1), thicker aluminum skins and brake covers to keep dust off the Borrani wire wheels.

Completed on 26th June 1962, it was the penultimate Zagato built but – in advance of that date – it was tested on track by none other than Roy Salvadori, at the May 1962 BRSCC race at Brands Hatch. He finished first in class and second overall to the Ferrari 250 GTO driven by Innes Ireland.

While it has been through many changes of ownership over the years, all are carefully documented and the car remains strikingly original and beautifully, continuously maintained. Liveried in Shell Grey with black leather upholstery and interior trim, it is a very rare gem indeed. As with the Dino, it’s ‘Price on Request’. Contact Kidston SA.

Please CLICK HERE to see all Kidston SA's cars in the Classic Driver car database.

Kidston S.A. 7 Avenue Pictet de Rochemont, 1207 Geneva, Switzerland Tel:+41 22 740 1939 Fax:+41 22 740 1945 Email: [email protected] Website: www.kidston.com Text: Charis Whitcombe Photos: Kidston SA

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