Chassis No. 03058

Engine No. 0009031

Ferrari introduced the Dino 246 GT in 1969 as the next evolution of its first mid-engine, V6-powered road car, marrying a 2.4-liter Formula Two-bred engine with Pininfarina-styled coachwork. By mid 1971, the "E Series" embodied the most refined evolution of the 246 GT, featuring enlarged dual-Weber DCNF/13 carburetors that boosted output to approximately 195 horsepower and raised top speed to nearly 150 mph. The revised five-speed transmission, with subtle changes to final gearing, and a reworked dashboard-now with provision for a radio and sliding heater controls-enhanced practicality. With 1,431 examples of the Series E GT produced between 1971 and 1974, these models represent the 246 GT in its final and most mechanically sophisticated form.

This early E-Series 246 GT, chassis number 03058, was completed on 20 December 1971 according to research conducted by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini. It was finished in a classic Rosso Dino (Dino Red) livery over Nero (Black) Connolly hides, just as it appears today, and equipped with U.S.-market side marker lights and emissions equipment. Notably, as a 1971 model-year example, it retains some earlier M- and L-Series features such as its "clapping hands" windshield wipers that rest in the center of the cowl, as well as artful front bumpers that extend fully into the front grille. Massini's research notes that it was delivered new in January 1972 to Chinetti-Garthwaite Imports of Paoli, Pennsylvania, before passing to its first owner, Mr. John W. Ebell of Woodland, California.

For more than two decades, 03058 remained in California with Ebell maintaining custody until 1984, John Fitzpatrick of Sacramento until 1989, and Carey L. Kendall of Santa Barbara until 1995. At that point, Paul Pellerin of Avon, Connecticut, acquired the Dino before relocating to Japan, where both owner and car would reside for the following 19 years. The car returned to American shores in 2014 and entered a prominent collection, where it would benefit from a comprehensive mechanical refurbishment.

In July 2017, the Dino was serviced by the marque specialists at GTO Engineering of Los Angeles, with another service in November 2019. In the latter service, work included modifying the sump oil pickup, replacing the rear brake pads, adjusting the clutch, optimizing the set-up of the carburetors and rebuilding the distributor. Additional invoices in 2018 from Leydon Restorations of Lahaska, Pennsylvania included a steering rack rebuild, brake line replacement, coolant expansion tank repair, engine tune, and road test. Service work to this Dino between 2017 and 2019 totals just over $14,000.

In August 2022, chassis 03058 was acquired by the current caretaker through Broad Arrow's inaugural Monterey Jet Center Auction and has since been maintained in his state-of-the-art Ferrari collection facility, further preserving the car's originality. In 2023, its exceptional preservation was recognized at the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival where it received a coveted Platinum Award.

Few Series E Dinos combine such documented provenance, a matching-numbers drivetrain, and an attractive factory livery specification with documented specialist service. Chassis 03058 represents a delightfully authentic example with the unmistakable feel of a preserved and cherished car that has never required a full restoration, retaining many original factory finishes throughout with just the right amount of subtle patina that speaks to its genuine history. Ferrari's mid-engine foray is now ready to excel in concours preservation classes or be enjoyed on historic tours for its delightful V6 exhaust snarl and deft mid-engine handling.