• Year of manufacture 
    1972
  • Mileage 
    29 135 km / 18 104 mi
  • Car type 
    Other
  • Lot number 
    38
  • Reference number 
    372
  • Drive 
    LHD
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Exterior brand colour 
    other
  • Location
    United States
  • Exterior colour 
    Other

Description

Chassis No. 03058

Engine No. 0009031

It is somewhat ironic that one of the most instantly recognizable of all roadgoing Ferraris should give away virtually nothing, externally, at least, to its illustrious parentage. Badged poignantly as a "Dino", the affectionate nickname of Enzo Ferrari's late and much-loved son Alfredo, the newly-introduced 206 GT of 1968 marked the start of a new era of relative mass production at Maranello, as well as the genesis of a Ferrari sub-brand which would endure until 1980. In 1969, the 206 was succeeded by the 2.4 liter 246 GT; its targa-topped GTS sibling following in 1972. In total, almost 4,000 Dinos were constructed between 1968 and 1974, with production of the more numerous 246 divided across three successive series dubbed L, M and, somewhat incongruously, E.

One of just 1,624 Series E Dino GTs produced, this impeccably preserved example was completed at the factory on 20 December 1971, appropriately finished in Rosso Dino, with contrasting black leather interior and Cromodora wheels. It was exported to East Coast Ferrari distributors Chinetti-Garthwaite Imports Inc. of Paoli, Pennsylvania, prior to onward delivery to Bill Harrah's Modern Classic Motors dealership in Reno, Nevada.

First owner John Ebell, of Woodland, California acquired the car on 28 January 1972, keeping it for the next 12 years until its sale to John Fitzpatrick of nearby Sacramento in 1984. Mr. Fitzpatrick retained ownership until 1989, by which time 03058 had covered just 14,000 miles, whereupon custody passed to Carey Kendall of Santa Barbara; the latter adding just 4,500 miles over the next five years. In May 1995, after some 23 years of sympathetic Californian ownership, 03058 embarked upon a new and divergent chapter in its life; moving to Japan, where it would remain for the next 19 years.

Under this ownership, total cumulative mileage increased to just under 28,000, and it was at this juncture that the car returned to US shores, passing into the custody of the consignor in 2014. 03058 benefitted from a comprehensive service in July 2017 at a cost of $4,312, prior to a further $4,448 being invoiced by marque specialists GTO Engineering of Los Angeles in November 2019. In the case of the latter, the work carried out included modifying the sump oil pick up, 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 include 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. It should be noted that this Dino is currently sitting on upgraded Cromodora wheels and, as an added bonus, includes the originals as well.

As the 50th anniversary of the cessation of Dino production approaches, original and unmolested examples necessarily remain incredibly rare. However, a select handful do still exist, and with its mostly original paint, minimal mileage, fascinatingly itinerant history and glorious patina both inside and out, chassis 03058 remains a prime example. Equally well suited to entry into the preservation class at various concours, participation in historic rallies and tours, or indeed on an open road solo drive - this Dino 246 GT is a car of unbridled versatility, and one consequently affording its fortunate new owner a wealth of possibilities in the future.