Lot 045: 1973 FERRARI DINO 246 GTS

Heavily influenced by the Dino 206 GT Berlinetta Speciale concept car (a thinly disguised 206 S sports racer) which Pininfarina had unveiled at the 1965 Paris Salon, the roadgoing Dino 206 GT debuted in Turin two years later. Compellingly curvaceous and bodied in aluminium over a tubular steel chassis frame, it seemed a fitting tribute to Enzo Ferrari's late beloved son Alfredino. Boasting all-round, independent double-wishbone suspension, Koni shock absorbers, anti-roll bars and four-wheel disc brakes, the newcomer was the first Maranello production design to feature either rack-and-pinion steering or a mid-mounted engine. Although, the 1987cc 'quad-cam' unit in question was the work of Franco Rocchi, its inspiration came via Alfredino and the legendary Vittorio Jano (who between them had convinced Enzo Ferrari of the inherent engineering merits behind a compact V6 as early as 1956). Developing a quoted 180bhp at 8,000rpm, the free-revving powerplant was allied to five-speed manual transmission and promised a 140mph plus top speed. However, despite sensational looks and inspired, race-bred handling, the announcement of an even faster variant at the March 1969 Geneva Motor Show saw 206 GT production cease in August 1969 after just 152 cars. Thankfully, its successor - christened the 246 GT on account of its larger 2418cc engine - retained the same sublime Pininfarina styling (albeit draped over a 60mm longer wheelbase). With a quoted 195bhp and 166lbft of torque on tap, it was reputedly capable of 151mph and 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds. To ease manufacture, the revised two-seater utilized a cast-iron cylinder block and steel bodywork. Inheriting its forebear's cabin architecture complete with steeply raked bucket seats, aluminium fascia, suede-topped dashboard and 'chrome fingered' transmission gate, the model typically rode on Cromodora 'bolt on' alloy wheels. Introduced at the March 1972 Geneva Salon, the 246 GTS featured a lightweight 'targa' roof panel that could be stowed behind the seats and an integral rollover hoop. Sporting vented sail panels in place of its fixed-head sibling's rear three-quarter windows (another strengthening measure), the 246 GTS also tended to be better specified. Only in production for two years, just 1,274 open-topped Dinos are thought to have been made (with RHD markets accounting for a mere 254 cars). Finished in Rosso Corsa with Nero leather upholstery, this particular right-hand drive example is said to have undergone "a recent major service". Extremely smart, 'MVB 320L' further benefits from air conditioning and electric windows. Definitely one of those cars that falls under the category of 'if you can then you should', a good Dino is truly something to be savoured.