Lot 311: 1974 Ferrari 246 GTB Dino

Ferrari introduced the Dino 206 in 1968 as a separate marque and the surprise is that it sold only 100 examples in over a year. The transverse 2 litre V6, originally designed by the great Vittorio Jano, had proved itself in Formula One and sports car racing, there was a superb chassis with all-independent suspension, and the voluptuous Pininfarina body set the pattern for most subsequent mid-engined Ferraris. It appeared to have all the ingredients for success, yet it did not sell. Things changed dramatically in 1969 when Ferrari replaced it with the 246 which had a 195bhp 2.4 litre version of the engine. Little else had changed, a slightly longer wheelbase permitted a roomier cockpit, and yet production leapt to 1,000 a year. In America, emission controls meant it was actually less powerful than the 206, but the opposition fared much worse and the Dino came into its own.In European trim it could reach 150mph and sprint, 0-60mph, in 7.1 seconds. Further, it could probably cover a journey on winding roads quicker than the much more powerful Daytonaand virtually anything else for that matter. Apart from the race-bred chassis and four-wheel disc brakes, the engine had received a useful increase in torque which brought the whole package together. The Dino offered here was delivered to Horley, Surrey on 7th August 1974. The car has covered just over 53,000 miles from new and is described by the vendor to be in good condition, having benefited from an engine rebuild at 44,675 miles in October 1995 by Colin Clarke Engineering. Since 2000 the car has only covered 3500 miles and has been regularly serviced by Superformance (renowned Dino engine experts) with bills totalling over 5500. Due to the regular maintenance and good overall condition ofXPC 887N, the car featured on the cover of the August 2000 edition of Auto Italia, with the resulting article praising its handling and overall performance. This Dino is finished in red with a black and tan interior and comes with a large history file dating back to its early years and a valid MoT for 1 year. Road Fund licence is valid until October 2005. This is a well looked after example of an all time classic and will provide hassle free Ferrari motoring.