Lot 512: 1973 Ferrari Dino 246GT Berlinetta

A 2.4-litre version of the Dino on a longer wheelbase - the 246GT - replaced the original Dino 206 in late 1969. The body was now steel and the cylinder block cast-iron rather than aluminium, but the bigger engine’s increased power - 195bhp at 7,600rpm, up from 180 - was adequate compensation for the weight gain. Top speed increased slightly to within a whisker of 150mph. A Targa-top version, the 246GTS, followed in 1972. While not as fast in a straight line as its larger V12-engined stablemates, the nimble Dino was capable of showing almost anything a clean pair of heels over twisty going. Truly a driver’s car par excellence.
This right-hand example’s substantial history file contains its original order form dated 30/3/73 to The Gordon Garage, Dulwich Ltd, which reveals that the car was finished in Rosso Chiaro with black interior and equipped with ‘headlight covers’. It was delivered on 12th May 1973 to first owner Mr W H S Latham, of London SW4 with 163 miles recorded. (A copy of the V5 is on file). Mr Latham owned the car until April 1994 when it was sold to Isle of Man resident Mr G Percival via Camberley Marine & Sportscars Ltd for £31,000 including a repaint (mileage 47,000). Mr Percival subsequently commissioned marque specialist Nick Cartwright, of Chesterfield to restore the car. Carried during the mid/late 1990s and completed in 2000, the renovation, which included an engine rebuild, cost in excess of £51,000. The immediately preceding owner purchased the car from Nick Cartwright in 2000, keeping it until 2006 before when it was offered at Bonhams’ Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale (Lot 530) and bought by the vendor. At that time the vehicle had covered a mere 1,000-or-so miles since the rebuild’s completion and only some 54,000 in total, as confirmed by assorted expired MoTs on file dating from May 1978 to April 2004, together with various invoices.
Since acquisition the Dino has benefited from a brakes overhaul (rear calipers) and a new alternator. Two red leather files are supplied with car containing warranty card, general bills and service invoices from 1973-94, mileage book from new to 1994 and mileage/fuel/oil records from 1994-97. A wonderful example presented in excellent condition, ‘PLP 277L’ is currently taxed/ MoT’d and comes with Swansea V5 registration document.