Ferraris throughout the years, as they age, have a funny way of fluctuating in value. I remember when ordinary Ferrari Testarossas were commanding six figures. Now you can find these cars in the $45,000 to $60,000 price range. Another case in point is the Ferrari Dino. What was designed a more “entry” level Ferrari in the 1960s has been seeing a surge in value over the past few years. This late model Dino 246GTS is no exception. This particular car for sale in San Diego has just over 12,000 miles on it from new and is unrestored.
1974 Ferrari Dino 246GTS
1974 Dino 246 GTS
12,668 Miles
Mostly Original Car
Air Conditioning
5 speed
Daytona Seats
Records from New
195 bhp, 2,418 cc transverse DOHC V-6 engine with triple Weber 40DCNF7 carburetors, five-speed manual rear transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension with double wishbones, coil springs, and Koni telescopic shock absorbers, and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. Wheelbase: 92.1 in.
Single repaint, otherwise unrestored
Factory Daytona seats
Under 13,000 original milesThe exciting 246 GTS version of the Dino Ferrari features a removable Targa roof that was specifically designed to appeal to the American market. Scaglietti only built 1,180 examples of this final and ultimate open air sports car. In their day, they were a car for those in the know, a perfect mix of styling, and many feel it is the most attractive and delicate ever to appear on a Ferrari. These cars have all the ingredients to make a perfect sports car: a high-revving V-6 five-speed transmission, disc brakes, and most importantly, a stiff and responsive chassis with bodywork closely derived from Pininfarina’s previous Dino 206.
Many factors make this Dino extremely attractive as a usable car. Aside from a single high-quality repaint in the original Bianca, it is an exceptional, unrestored Dino with approximately 12,600 miles from new. The service records from new accompany the car and give credence to is very low mileage. The interior features a gently broken-in and attractively patinated set of Daytona seats, the single most desirable option in this most collectible of Dinos. Underneath the hood, the engine bay is clean, correct, and also indicative of its exceptionally low mileage.
According to the Dino Register, chassis 07724’s history is known since it was sold new in Coral Gables, Florida. The late chassis numbered Dino features air conditioning, as well as optional power windows and correct light alloy Cromodora wheels.
We hear the term “survivor” often these days, and no better word can describe this fine Dino Ferrari. Even the mouse hair dashboard is original, an element that very often gets replaced on the best of cars. Very few Bianco Dinos with Daytona seats were produced, and this will surely be among the most original of those that survive in their original specification a 246 GTS that allows one to see an example much as it was when it left the factory. As the Dino continues to grow in popularity, even exceeding the values of many Daytona coupes of its era, the demand for these great cars never seems to waiver. This particular car should be looked at as a rare opportunity to acquire an unaltered version of this highly desirable Ferrari. When looking at an unrestored car like this, one must remember: “they are only original once.”
Rarely do you see a Dino in white, but with the tan leather, it works. From every angle, it is quite apparent that this was one of Pininfarina’s greats. At almost $400,000, this has to be the priciest Dino I’ve ever come across, but then again, it’s no ordinary one. I’d suspect the price is a bit unrealistic, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this car cracked $300,000. It’s just that nice.
-Paul
First “auction” ended with no buyer at $395k, relisted for $375k with no buyer.