In the 1950s, Enzo Ferrari's son Alfredo "Dino" had a heavy influence on the idea to use V-6 and V-8 engines in Ferrari race cars. Ferrari wanted to compete in the Formula 2 category in 1967 with the new "Dino" V-6 engine, but was turned down because of the homologation rule requiring 500 or more production vehicles. Ferrari turned to Fiat, and together produced the new Fiat Dino sports car. In the mid-1960s, Ferrari was successful with the mid-engine layout for racing and thought they would build their own mid-engine sports car for the road. Sergio Pininfarina was once again asked to design an all-new body which sat on the 206 SP race car chassis and debuted at the 1965 Paris Motor Show. The V-6 engine sat longitudinally and was only available in a two-door, two-seater Berlinetta configuration. The car was so well received that the 206 GT went into production for model year 1968 and offered a near-perfect weight balance and superb handling. For the March 1972 Geneva Auto Show, Ferrari revamped the Dino and introduced the 246 model available as a Berlinetta Coupe or a GTS Spyder. A larger 2.4-litre engine and better performance and handling characteristics set the 246 apart from the 206 from previous years.

We happily offer this exceptionally restored 1974 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino finished in Rosso Corsa over Daytona-spec Tan leather seats. Chassis number 08248 left the Marranello production line and was invoiced to the North American Importer Modern Classic Motors, Inc. on July 18, 1974 and came in through the San Francisco Port. A Marcel Massini report has been obtained, indicating that this 246 GTS was equipped new from the factory with Daytona leather seats ("Chairs"), electric windows, factory air conditioning and optional Campagnolo wheels.

This Dino was then sent to Grand Touring Cars in Phoenix Arizona where it sold to its first owner (Joe Pisano, successful Bonneville competitor and drag racer) on September 24, 1974 in the amount of $19,195. The first owner had the car shipped to Long Beach where the car stayed until the second transaction was completed by Li’l John Lombardo, the auto parts chain dealer and drag racer. The only other owner bought the car sometime in the early 1980s and brought it to the LA area where the car has been ever since summer of 2013.

The car has traveled only 24,200 documented original miles from brand new and is reported to not show any signs of accident or damage history anywhere. All of the exterior trim and interior have been removed from the car and a bare metal re-spray was completed on the car in desirable Rosso Corsa paint and the interior was re-trimmed in tan leather interior. Absolutely no rust or corrosion is found anywhere on this car. All of the mechanicals have been rebuilt/restored, as well as the electrical system.

This Dino is in absolutely exceptional and stunning near perfect condition mechanically and cosmetically. It runs and drives superbly and does not have any issues whatsoever. It does not smoke or idle rough, there are no shakes or rattles anywhere and the car does not have any unusual noises. Thorough and exceptional maintenance throughout the cars life has been given and just recently replaced coolant hoses, fuel and oil lines and rebuilt brake calipers and new Michellin XWX tires are just some of the recent items that have just been done to the car.

The compression check on the six-cylinders is near perfect. The car has its original, complete tool roll in its original leather bag, the original jack in its original leather bag, original spare tire is a Michellin XWX tire, the original Ferrari Dino leather pouch which houses all of the original owner’s manuals, warranty books, dealer books, car care book and parts manual - all present within the car. A copy of the original odometer statement, new car invoice, manufacturer’s statement of origin and window sticker, along with documents and receipts dating back to 1985 are all present with the car. This is an exceptional Ferrari 246 GTS Dino in near showroom condition that runs and drives superb.