Considering that cars wearing the Dino badge were purposely marketed as a standalone marque at the time, few can deny that the core DNA of the sub-brand is heavily intertwined with the history of Ferrari and its Maranello roots. Conceived by Enzo Ferrari as an opportunity for customers to buy into the brand at a more accessible and affordable price-point compared to the company’s regular models, the Dino 206 GT and following 246 GTB and GTS were designed around a mid-mounted V-6 engine. This relatively scaled-back powertrain saved on production costs, yet still retained the sheer driving excitement and flair that customers expected of a Ferrari product—albeit wearing a different badge.

Such was Ferrari’s commitment to the Dino project, the sub-brand was named after Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari; the son of Enzo who sadly passed away in 1956. Before his death, Alfredo had been tasked by his father to design a dual overhead camshaft V-6 engine, resulting in selected 1950s and 1960s six-cylinder racing cars by Ferrari to bear the “Dino” name, further to later road cars, such as the Dino 246 GTS offered for sale here. Its Gran Turismo Spyder (GTS) body style is easily identified by its removable Targa-style roof, while the Daytona-style racing seats twinned with bolstered wheel arches afford limited versions of this car its ‘Chairs and Flares’ nickname.

Completed by the factory in May 1973, it is thought that this car is one of around 50 examples of the Dino 246 GTB or GTS to have been finished from new in the rarely seen shade of Rosso Cordoba, while the options list extended to a Beige Connolly leather interior. Built to U.S.-specification, the car was well equipped from new with air conditioning and power windows, riding on magnesium Campagnolo wheels that were wrapped in 14-inch tyres. Following completion, the car was brought into North America by William F. Harrah’s west coast Ferrari importer, Modern Classic Motors of Reno, Nevada, and shortly after it was acquired by its first owner, who resided in Los Angeles, California.

The car’s next owner came in 1975, based in Encino, California, then in 1978 the Dino 246 GTS was bought by a resident of Thousand Oaks. Still in the same state, the Ferrari was acquired in 1981 by a man living in Sunland. He owned the car until 1989, when it was advertised in Ferrari Market Letter with the wording: ‘Metallic burgundy with tan leather. Flares, Daytona inserts, A/C. Campagnolo wheels and Berlin stereo. Three-piece BBX wheels with Pirelli P7s. Performance tuned and polished engine. Everything is fresh or new. Available in original stock configuration. A beautiful Dino, and fast too! Pictures available. 32,000 miles. $195,000, negotiable.’

According to the Ferrari historian, Marcel Massini, the car returned to Europe around 1994, when it was noted to have been offered for sale by a dealer in Monaco. Later on in its life, a signed declaration by the French actress and model, Laetitia Casta, attests that the Dino 246 GTS was in her ownership between January 2006 and March 2017. Curiously, Ms. Casta is thought to have never driven the car, on account of not possessing a driving licence, but instead bought it for the flowing curves and supple design of the sports car. During this time, it is believed that the car was stored and cared for by Michel Mercier Automobiles, near Paris, France, as documented by the invoices on file dating from 2012 to 2018. It is understood that the car was subject to body and mechanical recommissioning in this time, and the Dino is supplied with a photo album with pictures showing it in the workshop.

This Dino 246 GTS presents an ideal opportunity for any Ferrari enthusiast seeking a model in unique specification with a fascinating history. The car is presented for sale with a history file containing selected paperwork, partial leather tool roll, and reprinted owner’s manual with parts manual disc.