195 hp, 2,418 cc DOHC V-6 engine with three Weber 40 DCNF/7 carburetors, five-speed manual transaxle, front and rear unequal-length A-arm suspension with coil springs and anti-roll bars, and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 92.1 in.
Recognizing the potential for small displacement, high-technology six-cylinder engines, Alfredo Ferrari’s vision is more relevant today than ever before. “Dino,” a trained engineer, passed tragically at the age of 24, just as he began making a case for performance-oriented six-cylinder engines for the brand’s racing efforts. The small V-6 eventually made it into production as a 1,987-cubic centimeter unit, which allowed Ferrari to qualify for Formula Two racing. For 1969, the Dino’s V-6 was enlarged to 2,418 cubic centimeters, giving the 206 its new 246 nomenclature. It was a success almost immediately at its launch, and it spawned the open-top GTS Spider in 1972.
Well equipped with air conditioning, electric windows, and Cromadora wheels, this Tipo E 246 Dino GTS is one of just 72 ordered in the attractive color of Nocciola Metallizzato. Luigi Chinetti, Ferrari’s official North American distributor, first sold chassis 07798 to Baker Motor Company of Atlanta, Georgia, which then sold it to Lee H. Williams, its first private owner, in the summer of 1974. Williams enjoyed the car until 1983 when he decided to put it into careful storage. Remaining in time-warp original condition, the Dino rested on jack stands in Williams’ garage until 1997 when he decided to sell the car. At this time it was still with its first owner, remained in outstanding condition, save for once being repainted in the mid-1970s, and had covered only 11,450 miles from new.
Since being sold by its original owner in 1998, chassis 07798 has been driven only about 9,000 miles by its subsequent caretakers and today has just over 20,000 original miles. The Dino remains in exceptionally original condition throughout and includes the jack kit, tool roll, an extensive history file, including service receipts, and the original books in their leather handbook.
This Dino boasts wonderful history and an enthralling color combination, as well as very low original mileage – an exquisite combination.