By late 1972, Ferrari’s rear-engine Dino 246 GT was about halfway through production of its final iteration, the E-Series cars. This remarkably preserved two-owner example beautifully showcases the model’s considerable merits, from the voluptuous Scaglietti coachwork to the competition-derived Dino engine.

Chassis number 04970 was completed by the factory in November 1972, appointed with air conditioning and power windows, and finished in rosso chiaro with a black leather interior. Specified for the American market with instruments in miles, the 246 GT was also equipped with new optional 7½-in. Campagnolo wheels, which required special flaring of the fenders. By virtue of also being appointed with Daytona-style seats, this Dino is a legitimate factory-equipped ‘Chairs & Flares’ coupe, of which only five examples are known to have been specified for the U.S.

Dispatched in 1973 to MCM, William Harrah’s well-known West Coast distributorship in Reno, Nevada, the Dino was retailed through Griswold Ferrari in Berkeley, California. Originally allotted for sale to the dealer principal’s son, the car unexpectedly became available due to a last-minute change of heart, and while sitting on the showroom floor, it was spotted by Major Alfred Thomas of the U.S. Air Force, who was stationed nearby in Sacramento. Having just been promoted, Maj. Thomas was in a mood to treat himself, and when he saw the Dino he was immediately enamored, purchasing the car as soon as he could arrange financing.

Thomas would use the Ferrari a few times a week to drive to the air force base where he worked, and he fastidiously maintained the car, carefully ensuring that it was never exposed to inclement weather. In 1975 the owner returned the car to Griswold for some paintwork, and the dealership administered a high-quality refinish in the original factory color.

In 1976 Maj. Thomas retired from the Air Force and acquired a tire franchise, which helped support his mounting racing endeavors. He campaigned a Porsche 911 RSR in SCCA Trans Am and the IMSA GTO series, and his crew chief, former Ferrari mechanic Greg Hurt, then assumed mechanical care of the 246 GT. In 1981, Maj. Thomas rejoined the Air Force and was transferred to Arkansas, and he dutifully shipped the Dino to his new home.

While living in the southern U.S., Maj. Thomas retained one of the area’s most respected names in Ferrari care, FAF Motorsports in Tucker, Georgia, to address any mechanical needs and servicing. While the Dino currently remains overwhelmingly original, it retains a handful of minor adjustments conducted by FAF, including the installation of a dash-mounted toggle switch for the cooling fans, disconnection of the temperature switch on the radiator, and removal of the air conditioning belt.

In 1988 Thomas left the Air Force once again, this time retiring for good in Orlando, Florida. Continuing his trend of meticulous upkeep, the longtime owner used the Dino only occasionally at niche events and track meets, including a rare round of hot laps at Sebring one year. Around 2014 the owner and his wife decided to relocate to Colorado, and the time had finally come to pass care on to a new custodian. In preparation for offering the Ferrari in March 2014, Thomas shod the wheels with new Michelin XWX tires, and replaced the worn floor mats.

The Ferrari was then acquired by the consignor and has since accrued very few miles. Currently showing less than 34,000 miles, this highly original 246 GT coupe is believed to retain its original factory Daytona seats, and the well-maintained exterior finish is the same one applied by Griswold Ferrari in 1975. It is accompanied by an original tool kit, owner's manual, and warranty/service booklet.

Displaying exceptional authenticity, this very rare 246 GT is one of only five ‘Chairs & Flares’ Dino coupes retailed in the U.S. It boasts rarity and desirable preservation, portending a warm welcome at Italian-themed car shows, FCA events, and regional concours d’elegance.