Lot 258

Monterey 2011

1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS

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$187,000 USD | Sold

United States | Monterey, California

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Chassis No.
07968
Engine No.
07968

195 bhp, 2,418 cc DOHC V-6 engine with three Weber 40 DCNF 13 carburetors, five-speed manual transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension with A-arms, coil springs and Koni telescopic shock absorbers, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. Wheelbase: 92.1"

- Sympathetically restored in 2011

- Accompanied by original manuals and warranty card

- A lifelong West Coast car

- Only four owners from new

First appearing as a production model at the 1967 Turin Auto Show, the Dino 206 was Enzo Ferrari’s tribute to his son and a collaborative effort in which Fiat produced a V-6 motor of Ferrari design. The model was Ferrari’s first to feature a mid-rear engine layout and as such was the groundbreaking progenitor of the popular V-8 line that flourishes to this day. In 1969 engine displacement was increased to 2,418 cubic centimeters, and the resulting higher-horsepower Dino 246 remained in production through early 1974.

This late American-spec Dino, chassis 07968, was originally finished in Dino Blu paint and was dispatched for the U.S. late in 1974. Arriving at Midway International Garage, an authorized Ferrari dealer in San Diego, the car was sold new on April 11, 1975 to Dr. Roger Stoike of Chula Vista, California. As reflected by the original warranty card maintenance log that still accompanies the car, Dr. Stoike regularly serviced 07968 and obviously took great pride in the thrill of Ferrari ownership. By 1981, however, Dr. Stoike was prepared to part with his Dino and sold it to fellow San Diego resident Troy Stimson. Mr. Stimson kept the car only a few years before selling it in early 1985 to Larry Cardinale of Ashland, Oregon.

In addition to maintaining the Dino’s well-observed service intervals, Mr. Cardinale conducted a few minor restorative measures to freshen its overall presentation. This work included the installation of a new muffler and new proper Connelly leather upholstery in the original tan color. In the late 90s, this Ferrari was acquired by a Los Angeles collector who opted to conduct a high-quality bare metal paint job in Fly Yellow, one of the most iconic of Ferrari colors. In April 2007 the car benefited from some significant mechanical attention, including the installation of a new clutch, new bearings and rings in the engine, a new thermostat and exhaust valve, fresh coolant hoses, engine gaskets and a valve service.

In March 2010, this exquisite Dino was purchased by the consignor, who has since conducted an exacting sympathetic cosmetic restoration that has corrected presentation flaws while preserving the strengths of prior restorative efforts. This work included degreasing, stripping and re-coating the undercarriage, where original factory-spec plating was preserved while painted sections were refinished in the proper shade of black. The shocks and springs were similarly disassembled and repaired, while the rear fender wells, a known trouble spot for Dinos, were diagnosed with minor rust spots that were then properly removed, patched and repainted to match the immaculate Fly Yellow paint finish. The engine compartment was disassembled and properly tidied up, including the application of correct decals, while the original Cromodora alloy wheels have been restored to a high standard. Interior work included re-dying the original mouse-hair dash surface and installing a period-correct radio.

Since the most recent restoration and freshening, virtually no mileage has been incurred, leaving the next owner the untapped benefits of the car’s current fresh condition. This Ferrari has spent its entire life on the West Coast under the care of only four owners and is reported to perform very well. The future owner will have the flexibility to enjoy the Dino’s trademark performance yet can still exhibit it with confidence and pride, as the car continues to present with stunning appearance. Accompanied by its original manuals and featuring a documented history from new, this Dino is a potently handsome and eminently drivable example of Ferrari’s first rear-engine production car, one that would beautifully complement any collection of Ferraris or postwar sports cars.