Wearing a masterful design by Aldo Brovarone and Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina, artfully rendered in metal by the skilled craftsmen at Scaglietti, the Dino was—in many regards—the shape of things to come for Ferrari. Beneath its sculptural body sat a rear-mid-engine chassis, a bold, racing-derived departure for a Ferrari-built road car. A sophisticated 65-degree V-6 was placed behind the driver for optimal weight distribution. The evolved Dino 246 GT coupe and 246 GTS, which featured a targa-style removable roof panel, arrived for 1969 and featured a 2.4-liter V-6 producing 175 horsepower in the US market.

Already rare, with just 1,274 examples built in total, the 246 GTS is made even more desirable by the presence of two exclusive features, known to savvy collectors as “Chairs and Flares.” The first refers to the special seats plucked from Ferrari’s V-12-powered super-tourer, the GTB/4 Daytona; these iconic leather racing-style buckets featured eye-catching inserts in a contrasting color. Next, available Group 4-style flared wheel arches added a welcome hint of aggression to the Dino’s beautiful flowing lines. Filling out those arched wheel wells are special, 7.5-inch-wide magnesium alloy cast Campagnolo wheels unique to the model.

Each option could be ordered independently, making cars that have both exceedingly rare and sought-after; indeed, research indicates that fewer than 150 GTS examples were built with both “Chairs & Flares,” elevating them to the pinnacle of Dino production.

This 246 GTS, chassis number 06462, is one such car. According to a report by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, this US-market Dino, finished in Rosso Chiaro over a Beige Connolly leather interior, was completed on 19 December 1973. The car was distributed via Bill Harrah’s Modern Classic Motors of Reno, Nevada to Hollywood Sports Cars of California; there, it was purchased new in May 1974 by Jim Derentz of Van Nuys. As its original sales invoice, which accompanies the car, illustrates, it was equipped from the factory with “flared wheel wells” (costing $675) as well as “Daytona seats” (a $110 option). Further desirable factory equipment included power windows and air conditioning, as well as the leather interior, bringing the total cost up to a substantial $19,275.

Derentz would retain the Dino until 1998. Its next private owner, fellow Californian David Steel, acquired the car in 2003; shortly afterward, he would begin the exacting and award-winning restoration that would return the car to its factory-specified glory. As invoices on file indicate, Hot Rods and Hobbies of Torrance, California was tasked with body and paintwork, as well as exterior detailing. Blackhorse Motors of Los Angeles handled the mechanical side of the restoration, including an engine rebuild, transmission work, an overhaul of the suspension, braking, and ignition systems, and more. Upholstery was provided by Prestige Auto Upholstery of North Hollywood.

In early 2004, following the completion of this comprehensive refurbishment, Steel began an exhibition campaign with the car; the string of awards that followed speaks to the high quality and accuracy of its presentation. Beginning with a Ferrari Club of America (FCA) Gold Award at the XIII Palm Beach Cavallino Classic in January 2004, the car would earn well-deserved Platinum and Coppa della Macchina Awards at the same event the following year.

Steel would retain the Dino until 2010, enjoying it on the road but always maintaining its show-quality appearance. Invoices on file from subsequent owners indicate steering and suspension work performed by The Pit Stop of Brisbane, California in 2011, a clutch cable replacement carried out by Algar Ferrari of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in early 2016, as well as routine maintenance undertaken by Mraz Import Automotive of Brookfield, Wisconsin spanning 2017–2018. A further invoice on file, detailing an oil and filter change and fluid check in April 2022, speaks to the scrupulous ongoing care from which this car has benefitted up to the present day.

With an odometer displaying 34,010 miles at time of cataloguing, this rare and modestly driven “Chairs & Flares” 1973 Dino 246 GTS offers its next owner a tempting opportunity to acquire a true automotive masterpiece. Retaining its numbers-matching engine and gearbox and sporting a meticulous, award-winning restoration in its factory-correct colors, this Dino represents the very best of a highly significant Ferrari model.

Ideal for continued exhibition or spirited, open-air driving, it is today accompanied by original bill of sale, manuals, sales literature, tool kit, Dino key fob, tonneau cover, and invoices for its restoration and ongoing maintenance.