The much sought-after Ferrari 246 Dino GT was named after Enzo Ferrari's son Alfredo, who died in 1956, aged just 24. Enzo Ferrari credits his son with the inspiration for a series of successful small and medium capacity V6 racing engines built by Ferrari from 1956, and in turn, the name was given to a new line of mid-engined production Ferrari V6 coupés, which first went on sale in 1969. The Dino 246 GT has proved to be one of the most satisfying and successful automobiles built by Ferrari and paved the way for the emerging generation of mid-engined Ferraris. It is widely regarded as one of the best-handling and most gratifying automobiles of the early 70s, it is one of the most attractive, delicately balanced designs ever produced by the masters at Pininfarina. As a result, Dinos have enjoyed a well-deserved recent surge in popularity.
The GTS version of the 246 Dino arrived at the Geneva Salon in March 1972, it was built on the series III platform and featured a removable targa roof panel that could be stowed behind the seats. The chassis was also modified with reinforced extra bracing along the sides and front of the engine frame. Aside the targa top visibly the GTS could be identified by the lack of rear three-quarter windows, these being replaced by a bank of three vents carved out from each sail panel. Production of both the GT and GTS came to an end in 1974, just 1274 GTSs were built.
As of March 2016, this Dino GTS had just three registered keepers before sale to the current custodian. Remarkably low mileage and well cared for, this example today presents with just 27,250 miles from new.
This 246 GTS was supplied new to Mr N R Kempton through H.R. Owen of Golders Green in early 1973, in Blu Dino 106-A72 over black vinyl and black carpets. Ordered through importer Maranello Concessionaires, the original specification included electrically operated windows, five wheels, tools and a nose bar.
Mr Kempton, joint managing director of uniform supplier T W Kempton in Leicestershire had registered the car from new on his cherished registration mark ‘NRK 1’.
In January 1978, the Dino moved to the care of its second custodian, Mr W Ford of Rothley, close to Mr Kempton and also in Leicestershire. A letter in the file wishes the new owner well and the best in the continued care of the GTS, and the response back suggests that Ford will keep the car registered with Kempton as ‘I think that if ever I do sell it, it looks much better with just one owner in the logbook’ ! [Sic]
Later in January, Mr Ford had Graypaul Motors carry out a huge amount of work on the GTS (still registered NRK 1!) The works totalled £2,010, nearly half the list price of the Dino and included a full engine-out rebuild. In November ’78, Ford finally applied his cherished registration mark ’67 WF’.
On 4th October 1981, the GTS was purchased by longterm custodian-to be, Mr Flanagan. Included in the file is a letter by Mr Flanagan from 2016, recalling his purchase 35 years earlier from Ford in Rothley, Leicestershire. Flanagan continued to have the Dino serviced by Graypaul yet used the car remarkably sparingly. In his first 19 years of ownership, Flanagan would cover an average of just 220 miles a year. Between 2000 and 2016, his total mileage would drop below even that, with the car covering just 175 miles in the 16 year period.
In 2016 Flanagan parted ways with the Dino for personal reasons, and the car was purchased by the current custodian. It was sent to Ferrari main dealer Meridien Modena of Lyndhurst for a thorough inspection and service, remedying a faulty rev counter and two leaking shock absorbers at the same time.
Shortly thereafter, the Dino was dispatched to Hong Kong. Servicing was handled by Blackbird Concessionaires, the official Ferrari dealer and service centre. Stored as part of a collection, the current owner has covered just under 2,000 miles in 8 years.
This example returned to the UK in January 2024 and since been through our workshops for a full inspection and major service as part of the sale. This wonderful Dino GTS presents superbly and is awaiting its next custodian, available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately.
