1973 FERRARI DINO 246 GTS
Ferrari Classiche Certified
Make: Ferrari
Model: Dino 246 GTS
Year: 1973
Chassis number: Withheld
Engine number: Withheld
Engine displacement: 2,400 cc
Certification: Ferrari Classiche, awarded in 2016
Exterior colour: Red
Interior colour: Black
Overview
The 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS represents one of the most captivating interpretations of Ferrari’s sporting philosophy during the 1970s. Compact, elegant and distinguished by its particularly successful balance of styling and dynamic performance, the Dino stood apart from traditional V12-powered Ferraris by introducing a different concept of sporting motoring: a mid-mounted V6 engine, compact dimensions, exceptional agility and a design that has become a benchmark in automotive history.
Presented in the classic and elegant combination of red bodywork and black interior, this example stands out for its official Ferrari Classiche certification, obtained in 2016, its documented original sales provenance and the recent comprehensive restoration of its engine and mechanical components, carried out by a specialist.
History and provenance
The car was sold new in 1973 by Crepaldi, the Ferrari dealership in Milan. This is a significant detail in establishing the car’s history and provenance.
In 2016, the car obtained Ferrari Classiche certification, a particularly noteworthy distinction for collectors and enthusiasts, associated with the historical and technical verification of a car’s authenticity under the procedures of Ferrari’s official programme.
This certification is an important qualifying feature of the car and should be distinguished from the documentation relating to subsequent mechanical restoration work.
Ferrari Classiche certification
Ferrari Classiche certification is one of the principal reference points for the preservation and appreciation of historic Ferraris. The programme is intended to verify a car’s historical conformity and identifying characteristics, based on the documentation and inspections required by Ferrari’s procedures.
For a historic automobile such as the Dino 246 GTS, this recognition is an important consideration in its collectability, as it helps document the car’s historical identity and its conformity with the characteristics recognised by the programme.
This Dino 246 GTS received its certification in 2016. The certification is therefore presented as an integral part of the documented history of this particular example, without being confused with the recent mechanical restoration.
Technical specifications of the Dino 246 GTS
The Dino 246 GTS belongs to Ferrari’s family of sports cars featuring a rear-mid-mounted V6 engine, a configuration that contributes to weight distribution and precise handling.
In standard specification, the model is equipped with a naturally aspirated V6 engine of approximately 2.4 litres, featuring twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank and carburettor fuel delivery. The stated output for the European 246 is approximately 195 hp, with figures varying according to market and specific version.
The engine is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the chassis and independent suspension on all four wheels are designed to provide balanced, engaging dynamic performance.
Key features of the model include:
- Rear-mid-mounted V6 engine: a fundamental engineering solution contributing to the car’s dynamic balance.
- Approximately 2,400 cc displacement: a defining characteristic of the 246 family.
- Five-speed manual gearbox: designed to complement the engine’s sporting character.
- Independent suspension on all four wheels: providing precise handling and control.
- Pininfarina-designed bodywork: one of the defining features of a highly recognisable design in Italian sports-car history.
- GTS configuration with removable roof panel: allowing open-air motoring while retaining the option of a more enclosed driving experience.
The Dino 246 GTS therefore combines sporting performance, relatively compact dimensions and an engineering layout that has contributed to its reputation as an especially rewarding car to drive.
Design and distinctive features of the GTS version
The GTS designation identifies the open-top version with a removable hard roof panel, commonly referred to as a targa configuration. Compared with the fixed-roof Dino 246 GT, the GTS offers greater versatility and a more open driving experience while retaining the compact proportions and sporting lines of the bodywork.
Designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, the car features a low front end, sculpted wheel arches, side air intakes and a compact rear section. The overall design achieves a balance between Italian elegance and sporting functionality, helping establish the Dino as one of the most representative cars of its era.
The red exterior with black interior enhances the classic sporting character of this example and gives it an enduring aesthetic appeal.
Rarity and collector appeal
The Ferrari Dino 246 GTS occupies a distinctive position in Ferrari history. Production numbers were significantly lower than those of the 246 GT coupé: commonly cited historical production figures indicate approximately 1,274 Dino 246 GTS cars in total, compared with approximately 2,295 Dino 246 GT examples.
The relatively limited production run, removable-roof configuration, Pininfarina-Scaglietti design and the Dino’s role in the development of mid-engined sports cars all contribute to its collector appeal.
Mechanical restoration and documentation
The engine and mechanical components have recently undergone a comprehensive restoration carried out by a specialist.
All work is documented through invoices and photographs, providing tangible supporting evidence of the work performed and helping establish the car’s condition.
Photographic and financial documentation is an important resource for prospective owners seeking to understand the car’s maintenance history and verify the restoration work carried out.
The car is also accompanied by all its original owner’s and maintenance manuals, documentation that is particularly valuable in preserving the historical completeness of the example.
Included documentation and items
- Ferrari Classiche certification obtained in 2016.
- All original owner’s and maintenance manuals.
- Documentation of the mechanical and engine restoration, including invoices and photographs.
Condition and availability
Following the recent comprehensive restoration of its engine and mechanical components, the car is immediately ready to be driven.
For privacy reasons, further information, including the withheld identification numbers and any additional details concerning the documentation, is available exclusively in person.
Summary
A 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS combining several particularly appealing features for collectors: originally sold by Crepaldi in Milan, Ferrari Classiche certified in 2016, comprehensively restored engine and mechanical components documented by invoices and photographs, original owner’s and maintenance manuals, and the sought-after GTS configuration with its removable roof panel.
An example with a strong historical identity, representing one of the most significant periods in Italian automotive design and sports-car engineering.
