Ferrari Dino 246 GT – Classiche Certification

The Ferrari Dino was introduced in the late 1960s as the ‘entry-level’ sports car offering from Maranello, initially as the 206 GT and latterly the upgraded 246 in both GT and GTS guise. Although introduced to be a more affordable option, the decades have been incredibly kind to the Ferrari Dino, with it being a model that is revered by both enthusiasts and collectors all around the world in the contemporary classic car market.

Ferrari Dino 246 GT chassis no. 07000 was ordered new via UK importer Maranello Concessionaires for HR Owen of London in May 1973. This example was configured in the striking colour combination of Verde Pino Metallizzato (106-G-30) over Beige (430) and Nero upholstered interior which was complemented by further optional electric windows. This specification is confirmed by the original supplying invoice that is kept on file, with the list price of the vehicle totally £5,351.24. In February of 1979, chassis no. 07000 was sold to a Mr. J. Bowley of Leicestershire who would remarkably own the car until 2017, when we were fortunate the purchase the vehicle.

Purchasing the vehicle directly from its owner of nearly 40 years has allowed us to hear many great anecdotes and stories from both its early and more recent life, with Mr. Bowley often remarking on the numerous occasions people would try and purchase it from him. At the time when we purchased chassis 07000, Mr. Bowley stated that “’people would often tell me I should sell the car for a profit, but owning the Dino was never about making money. The car was like a part of the family, I loved it too much to let go after 20 or 30 years odd, but as I was using the car less and less, it was only sensible to let someone else enjoy her.”

Prior to concluding our purchase of the vehicle, we thoroughly inspected the Dino to confirm that the major mechanical components were original and ‘matching’ and then we began an unprecedented and comprehensive restoration process. With such a unique provenance and striking original colour combination, we decided that chassis 07000 was worthy of a ‘nut-and-bolt’ restoration in our Furlonger workshop and with out trusted partners. Given their complex construction and relative value (compared to other 60s/70s Ferrari), to faithfully restore a Dino is not a commercial decision; the cost is simply too high to see an instant return. Although other examples may claim to be restored, in the main this usually only comprises of a cosmetic works with mechanical freshening, however in our opinion chassis 07000 is a Dino almost like no other.

During the stripping process of the vehicle, it became apparent that although it had been repainted during Mr. Bowley’s ownership, this Dino remained one of the most original examples we have ever had the pleasure to work on. Every piece of trim that was removed still carried the original body number on the underside (#2318) with the original Verde Pino Mettallizzato being visible behind the windscreen trim, internal door skins and under the headlining. With the vehicle completely stripped, some minor metal works were carried out for a perfect finish, before the body was treated and blasted, while at the same time the original engine was rebuilt with all other mechanical components either faithfully restored or replaced. Once the body was repainted in its original Verde Pino, at the start of 2019, 246 GT #07000 would start to be rebuilt, with every component now indistinguishable from how it would have been in 1973. The restoration process was concluded by a complete retrim in its original Beige and Nero combination with materials that were sourced in-line with those used in period. With the whole process either being carried out in-house or with our trusted partners, we are fortunate to present the vehicle with a complete photo library of the restoration process which represents the time and effort that went into making this one of the best Dinos in the world.

Upon its completion, we were honoured to show 246 GT #07000 on the concours lawns at Salon Prive in 2019, at which point it was reunited with Mr. Bowley. Following success on the concours lawn, we were thrilled that the vehicle was photographed by Road Rat magazine as a ‘benchmark’ example of the model.

Later in 2019, we were fortunate to supply this Dino to a local customer with an extensive Ferrari collection, who has used the vehicle sparingly since our works were completed. Only requiring regular maintenance following the restoration, all of which has been carried out in the Furlonger workshops, chassis 07000 presents as it did when the works were completed, which in itself was almost indistinguishable from when it was new.

Dinos that have ‘truly’ been restored are seldom seen, let alone available to purchase and we are proud to be able to bring this car to the market as one of the finest examples in the world today.

First three studio photographs credited to The Road Rat Magazine.