1970 Ferrari Dino 246 GT

Chassis No. 00908
Engine No. 0005748 (Internal No. 00256)
Transmission No. 413

Presented in March 1969 at the Geneva International Motor Show, the Dino 246 GT addressed the chief criticism leveled at the 206 GT that preceded it. Despite the 206 GT's current standing among collectors today, Maranello's maiden mid-engine road car was widely considered underpowered when new; its 2.0-liter V6 was deemed short on muscle to fully exploit its brilliant chassis. The 246 GT increased the V6's displacement by 400 cc to 2.4 liters and raised output from 178 to 192 horsepower, giving the Dino a 25-horsepower advantage over Stuttgart's 911 S.

Production of the 246 GT was divided across three series-L, M, and E-with the earliest 'L Series' cars retaining the distinctive details of the original 206. These included Cromodora alloy wheels secured by central locking hubs with three-eared knock-offs, door skins and front and rear lid panels formed in aluminum, chrome-plated brass trim, slender bumpers, and headrests integrated into the rear wall rather than the seatbacks. With production totaling just 355 units, the L Series is today regarded as the rarest and purest expression of the 246 GT and remains the most sought after of the three variants.

According to a report compiled by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, chassis number 00908 was completed on 8 June 1970 as a European-market example with instrumentation in kilometers and finished in distinctive Rosso Chiaro over a Nero interior. While many eager American customers would have to wait for the introduction of the U.S.-market 246 GT in October 1971, others were not content to delay, instead importing European examples, as was the case with 00908. The car arrived on U.S. shores via Modern Classic Motors of Reno, Nevada, the famous import operation of casino magnate William “Bill” Harrah, before being sold to its first owner through Ron Tonkin Chevrolet in Portland, Oregon.

The car's history resumes in 1981, when Michael Delprincipe of Harbor City, California, acquired the Dino and reportedly kept it for the next 15 years. In 1996, the car changed hands within the state to enthusiast Garry Roberts, who subsequently commissioned a comprehensive restoration two years later by well-known Ferrari restorer Rod Drew of Francorchamps of America, Inc. (FAI) of Costa Mesa, California. The seven-year effort saw chassis 00908 stripped to bare metal and renewed in striking Giallo Fly over a navy blue interior, while the engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes, and wiring were all overhauled to a very high standard, supported by restoration invoices on file. History reports from both Massini and Dino authority Matthias Bartz confirm that the car retains its matching-numbers engine and transmission.

Following the restoration's completion in 2005, the exceptional quality of the work was validated by a string of Platinum and First-in-Class honors at Ferrari Club of America and Cavallino Classic events along the West Coast. Over twenty years on, Dino number 00908 continues to present to an exceptionally high standard, a testament to the caliber of Drew's craftsmanship and the care it has received since. Today it is offered alongside its tool roll, jack, and a collection of trophies attesting to its impressive concours honors, ready to grace the lawns once more in the hands of its next caretaker.