After years of podium finishes with his “junior” engines, Enzo Ferrari, who had long desired a roadgoing production car to directly challenge his competitor, Porsche, charged his development team with designing a new car from the ground up, using the principles advanced by his beloved Dino. The resulting car was both midengined and V-6 powered, with “Dino” proudly cast in each camshaft cover. His son’s dream come to life, Enzo saw it only fitting that rather than the revered Ferrari rampante stallion, it would be Dino’s own signature adorning the car’s nose.
The Dino 206 GT first went on sale in 1967, wearing a stunning body designed by Leonardo Fiavoranti of Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti. The chassis was powered by a 2.0-liter, double-overhead-cam, all-aluminum V-6 engine mated to a five-speed transaxle. The first major update came in 1969 with the debut of the 246 GT. The engine displacement was increased to 2.4 liters and the body construction switched to steel. The buying public and motoring press alike fell head over heels for the Dino, with near-universal praise for its gorgeous design and razor-sharp handling.
Chassis number 07892, presented here, is an outstanding US-specification, E-series model, with a documented chain of ownership from new. An original US car, it is believed to be one of fewer than 150 cars fitted from new with both the optional Daytona-style seats and steel fender flares. It also features Borletti air conditioning, electric windows, and Perspex headlight covers.
Completed on 7 March 1974, the car was destined for Chinetti Garthwaite Imports in Paoli, Pennsylvania. In November 1974 it was sold to its first caretaker, Mr. David G. Williams of Lawrenceville, Georgia. Mr. Williams would unfortunately own the car for just two years before moving abroad, selling it in 1976 through the Ferrari News Bulletin and advertising the car as having “never seen rain.”
Meticulous care was continued by its next curator, Mr. Alberto Amezcua of Mexico City, Mexico, who would cherish the 246 GTS over the next 15 years. Service records show it was exceptionally maintained while in Mr. Amezcua’s stewardship with no regard given to cost. Since Mr. Amezcua parted with the Dino in 1993, it passed through several enthusiast owners who continued providing it with loving care. Many pages of service records stretching back decades are included with the sale. After its acquisition by Gene Ponder, its originally specified Campagnolo wheels were replaced by its present, extremely rare, Borrani wire wheels, complete with three-ear knock-off nuts and Pirelli Cinturato tires.
Now offered from the Gene Ponder Collection, such well-optioned, well-documented, and extraordinarily maintained 246 Dinos do not come up for sale often and are prized by discerning collectors when they do. This GTS “Chairs & Flares” stands ready to welcome its next caretaker into the exclusive club of Dino ownership.
