The Ferrari Dino 246 GTS by Scaglietti. The mere mention evokes images of sun-soaked Italian roads and the pinnacle of sports car craftsmanship. However, the specimen currently available through RM Sotheby’s is no ordinary Dino; it is a true rarity, a strikingly exceptional 1973 model that is sure to capture the interest of even the most discerning car enthusiast. Priced at a remarkable £480,000, this particular Dino transcends classic car status, representing a carefully preserved piece of automotive heritage with a distinctive lineage that elevates it above its already coveted peers.
What elevates this Dino to extraordinary status? To begin with, it is one of only 256 UK-supplied, right-hand drive examples ever manufactured. But the rarity goes further. This beautiful vehicle was delivered new in the exceptionally rare Bleu Chiaro Metallizzato, a captivating light blue metallic shade that adorned only 62 Dinos globally, and astonishingly, merely six of these are right-hand drive models. Therefore, chassis number 07182 stands out as one of the most remarkable among the 256 UK-supplied automobiles to have surfaced on the market in recent memory. Additionally, its distinctive character is enhanced by a custom interior featuring unique cloth inserts, further emphasizing its bespoke design.
This remarkable Dino also carries an intriguing backstory, having once been owned by celebrated British racing driver Digby Martland. Martland, a notable figure in UK motorsports and the first GT customer for Chevron, even shared a works-entered Chevron B16 at the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970. The connection to such a prominent racing identity only amplifies the desirability of this fascinating vehicle. Now presented in concours condition, radiant in its original and incredibly rare color scheme, this Dino is indeed a head-turner. Its originality has been validated by Ferrari Classiche, who certified in 2020 that it retains its fully matching numbers, a vital detail for serious collectors.
With just under 52,500 miles on the clock, this Dino has clearly been treasured throughout its existence. It comes with its complete original book pack, which includes the essential numbered warranty card, along with its original tool kit and jack—everything a meticulous collector would anticipate. Moreover, the car is accompanied by an impressive and extensive history file, filled with documentation and even period photographs that detail its journey throughout the years.
Originally invoiced to Maranello Concessionaires in October 1973, factory invoices indicate that this Dino was outfitted with sought-after features such as electric windows, the aforementioned metallic paint, and those distinctive black cloth seat inserts alongside a luxurious beige leather interior. Curiously, instead of remaining in Great Britain, it was initially sold to Henry Linton Cars Ltd. in Jersey, Channel Islands. The extensive history file tracks its path back to 1975 when it was registered to Digby Martland.
The Dino’s odyssey continued, returning to the UK in 1977 before embarking on an unexpected detour to Australia in 1978, where it was enjoyed by a director of the Australian Express newspaper. Its time in Australia is well-documented, including a classified advertisement from 1983 when it was listed for sale in Sydney. The car eventually returned to the UK, passing through the hands of several passionate collectors, culminating in its certification by Ferrari Classiche in 2020. Numerous service invoices from authorized Ferrari dealerships and specialists confirm its diligent maintenance. In the summer of 2024, a carefully considered decision was made to restore the Dino to its original specification.
Renowned specialists Webster and Lancaster were entrusted with the repaint, ensuring the precision of the rare Bleu Chiaro Metallizzato with the aid of period photographs and Dino expert Matthias Bartz. Concurrently, O’Rourke Coachtrimmers meticulously refurbished the interior. The results are truly spectacular. This 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS by Scaglietti represents an unparalleled opportunity to acquire one of the most extraordinary and exceptionally rare right-hand drive Dinos ever crafted, a genuine standout in the realm of classic Italian sports cars.
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