1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT

Among the most celebrated sports cars of its era, the Ferrari Dino 246 GT represents an inspired union of Pininfarina design, mid-engine balance, and mechanical sophistication. More than half a century after its introduction, the Dino remains one of the most beautiful and engaging road cars ever built by Ferrari. The example offered here, chassis 02996, is particularly appealing: a largely unrestored California car that retains its original color scheme, matching-numbers drivetrain, and outstanding documentation. Finished in optional Blu Dino Metallizzato – an elegant dark metallic blue reportedly applied to just 255 Dinos – it possesses the unmistakable character of a cherished Southern California sports car. According to research compiled by Matthias Bartz, author of the definitive Dino Compendium, chassis 02996 was completed on December 4, 1971. A US-specification E-Series example, it was equipped with optional black leather upholstery and power windows and retailed through Modern Classic Motors in Reno, Nevada. With just 331 built, the US-specification 246 GT is considerably rarer than its open GTS counterpart. Sold new to Los Angeles attorney Robert Samuel Beck, the Dino was registered in California as “139 GVS,” and retains this blue and yellow plate today. Its evocative stack of registration stickers traces decades of California use and lends the car wonderful period charm. In late 1978, the Dino was acquired by James C. Holzemer, a local Ferrari enthusiast who also owned a 250 GT Lusso and participated in Ferrari Owners Club events. Mr. Holzemer retained the car for the remainder of his life, preserving it for nearly five decades and using it increasingly sparingly in later years. The current owner recently acquired the Dino from his estate. Today, the Dino remains beautifully preserved. The Scaglietti body no., 441, is present in multiple locations, and the car retains its original glass. Inside, the delicate “mouse-fur” dashboard covering, carpeting, and numerous other original details survive in impressive condition. The seats were professionally retrimmed during Mr. Holzemer’s ownership and remain well presented. At the time of cataloguing, the odometer displayed just under 52,000 miles, a figure consistent with the accompanying maintenance records. The Dino is offered with its leather folio containing the owner’s manual, spare parts catalogue, and dealer directory, together with its original keys, jack, wheel chock, and period Blaupunkt radio. Its exceptional history file includes registration and insurance cards, correspondence, Ferrari Owners Club material, and service records dating to the beginning of Mr. Holzemer’s ownership. Among these are early invoices from noted Los Angeles Ferrari specialist Modena Sports Cars Inc., as well as charming personal ephemera – including a period traffic citation – that documents a Dino driven, maintained, and cherished by an enthusiast. A Matthias Bartz report confirms that 02996 retains its original, matching-numbers engine and gearbox. Having seen limited recent use, the Dino should undergo sympathetic mechanical recommissioning before returning to the road. For the collector who values authenticity, however, this represents an exciting opportunity to preserve and awaken an unusually honest example. With its matching-numbers mechanical components, extensive documentation, and unmistakable Southern California character, chassis 02996 possesses qualities increasingly difficult to find in any Dino. A rare find today, it promises to be a particularly charismatic example of Ferrari’s landmark mid-engine sports car. car

Estimate:$500,000

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