1973 Ferrari 246 Dino Coupe

In Alfredino 'Dino' Ferrari, Enzo saw an heir to his growing Italian stable. Therefore, his death in 1956 would be a tragic blow to 'il Commendatore'. As a result, Enzo would look to honor the memory of his son in really the only way he knew how.

Dino was the son. Therefore, it seemed only fitting a new line of Ferrari automobiles powered by a smaller displacement engines should be badged 'Dinos'. It was the mainstream Ferrari brand meant to offer Ferrari-like performance at a reduced cost.

Like everything at Ferrari during Enzo's life, Dino would be birthed as a result of a need to commercialize the company's Formula 2 engines. The engine was quite capable. Initially a 2.0-liter, four-cam V6, the engine produced around 180bhp and made speeds in excess of 130mph more than possible with the right design.

Pininfarina would offer just that. Aggressive and evocative, light and very aerodynamic, the 206GT was able to reach 142mph. Its mid-engine arrangement and low center of gravity layout made the car extremely nimble and, as a result, capable of keeping up with some more powerful Ferraris.

This performance would come with some trials. The greatest challenge would come in the form of the problematic aluminum body. The answer to this challenge was found to be simple. Instead of aluminum, steel would be used. While this made the issues less, the weight would be more, making the performance factor the new issue. To overcome the weight gain a larger engine would be needed.

In late 1969, a replacement would be introduced in the form of the 246GT. Powered by a 2.4-liter V6, the 246GT was capable of similar performance as a result of its 195bhp at 7,600rpm, this despite the steel body and cast iron cylinder block.

The 246GT would be hailed by those who drove it. The car's handling, responsive steering, braking and feel on the road made it a favorite. The Pininfarina body style took it over the top when it came to appeal. Even to this very day, the Dino 246GT remains an aesthetically-pleasing thing to behold.

This particular chassis, 06626, would be finished at the factory in June of 1973. While a Targa-top model was available, this chassis would be completed as a closed Coupe version. Completed with left-hand drive, the car would be intended for Belgium and one of Enzo's closest friends.

Jacques Swaters had a close relationship with Enzo and his Garage Francorchamps SA would put in the order for the car. Despite heading for Belgium, the car would be finished in Rosso Chiaro Ferrari red with a black interior, not the Belgian yellow that would often adorn cars intended for Belgium.

Not long after taking delivery of the car, Swaters would sell the car to its first owner, Mr. Jean Oury. On July 17th, 1973 the 246GT would depart for Monceau-sur-Sambre, Belgium and Oury's ownership.

Interestingly, in 1989, Jacques Swaters himself would buy the Dino back from Oury to be part of his own personal collection. It would remain as part of the collection until 2013.

Having just two long-term owners since new and one of those being Swaters himself, this particular Dino is an impressive example. Complete with period-style Michelin XWX tires, nearly every aspect of the car presents as original. In addition, to everything else, a complete history file from Ferrari historian Marcel Massini only reflects the chassis' place in Ferrari history.

Offered through Bonhams' 2015 Quail Lodge auction, this ex-Jacques Swaters Dino 246GT would garner a sale price of $407,000, inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Jeremy McMullen

In June of 1973, this Ferrari Dino was completed at the Ferrari factory. It left the factory in Rosso Chiaro Ferrari 20-R-190 Red over a Nero 161 Black interior, fitted with Cromodora alloy wheels. It was built as the closed Coupe version in the E production series, and equipped as a left hand drive European example destined for the Belgian market.

This car had been ordered on March 14th of 1973 by Jacques Swaters Garage Francorchamps SA, the famous Belgian Ferrari importer and racing driver of Ecurie Francorchamps fame. Swaters sold the car on July 17, 1973 to the first owner, Mr. Jean Oury, resident of Monceau-sur-Sambre, Belgium. In February of 1989, the Dino was repurchased by Garage Francorchamps' proprietor, Mr. Jacques Swaters, and remained in his collection until 2013.

Currently this Dino wears the factory-correct Red and rides on silver Campagnolo wheels with vintage-style Michelin XWX tires. The odometer shows less than 38,000 kilometers, believed to be the cars actual mileage.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2015