This Dino 246 GT is a remarkably well-preserved example of Ferrari’s 1970s sports car, in late model year ‘E-series’ specification. It is powered by its numbers-matching 2.4-litre V6, producing up to 143kW / 192bhp, and drives the rear wheels via a five-speed chrome gated manual transmission. An original ‘Tourist Delivery’ car, this Dino was ordered new by an Australian, but was first registered in the UK for its initial tour through Europe. It then remained in single ownership for 44 years, before passing to its second owner in 2016. The Dino 246 model was judged by esteemed Australian motoring journalist and former Wheels editor, Peter Robinson, to be one of the ‘Top 10 Ferraris’ of all time. One of just 488 right-hand-drive 246 GTs built, of which fewer survive today, this car is a very late example, one of the ‘final 15’ RHD 246 GT coupes by chassis number. An original and unrestored car, it is understood to retain its factory paintwork and interior trim. The odometer shows just 43,249 miles from new with verifying service history. Please note: this car is being re-run as the winning bidder failed to perform, and not because of any issue with the vehicle. Replacing the original, aluminium-bodied Dino 206 in 1969, from its introduction until 1974 when production ended, the Dino 246 GT underwent three minor revisions, referred to as series ‘L’ (1969 – 1970) ‘M’ (early 1971) and ‘E’ (1971 – 1974). This Dino 246 GT was specified in Rosso Chiaro, complemented by beige ‘Skai’ plastica (vinyl) with the desirable optional ‘Daytona’ interior, plus tan carpets and electric windows – exactly as it presents today. It also sports a slender chrome ‘nudge bar’ bridging the pitting-free bumperettes, and moulded covers for the headlights. Its first owner was an Australian, who ordered it new via Maranello Concessionaires, and chose the ‘Tourist Delivery’ collection. This option, also offered by the likes of Porsche and Mercedes-Benz in period, enabled customers from overseas to have their first experience of a new sports car on winding open European roads - exactly as the engineers intended. As such, this car was initially UK registered in June 1974, and was enjoyed around Europe for the next year, before arriving in the buyer’s home city of Sydney, Australia in November 1975. It rides on the original set of 14-inch ‘Cromodora’ alloy wheels, with correct ‘Dino’ centre caps, wrapped in period-correct Michelin XWX tyres (including a full-size spare wheel and tyre). Across the rest of the exterior, it retains the original Carello light lenses, ANSA exhaust with original decals and the factory satin black finish for the lower body. It also has the correct Koni shock absorbers on all four corners with original decals too, as well as the original Sekurit glass throughout. Inside, it is as per factory specification, including the ‘mousehair’ dash, Momo leather-trimmed and double-stitched steering wheel, and even the plastic pre-delivery protection over the transmission tunnel carpet. Accompanying the car are the original tools in the vinyl roll, plus jacking kit in the pouch - increasingly rare to find with a Dino today. There is also an incredibly comprehensive history folio with all the original books including the important warranty booklet, owner’s manual, service directory, and parts catalogue, stored in the correct brown leather ‘Dino’ wallet. Even the original key ring is included. Not only that, but also present is an original Dino 246 GT ‘Maranello Sales’ brochure, technical workshop folder, Maranello Concessionaires Archive letter confirming factory specification, and a vast history file of original paperwork, historic service receipts, correspondence with Maranello Concessionaires, purchase receipts and other documents. Externally, the bodywork is understood to be completely original, with near perfect panel gaps, and original glass and rubber seals. Likewise, its Rosso Chiaro paintwork is also understood to be the factory finish, with the exception of some very small chip touch-ups, and as such it now displays a time-earned ‘patina’ across the panels, with some hazing, microblisters, and other flaws associated with paintwork of this age. The interior is in exceptional shape for its age, though with two small puncture holes just below the driver’s headrest. These have of course been left as-is, to maintain the remarkable originality through the car. The trim around the rear bulkhead, door panels, and headlining is excellent, and the ‘mousehair’ dashboard has worn with age handsomely, retaining its factory matte finish. Another tell-tale sign of originality is the double-stitch thread of the correct Momo steering wheel. The seller states that the car starts, runs, and drives ‘on the button’, and is a joy to rev out through the gears on the open road. Its most recent scheduled maintenance was an annual service carried out by classic Ferrari specialist, Paul Placzek of Sports & Classic Car Services in 2021. The seller notes that it has been well maintained by Ferrari dealers and marque specialists from new, with a superb level of paperwork on file documenting its past. A precautionary engine rebuild was carried out in circa 2015, which now provides much peace of mind for the next custodian. This Ferrari Dino 246 GT is a truly top-tier ‘preservation class’ car, and must be one of the most original Dinos remaining anywhere in the world with documentation to match. While many have had colour changes or incorrect re-trims, this example is still in its factory specification, wearing its Rosso Chiaro paintwork and with its desirable beige vinyl ‘Daytona’ seats. A very small number of Dino 246 GTs ever came to Australia, and fewer still survive today. Boasting single ownership for the first 44 years of its life, a superb history file, and remaining unrestored throughout; this remarkable survivor is an unmissable opportunity for collectors who know that cars are ‘only original once’. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.