1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS: A Blue Swan Song of Italian Automotive Beauty

The Ferrari Dino 246 GTS by Scaglietti. Just the name conjures images of sun-drenched Italian roads and the golden age of sports car design. But the example currently gracing the listings at RM Sotheby’s is not just any Dino; it’s a genuine unicorn, a breathtakingly rare 1973 model that demands the attention of even the most seasoned automotive aficionado. Offered at a cool £480,000, this particular Dino isn’t merely a classic car; it’s a meticulously preserved piece of motoring history, boasting a unique pedigree that sets it apart from the already desirable pack.

What makes this Dino so exceptionally special? For starters, it’s one of a mere 256 UK-supplied, right-hand drive examples ever produced. But the rarity doesn’t end there. This stunning machine was supplied new in the extraordinarily rare Bleu Chiaro Metallizzato, a captivating light blue metallic hue that graced only 62 Dinos worldwide, and unbelievably, just six right-hand drive models. This makes chassis number 07182 unequivocally one of the most spectacular of the 256 UK delivery cars to have emerged onto the market in recent memory. Adding to its unique character is a special order interior featuring distinctive cloth inserts, a detail that further underscores its bespoke nature.

This exceptional Dino also boasts a fascinating history, having been previously owned by none other than British racing driver Digby Martland. Martland, a well-known figure in UK motorsport and Chevron’s first GT customer, even shared a works-entered Chevron B16 at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970. The connection to such a prominent figure in racing lore only adds to the allure of this already captivating machine. Presented today in concours condition, resplendent in its original and incredibly rare colour combination, this Dino is a true showstopper. Its originality has been further validated by Ferrari Classiche, who certified it in 2020 as retaining its fully matching numbers, a crucial detail for serious collectors.

Having covered just under 52,500 miles from new, this Dino has clearly been cherished throughout its life. It’s accompanied by its complete original book pack, including the all-important numbered warranty card, as well as its original tool kit and jack – all the accoutrements that a discerning collector would expect. Furthermore, the car comes with an exceptional and comprehensive history file, brimming with documentation and even period photographs that meticulously chronicle its journey through the years.

Originally invoiced to Maranello Concessionaires in October 1973, factory invoices reveal that this Dino was equipped with desirable features like electric windows, the aforementioned metallic paint, and those unique black cloth seat inserts alongside a luxurious Beige leather interior. Interestingly, rather than staying in Great Britain initially, it was sold new to Henry Linton Cars Ltd. in Jersey, Channel Islands. The extensive history file traces its journey back to 1975 when it was registered to Digby Martland.

The Dino’s journey continued, returning to Britain in 1977 before making an unexpected sojourn to Australia in 1978, enjoyed by the director of the Australian Express newspaper. Its time Down Under is well-documented, including a classified ad from 1983 when it was offered for sale in Sydney. The car eventually made its way back 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 further attest to its meticulous upkeep. In the summer of 2024, a painstaking decision was made to return the Dino to its exact as-delivered specification.

Renowned specialists Webster and Lancaster were entrusted with the repaint, ensuring the accuracy of the rare Bleu Chiaro Metallizzato with the help of period photographs and Dino expert Matthias Bartz. Simultaneously, O’Rourke Coachtrimmers meticulously retrimmed the interior. The results are nothing short of spectacular. This 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS by Scaglietti represents an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire one of the most spectacular and exceptionally rare right-hand drive Dinos ever built, a true blue swan in the world of classic Italian sports cars.

buy now from rm sotheby’s | £480k