Ferrari Dino 246 GT 1972
Fully Restored By Furlonger
Matching Numbers Example
Ferrari Dino 246 GT, order No. 5789 was ordered new via UK importer, Maranello Concessionaires for their dealer, HR Owen of London on May 1st 1973 and supplied in Verde Pino Metallizzato (106-G-30) with Beige plastica (430) and black carpets. The cars extras also included electric windows and metallic paint, confirmed by the Dino’s original invoice (totalling £5,351.24) and supporting documentation. Chassis #07000 was then sold in February 1979, to a Mr J Bowley of Leicestershire who went on to own the car until 2017.
During the course of Mr Bowley’s ownership, #07000 went through many trials and tribulations, including colour changes, re-trims, local repairs, restorations and a few bumps and scrapes along the way. The car was regularly used and well maintained by various main dealers and Marque specialists.
Mr Bowley’s colourful ownership story began when he first saw the car being driven in Leicester towards a local Porsche showroom, where it was parked up and looked as if it were to be marketed for sale. He explained how despite not having much money, the beautiful Dino had left him in awe and with the hopeful feeling that he would soon be able to own one. While Mr Bowley flicked through various adverts in the Sunday Times some weeks later, he was greeted by a familiar sight in the car section of the paper – it was that very car he had previously admired. The following evening Mr Bowley decided to drive past the Porsche showroom finding the car poised at the front window with its curvy bodywork illuminated by spot lights. After some thought and careful financial calculation, he made the decision to visit the showroom the following day with the mind-set that he could just about afford the car. He spoke with the salesman, working toward what the best price for the Dino would be, only to find that the assertive young man quite simply stated that ‘’the price is the price, we won’t knock a penny off!’’. The car not long advertised, Mr Bowley soon realised that the Dino wouldn’t stick around for long. After some quick thinking he made the decision to purchase the car, shook the salesman’s hand and set off to the bank to withdraw nearly all the money he had to his name. ‘’As a young man it was all about having the car you dreamt of’’, explained Mr Bowley. Shortly after the purchase of the Dino he wanted the colour changed to Rosso. This was carried out by a VW main dealer and body shop in 1982, where he also purchased a Volkswagen Beetle which still remains in his ownership today.
The car was regularly driven in its early life, but as time went on Mr Bowley would only use the car sparingly and in the right conditions. He would use the Dino on occasions such as Ferrari Owners Club meets or race days, but later realised he didn’t have the time to enjoy the car like he used to. Over the course of owning #07000 for nearly 40 years, people would approach Mr Bowley in petrol stations, on the road side and car parks all asking if the car was for sale and if so, at what price. ‘’People would often tell me I should sell the car for a profit, but owning the Dino was never about making money. The car was like a part of the family, I loved it too much to let go after 20 or 30 years odd, but as I was using the car less and less, it was only sensible to let someone else enjoy her ’’.
In 2017, after researching and collating the Dino’s history with the help of its enthusiastic owner, Furlonger acquired #07000 and began its meticulous restoration process. During the removal of the car’s engine, gearbox, interior trim, small patches of the Dino’s original colour, Verde Pino Metallizzato, were visible throughout the bodywork. It was then decided that #07000 was to be nut and bolt restored to its original specification of Verde Pino Metallizzato over Beige Plastica trim and Black carpets. Mr Bowley will be reunited with #07000 at Salon Prive, seeing its original specification for the first time since 1979.
As we progressively removed each part of #07000, it became apparent that this example was one of the most original Dinos we had ever seen, with every single piece of trim bearing the original body number #2318 along with all the other original numbers on the chassis, gearbox and of course engine being 100% original and correct.
As the restoration continued we found some other interesting items on the car, including some Beige Plastica poking through the bulk head, Verde Pino Mettallizzato behind the windscreen trim, internal door skins, under the headlining and many other places. We also found an original lost half-penny which has been retained within the Dino’s history!
This superb Dino is now presented exactly as it left the factory, with everything correct and in accordance with the Ferrari Classiche department. #07000 is a remarkable example, believed to be 1 of just 35 cars to leave the factory gracing this rare specification.
