Designed by Aldo Brovarone and Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina, the Dino represented a groundbreaking shift for Ferrari, showcasing a masterful blend of artistry in metalwork by Scaglietti craftsmen. Its sculpted form housed a rear-mid-engine chassis, a daring departure from the conventional Ferrari-built road car, featuring a sophisticated 65-degree V-6 positioned behind the driver for optimal weight distribution. The subsequent evolution, the Dino 246 GT coupe, and 246 GTS, introduced in 1969 with a targa-style removable roof panel, boasted a 2.4-liter V-6 producing 175 horsepower in the US market.
Exceptionally rare, with only 1,274 units ever built, the allure of the 246 GTS is heightened by two exclusive features known among collectors as “Chairs and Flares.” “Chairs” refers to special seats borrowed from Ferrari’s V-12-powered GTB/4 Daytona, featuring iconic leather racing-style buckets with striking inserts in a contrasting color. Complementing this, the “Flares” option offers Group 4-style flared wheel arches that add a touch of aggression to the Dino’s elegantly flowing lines. These arches house special 7.5-inch-wide magnesium alloy cast Campagnolo wheels unique to the model.
Notably, each feature could be ordered independently, making cars equipped with both “Chairs & Flares” exceptionally rare and highly sought-after. Research indicates that fewer than 150 GTS examples were produced with both features, elevating them to the pinnacle of Dino production.
Photo Source: RM Sotheby’s
