European specification, one of only 13 Dino GTSs delivered in Nocciola Metallizzato

1973 Ferrari Dino 246GTS

The Ferrari Dino 246 GTS

The Ferrari Dino 246 GTS targa-roofed convertible was launched at the 1972 Geneva Motor Show and proved an immediate hit, particularly in the U.S. Apart from the removable black roof panel that can be stowed behind the seats, compared to a Dino GT, the GTS can be distinguished by its lack of rear quarter windows, replaced by a sail panel with three rectangular vents.

All Dino GTSs were based on the final, E series 246 that were introduced mid-1971. From February 1972 to the model’s demise in 1974, 1282 convertible GTSs were sold, primarily to North America. Just 401 cars were built for the left-hand drive European market.

As with the coupé, U.S. versions are slightly slower than European market cars, as they have anti-smog equipment mandated by US law. American delivery cars also have vertical orange front side lights, rectangular red marker lights at the rear, seat belt buzzer lights and various other add-ons which blight its aesthetic appearance. 

The Dino 246 GTS will always command a premium over its coupé sibling, with European cars in rare colours the most valuable.

This Motor Car

Dino 246 GTS chassis 07066 combines European specification with a fabulous period colour (Nocciola Metallizzato, or metallic hazelnut) and a superb, multi-year restoration. It was sold new to Rome, imported to Sweden in the mid-1970s, restored there over a ten-year period (4,000 man-hours of work) by its long-term mechanic owner, and then fully checked and gone through by Italy’s top Ferrari restorer Autofficina Bonini (concours winner with Ferraris at Pebble Beach and Villa d’Este) from 2018 until 2020 at a further cost of over €120,000. The car is UK-registered, ‘on the button’ and in show condition.