Ferrari Dino 246 GT - Restored By Furlonger

Ferrari Dino 246 GT chassis no. 07000 was ordered new via UK importer Maranello Concessionaires for HR Owen of London in May 1973. The car was configured in the striking colour combination of Verde Pino Metallizzato (106-G-30) over Beige (430) and Nero upholstered interior. Further, the Dino was optioned with electric windows as confirmed by its original invoice still present with the car and totalling £5,351.24. In February of 1979, chassis no. 07000 was sold to a Mr. J. Bowley of Leicestershire who would own the car until 2017.

During Mr Bowley’s long-term ownership, chassis no. 07000, like many other Ferraris of the 70’s would undergo colour changes, re-upholstery, restorations, and some light local repairs.

Mr Bowley’s colourful ownership story began when he first saw this Dino 246 GT being driven through Leicester towards a local Porsche showroom. The car was parked up and looked as if it were being marketed for sale. Leaving a great impression on Bowley, the Dino quickly became a fixation, with the aspiration to soon own one. Flicking through the adverts placed in the Sunday Times some weeks later, Bowley was greeted by a familiar sight in the car section, the very Dino 246 GT that had driven past him. The following evening, he drove by the Porsche showroom where he would see the Dino poised at the front window, with its distinctive bodywork illuminated by spotlights. He drove home and began some careful financial calculations, with the belief that he could just about afford the car. Without any hesitation, he would set off for the showroom the following morning with the intention of purchasing the Dino. After some attempted haggling and negotiation from Bowley, the assertive salesman quite simply stated ‘The price is the price, and we won’t knock a penny off!’’. Bowley soon realised that the car would likely sell to someone else should he not proceed and shook the salesman’s hand to conclude the deal. He then flew to the bank, withdrew nearly all the money to his name and returned to finalise the purchase. We asked Mr Bowley how he felt making the purchase, and whether he had second thoughts at the time. He simply responded ‘’As a young man, it was all about having the car you dreamt of’’

Shortly after purchasing the Dino, he wanted the colour changed to Rosso. This was carried out by a VW main dealer and body shop in 1982, during which he also purchased a Volkswagen Beetle which remains in his ownership today.

Chassis no. 07000 would be driven regularly during its early life, but as the car aged Mr Bowley began using it diligently in warm, dry conditions. The car would attend numerous Ferrari Owners Club meetings, race days and drive-outs. Throughout his ownership, people would frequently approach him in petrol stations, car parks, and even in traffic 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 ’’ he explained.

In 2017 Furlonger acquired chassis no. 07000 from Mr Bowley to wit he enthusiastically helped us collate its history and long-term ownership. Confirming the Dino retained its main matching number components, we concluded the purchase and started a meticulous restoration, with the intention of returning the car to its original specification. During the removal of the car’s engine, gearbox, and interior trim, small patches of the Dino’s original colour, Verde Pino Metallizzato, were visible throughout the bodywork.

As we progressively stripped this Dino 246 GT, it became apparent that this example was one of the most original Dinos we had encountered, with every single piece of trim bearing the original body number (#2318). During the restoration process, we found some other interesting items on the car, including some Beige Plastica poking through the bulkhead, Verde Pino Mettallizzato behind the windscreen trim, internal door skins, under the headlining and many other places. We also found an original half-penny which has been retained within the Dino’s history. Mr Bowley would be reunited with his old car at Salon Prive 2019, seeing its original specification for the first time since 1979.

Furlonger have been fortunate to supply this remarkable example to its two most recent custodians, who have used the car sparingly in appropriate conditions and ensured it remain in exceptional order throughout.

Now offered for sale, chassis no. 07000 poses an exciting opportunity to purchase one of the finest examples of a Dino 246 GT in the world today, with an incredible ownership story, well documented history file, and recently completed restoration to original specification by Furlonger workshops.

*Please note that this vehicle is not stored on site – an appointment must be scheduled before coming to view*