TIMES ARE CHANGING FOR replicas. Where they were once derided, many buyers are now recognising their affordability and greater usability. At the upcoming Shannons timed auction, you can opt for the real thing, in the form of a V6 Dino, or a period-built Ferrari 250LM replica that will fool most onlookers (until they open the bonnet, at least).
The most valuable vehicle in the auction is a superbly-restored 1971 Ferrari Dino 246 GT Coupe that is expected to sell in the $600,000-$650,000 range.
The transverse, mid-engined V6 Dino, was named as a tribute to Enzo Ferrari’s late son. Often described as one of Pininfarina’s most beautiful designs, it became a production reality in 1969 with 150 two-litre 206 GT versions built, followed by 2487 2.4-litre 246s in Berlinetta configuration and a further 1274 Targa-topped GTS derivatives in 1974.
For many years, the superb Dino was considered “a lesser Ferrari” (and originally wore no Ferrari badging). Today the 246 GT Dino is recognised as a fully-fledged classic Ferrari and prices have been climbing steadily as collectors have appreciated its timeless styling, and great character.
The Australian-delivered 246 GT Dino Coupe being auctioned was one of the earliest to arrive here and is a superbly restored and maintained car
Originally delivered in January 1971 in the unique colour combination of Pino Verde with contrasting red leather upholstery, chassis 01390 is an early M-series Dino that was repainted in Ferrari red with light tan leather trim during a full body and mechanical restoration that was carried out during its previous ownership.
Spending most of its life in Queensland with Ferrari Register members before passing to its current Sydney owner 14 years ago, the Dino presents in fabulous cosmetic and mechanical condition today and would be a highlight of any Ferrari collection.
Five lots earlier in the auction and also red is a fabulous, period-built Ferrari 250 LM replica that looks like a well-raced ‘real deal’ Ferrari, but is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ for $60,000-$100,000.
A 250 LM driven by Jochen Rindt and Masten Gregory won the 1965 Le Mans 24-Hours, while in Australia journalist David McKay and Spencer Martin famously raced another of the 32 cars built. Today, the mid-engined 250 LM arguably ranks second only to its direct predecessor, the front-engined 250 GTO, in road-going Ferrari desirability with collectors worldwide.
Replicating the styling of a Ferrari 250 LM, the replica being auctioned was on view at Peter Briggs’ York Motor Museum in West Australia for many years before joining the collection of the current Sydney owner, who invested a lot of money sorting out its mechanical side.
Equipped with a rare German-built Cologne 2-litre Ford V6 engine mated to a Lancia transaxle, the 250 LM tribute sounds fantastic and would make a sensational entrance at your next local Cars & Coffee event.
Representing the closest most of us will come to owning an original multi-million-dollar 250 LM, the car evokes the spirit of the famous Ferrari without any pretensions to being the real thing.
Both cars are both amongst the 87 vehicle lots in Shannons Timed Online Winter Auction from June 8-15.