BAT is aware of the interesting problems raised with this car. No one recognizes this car? Where did it come from?
I had already done a FChat search for 1208, 01208 and nothing came up. I was hoping there would be something somewhere to peel back this mystery.
Or the seller may decide to drop the reserve just to get this `problem' behind them...I hope that's not the case. An alternative is someone buys the car for a wealth of parts (engine in particular, interior, glass, wheels...if they're actually genuine, etc).
BaT's reply: Quote: bringatrailer Hello all, We greatly appreciate the commentary that this auction has received over the last few days. Transparency is very important to us, and we have amended the listing description based on the new information that has come to light. The wealth of knowledge amongst BaT users never ceases to impress, and we think it is vital for the community to be able to share their expertise on auctions like this. Best, BaT :Unquote. Righto.... Regards, Alberto PS. red letter highlight is mine
I'm still struggling to find the amendment. I 'think' they identified the changed steering column but that looks to be about it. Seller does not seem to be much more helpful either. Does not bode well for a buyer.
I only found these; - The nose section appears to be from a later-model car - The steering column appears to be from a later-model, US-spec car. Hardly an acknowledgement of the significant amount E stuff noted on this car. The lack of seller or owner input (remember it's on consignment) is starting to scream they know they have a problem car and have no idea how to handle it, hoping that someone will swoop down and bid a minimally acceptable offer just to get this fiasco behind them.
Quoted for truth. And as RonG said, seller should drop reserve now and get out while he can. (And so I can buy it!) Matt
Photo 52 in the BAT listing shows a tag for Ferrari of Newport Beach, with the language "Factory serviced at . . . ." The phone number listed for Ferrari of Newport Beach on the tag is 714/662-7600. One of you in the area might want to call them up and ask about it and see what they say. Also, I noticed that there is another red Dino in the background of photo 108.... Unfortunately, no pictures of the trunk, and it looks like maybe the boot lid doesn't fit particularly well, but that might be the angle from which the photo of the front end was taken????
It certainly would be interesting to have a list of any E cars reported as stolen. If this isn’t a stolen car, it may be the bargain of the century for a brave bidder.
I have this information from 2012: 246 GT with wrong chassis no. #01208 and gearbox *244 E* out of #02604 and engine *011162* out of #06696 so renumbered car… to identify the original chassis no. I would need to know the body no. must be originally a late e-series, very likely to be #06696 (no records after first owner in France in 1973)
Image Unavailable, Please Login Thanks Matthias. Does anyone have access to French registration records/Interpol to see if *06696* comes up with any info? On the sump photo, you can see the numbers “607-523886”? They’re a bit blurry.
@Countachqv Patrick helped me track down some information on an Alpine A110 from some French friends a few years ago. Maybe he could help?
Did that part number stay the same during 246 production or was there an early version and a late version?
I’ve restored too many Dino’s and off the bat can say it is definitely an E series with so many incorrect finishes/materials used.
Here is another 'funny chassis plate'. If anyone can make out the #... Regards, Alberto Image Unavailable, Please Login
Understatement of year by the seller: "If you are looking for a 100% correct concours example, this is probably not the car for you." I guess this car is what we call a bitsa. But the more serious question is whether or not the orginal VIN comes up as stolen? That's the real risk here. Given what we know (and don't know), what's it worth? $150,000?? I think you need to take it's value as a Frankenstein/Driver with the non-matching engine and gearbox, and then discount it 50%.