Hello Everyone, My name is Dario and I am in Vancouver BC. Recently I purchased 246 # 01624 that was stored in a barn/shop and hadn't been driven for 30ish years on one of the Islands here in BC. I know the car was a Euro Import back in 1978 or so. A little about myself. Born in a very sicilian family I have always been in to the Porsche's (go figure that one out) But of my 5 favourite cars I always wanted a 246 Dino. The Dino was always on the list(thanks Robert Wagner for that). The car is originally Azzuro Dino with Black with 24K on it. The car shows well and has some lets call it patina all over. My intention is to drive it. So a mechanic friend of mine ( who apprenticed at Abarth in the 60's) went through all the brakes front to rear changing everything. Then we did the normal start up procedure for a car that has been sitting for so long. Compression test 120 across all 6. I was happy with that. It fired up and smoked a bit and soon cleared up. After some more checks it was time for the first drive. A few weeks later - I took the car from one island to Vancouver Island. I brought the car to Rudi and Company a friend of mine that has owned at least a dozen dino's since I have known him (passed 5 years). Where they were going to continue making the car road reliable ie. changing all the hoses, lines, rebuilding of bendix pumps etcetera. Still lots to do.... First pic is how I found the car after I pulled the cover off of it. The other is after we got it road worthy. Dario Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Congratulations, you have my absolute favorite Ferrari! I was about to buy a 246, but became concerned that I would not have anyone willing to work on it given its age. Yours is beautiful and I hope you spend as much time as possible driving it. Remember, cars were made to be driven, not to parade in shows.
Firstly Dario, to take as many photos as you can and post them on here. If it has been sitting in a barn for 30 odd years it should be unmolested by people who think they know better and a possible valuable source of information on originality. Dont forget the bodywork get it checked or do it yourself, they rust just about everywhere. If ok, get her up on a ramp and Dinitrol (underbody rust preventor) everywhere including removing the undertray Next drive her.
Nice Euro model! 30 years of sitting didn't do the clutch cable much good. I'd be surprised if it moved as freely as it should. The Master cylinder also would be dodgy IMO. But, take her easy for a while and enjoy. They are fun to own and fun to drive. They do have their quirks so don't be surprised to be here often asking weird questions. Good luck with your new baby and more pics would appreciated! BTW: you're going to need those wiper arms on the car in BC!
Hello Dario, great find, #01624 was original delivered to Italy, to Motor Spa in Roma. Azzurro Dino 20-A-349 is the original colour. Well done. Regards Matthias
Mattias, I can see in some of the paperwork the car was delivered to italy but wasn't sure where. Shortly after in 74 the car went to Germany and stayed there until the car was shipped to the US in the late 70's. I have the original German doc's "National Union" that shows stamps until 77. Dario First questions: Where would be a good source for the wiper arms? Anybody have a good used set? Thanks Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Superformance can supply replica arms if you can't locate any original Arman ones. You'll need one 24604297 and one 24604298 for the cross over type wiper system http://www.superformance.co.uk/a-246/fittings.htm They also supply the wiper blades and fixing nuts if you require those as well.
The car does look good in that colour. There was an Azzuro Dino 246 featured in an article in Classic & Sports Car magazine last November. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Dario, Congratulations on your Dino. Word to the wise...Enjoy it! and drive it slow so others can get a good look at your baby. Do Not Restore it until you absolutely have to. Restoration takes a long time and you will miss the fun you will have driving your Dino. Steve
Welcome Dario and congratulations. Can you post some more photos please? Thank you and enjoy your Dino.
Welcome to the Community. The guys here are full of knowledge and will help guide you. Please post more pictures. We all love to look at pictures especially if the car has not been tampered. Did you inspect the frame underneath?
Welcome Dario. It is great to see another Canadian sporting a Dino (especially a GT). The blue is an awesome colour and we all look forward to seeing more photos.
What a great find on your part! I believe the amber flat front turn signal lenses were UK spec-- maybe placed when the car was imported to Canada? And I second the idea of not restoring it unless absolutely necessary- one thing leads to another and the car will be off the road for a LONG time.
Pantdino, Funny you mention that.... I do have some paperwork showing the Dino (I think) spent it's last years in London before being shipped over States side. Do you think that was a change that was mandatory when a car went to a another European country? Also a questions about the radio. Or the NON existent radio. Does this look like a factory delete plate. and if so on the outside of the car is a chrome plug that looks suspicious. Thanks for your kind words.... Dario Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
The radio blanking plate on the dash is the correct original item. The orange turn signal lenses were most likely fitted when the car went to Germany as I'm pretty sure they were mandatory there. The Dino Compendium confirms this. I just noticed that your car has the wrong wheel centre caps fitted. The ones on it are from a 308 GT4 and don't have the dished centre with the 5 wheel bolt holes.
There are more than a few Dinos just south of you in Seattle. Drive down some day and congrats! Cheers, Keith
Wow, she's gorgeous! What a terrific find, and a fantastic colour. Looking forward to more pics. Congratulations, Dario. Enjoy!
