Photo: Car & Classic
In a way, all modern hard rock bands from a variety of different niches and disciplines can trace their roots back to Led Zeppelin. In the same way, modern Ferraris can trace their roots back, at least in part, to the 246 Dino. But what happens when you combine these two paradigms? As it turns out, it's the recipe for a whole lot of dollar signs. This is a 1973 Ferrari 246 Dino GTS bought directly from the dealership by Led Zeppelin's long-time manager, Peter Grant.
A portly man for much of his life with a trademark bushy beard and stern demeanor, it's possible that Led Zeppelin never reached the heights of superstardom without Peter Grant's assistance. As the man who shrewdly negotiated the band's first big contract with Atlantic Records, it makes sense that Led Zeppelin's man behind the leading man spent his new-found fortune on a car unlike almost any other in Great Britain at the time. With only 235 examples built in right-hand drive for the UK domestic market, this 246 Dino is as rare of a vehicle as could be purchased in Britain during the period.
With a 2.4-liter Dino-series V6 under the hood, the engine in this 246 Dino isn't a fire-breathing monster of a machine the way we've expected modern Ferrari motors to be. Then again, the same engine was used in the Lancia Stratos rally car and the Fiat Dino 2400 sports coupe, so it'd be unfair to say this engine was a 60s Italian equivalent to a Honda Accord engine. But although the Dino engine is often a point of mockery at times, the body around the engine is the equal but polar opposite.
With styling reminiscent of a Le Mans racer for the road, you'd almost forget that Ferrari got tombstoned at the big race by Ford back-to-back-to-back not long before this Dino was built. By virtue of its production for the UK market. This particular Dino gets the benefit of more appealing European-spec front headlamps, which had to be modified for the North American market to meet much-maligned federal safety regulations implemented during the early 1970s.
"With many members of Led Zeppelin known to enjoy their fair share of supercars, including many Ferraris, this Dino formerly owned by Peter Grant is a cherished, usable example with a proven history. It’s not just a car; it’s a piece of rock history, a fantastic piece of Led Zeppelin memorabilia, and a lovely example of a collectible 246 Dino GTS, said Dale Vinten, head of the editorial for Car & Classic. "it’s something that everyone can hopefully appreciate carries significant importance."
Estimates by experts peg the final selling price of this timeless classic Ferrari to be anywhere between £275,000 and £350,000 via the Car & Classic auction network. But with so much musical history latent within this car, is it possible it could sell for even more, possibly even crossing seven figures? By the end of the day on February 29th, we'll know for certain.
With a 2.4-liter Dino-series V6 under the hood, the engine in this 246 Dino isn't a fire-breathing monster of a machine the way we've expected modern Ferrari motors to be. Then again, the same engine was used in the Lancia Stratos rally car and the Fiat Dino 2400 sports coupe, so it'd be unfair to say this engine was a 60s Italian equivalent to a Honda Accord engine. But although the Dino engine is often a point of mockery at times, the body around the engine is the equal but polar opposite.
With styling reminiscent of a Le Mans racer for the road, you'd almost forget that Ferrari got tombstoned at the big race by Ford back-to-back-to-back not long before this Dino was built. By virtue of its production for the UK market. This particular Dino gets the benefit of more appealing European-spec front headlamps, which had to be modified for the North American market to meet much-maligned federal safety regulations implemented during the early 1970s.
"With many members of Led Zeppelin known to enjoy their fair share of supercars, including many Ferraris, this Dino formerly owned by Peter Grant is a cherished, usable example with a proven history. It’s not just a car; it’s a piece of rock history, a fantastic piece of Led Zeppelin memorabilia, and a lovely example of a collectible 246 Dino GTS, said Dale Vinten, head of the editorial for Car & Classic. "it’s something that everyone can hopefully appreciate carries significant importance."
Estimates by experts peg the final selling price of this timeless classic Ferrari to be anywhere between £275,000 and £350,000 via the Car & Classic auction network. But with so much musical history latent within this car, is it possible it could sell for even more, possibly even crossing seven figures? By the end of the day on February 29th, we'll know for certain.
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