A classic Ferrari with a genuine ‘Rock and Roll’ background is set to go under the virtual hammer.
The 1973 Ferrari 246 Dino GTS was bought new by Peter Grant, manager of the legendary rock group, Led Zeppelin.
This rare UK-delivered, right-hand-drive example of the iconic Italian sports car will be sold in a seven-day online auction culminating on 29 February – and the expectation is that its rocking history should see it change hands for around £350,000.
Rock and Roll Ferrari: This rare 1973 Ferrari 246 Dino GTS was bought new by Peter Grant, manager of the legendary rock group, Led Zeppelin
Pop Group Led Zeppelin with their manager Peter Grant (centre) at Heathrow airport in 1973
Car & Classic, which is hosting the sale, says it is a ‘scarcely seen example’, due to it being one of only 235 right-hand drive versions sold to the UK market between the years 1972 to 1974.
With a little over 1,000 miles on the clock, it’s one of the least used Dinos as well as one of the most interesting in terms of provenance.
This special variant was ordered through the revered Ferrari distributor in the UK, H.R. Owen, and delivered to its first owner, Mr Grant, in 1973.
The rate UK-delivered, right-hand-drive Ferrari will be sold in an online auction culminating on 29 February – and the expectation is that its rocking history should see it change hands for around £350k
This special variant was ordered through the revered Ferrari distributor in the UK, H.R. Owen, and delivered to its first owner, Mr Grant, in 1973
Car & Classic, which is hosting the sale, says it is a ‘scarcely seen example’, due to it being one of only 235 right-hand drive versions sold to the UK market between the years 1972 to 1974
Manager Peter Grant (left) with Led Zeppelin lead singer Robert Plant (centre) and bass guitarist John Paul Jones at Knebworth House
Coming to the UK from the Italian factory optioned in a non-standard, non-metallic ‘Rosso Bordeaux’ colour and brown leather VM846 (‘Marrone’) upholstery, one of only 114 ordered in this colour specification, Grant enjoyed driving it for nearly three years – a long tenure for most rockstar managers.
Known to be the ‘driving force’ of the band, being the manager of Led Zeppelin from creation through to breakup, Grant was one of a few custodians of this iconic Ferrari 246 Dino GTS including businessmen, music fans and Ferrari collectors alike.
This particular example of Italian craftsmanship has been pampered throughout its life by various Ferrari specialists.
The care bestowed upon it is evident in its meticulous maintenance including records reflecting rebuilt suspension and brakes, the installation of a high torque starter motor, and the addition of a new header tank complementing the overhauled radiator, to name a few.
Qualifying as MOT-exempt, free of car tax (or VED) and escaping city clean air zone daily charges such as London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone thanks to it’s 40-year-plus classic status, the work undertaken on the car during its current ownership has ensured its smooth running over the past few years, mechanically original in most respects and therefore offering an authentic driving experience.
Known to be the ‘driving force’ of the band, being the manager of Led Zeppelin from creation through to breakup, Grant (pictured far right) was one of a few custodians of this iconic Ferrari 246 Dino GTS including businessmen, music fans and Ferrari collectors alike
This is one of just 114 examples of the Dino GTS ordered with non-metallic ‘Rosso Bordeaux’ paint and brown leather upholstery
Grant enjoyed driving the Ferrari for nearly three years – a long tenure for most rockstar managers
‘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 collectable 246 Dino GTS,’ says Car & Classic, which is auctioning the motor vehicle later this week
This particular example of Italian craftsmanship has been pampered throughout its life by various Ferrari specialists. It is in meticulous condition, both inside and out
Commenting on the car’s auction availability, Car & Classic head of editorial Dale Vinten said: ‘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 collectable 246 Dino GTS – it’s something that everyone can hopefully appreciate carries significant importance.’
This example comes to auction via Car & Classic still finished in an iconic Ferrari hue, a non-metallic deep red colour, with period-correct Cromodora alloy wheels and retaining its original, period-correct instrumentation and controls.
Presented in a highly usable and well-maintained condition both inside and out, this matching numbers example displays an indicated 1,007 miles.
This means its 2.4-litre V6 engine – which produced 195hp back in 1973 – is barely run in.
Led Zeppelin with their manager Peter Grant and a member of the band’s crew, at Nanzenji-Temple, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan, 25th September 1971. L-R Peter Grant, John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, John Bonham, a member of the bands crew, Jimmy Page
Presented in a highly usable and well-maintained condition both inside and out, this matching numbers example displays an indicated 1,007 miles. This means its 2.4-litre V6 engine – which produced 195hp back in 1973 – is barely run in
The sale includes a carefully curated history file, including original correspondence with the Ferrari factory in Maranello (pictured)
Also included in the sale is a copy of the first log book with Peter Grant’s name clear to see
The sale includes a carefully curated history file, including original correspondence with the Ferrari factory in Maranello, plus the first logbook bearing Peter Grant’s name.
Having undergone professional retrimming and repainting at different intervals throughout its lifetime, the ex-Peter Grant Ferrari Dino 246 GTS retains much of its past modifications – such as the 1988 fitment of red carpets, for example, with the vendor considering these nuanced details integral to the car’s rich and interesting narrative.
‘Potential buyers will be looking to purchase not just a car, but an investment in a meticulously crafted piece of automotive and rock ‘n’ roll history that encapsulates the spirit of the 1970s,’ Car & Classic told us.
The car has previously appeared in many publications over the years, including ‘Ferrari Dino’ by Anthony Curtis and ‘Ferrari – The Ultimate Dream Machine’ by Paul W. Cockerham.
Yet it’s Grant’s ownership and a connection to the era of rock excess and artistic achievement that arguably makes it a Ferrari enthusiast’s dream.
The auction begins on Thursday 22 February and closes a week later on 29 February.
Given that it is expected to receive a ‘Whole Lotta Love’ from collectors, Car & Classic estimates that it will sell for between £275,000 and £350,000.
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