A classic Ferrari with a genuine ‘Rock and Roll’ background is ready to be auctioned virtually.
The 1973 Ferrari 246 Dino GTS was purchased new by Peter Grant, manager of the legendary rock group Led Zeppelin.
This rare example of the iconic right-hand drive Italian sports car, delivered to the UK, will be sold in a seven-day online auction ending on February 29, with its impressive history expected to change hands for around £350,000. .
Rock and Roll Ferrari: This rare 1973 Ferrari 246 Dino GTS was purchased 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 organizing the sale, says it is a “rarely seen example” because it is one of 235 right-hand drive versions sold on the UK market between 1972 and 1974.
With just over 1,000 miles on the clock, it is one of the least used Dinos, as well as one of the most interesting in terms of provenance.
This special variant was ordered through revered Ferrari UK dealer HR Owen and delivered to its first owner, Mr Grant, in 1973.
The price for the UK-delivered right-hand drive Ferrari will be sold in an online auction ending on February 29, and the expectation is that its impressive history will see it change hands for around £350k.
This special variant was ordered through revered Ferrari UK dealer HR Owen and delivered to its first owner, Mr Grant, in 1973.
Car & Classic, which is organizing the sale, says it is a “rarely seen example” because it is one of 235 right-hand drive versions sold on the UK market between 1972 and 1974.
Director Peter Grant (left) with Led Zeppelin singer Robert Plant (centre) and bassist John Paul Jones at Knebworth House.
Arriving in the UK from the Italian factory with the option of a non-standard, non-metallic ‘Rosso Bordeaux’ color and VM846 (‘Marrone’) brown leather upholstery, one of 114 ordered in this color specification, Grant enjoyed driving it for almost three years: a long tenure for most rock star managers.
Known for being the “driving force” of the band, being Led Zeppelin’s manager from its inception to its dissolution, Grant was one of the few custodians of this iconic Ferrari 246 Dino GTS, including businessmen, music fans and collectors of Ferrari.
This particular example of Italian craftsmanship has been pampered throughout its life by various Ferrari specialists.
The care given to it is evident in its meticulous maintenance, which includes records reflecting the rebuilt suspension and brakes, the installation of a high-torque starter motor, and the addition of a new header tank that complements the reconditioned radiator, for name a few.
Qualify as MOT exempt, car duty free (or VED) and escape the daily charges of the city’s clean air zone, such as London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, thanks to its classic 40+ status years, the work done on the car during its current ownership. has been guaranteed to be in good working order over the last few years, mechanically original in most aspects and therefore offering an authentic driving experience.
Known for being the “driving force” of the band, managing Led Zeppelin from their inception to their dissolution, Grant (pictured, right) was one of the few custodians of this iconic Ferrari 246 Dino GTS, including businessmen, music fans and Ferrari. collectors alike
This is one of 114 examples of the Dino GTS ordered with non-metallic ‘Rosso Bordeaux’ paint and brown leather upholstery.
Grant enjoyed driving the Ferrari for almost three years, a long period for most rock star managers.
‘It’s not just a car; “It’s a piece of rock history, a fantastic piece of Led Zeppelin memorabilia and a beautiful example of a collectible 246 Dino GTS,” says Car & Classic, which will auction the vehicle later this week.
This particular example of Italian craftsmanship has been pampered throughout its life by various Ferrari specialists. It is in careful condition, both inside and out.
Commenting on the car’s availability at auction, Car & Classic editorial chief Dale Vinten said: “Given that many members of Led Zeppelin are known for enjoying their fair share of supercars, including many Ferraris, this Dino formerly owned by Peter Grant is a prized and usable example.” with a proven track record.
‘It’s not just a car; It’s a piece of rock history, a fantastic piece of Led Zeppelin memorabilia and a beautiful example of a collectible 246 Dino GTS; It’s something that hopefully everyone can appreciate is of significant importance.”
This example comes up for auction through Car & Classic still finished in an iconic Ferrari hue, a deep non-metallic red, with period-correct Cromodora alloy wheels and retains its original period instrumentation and controls.
Presented in highly usable and well-maintained condition both inside and out, this numbers-matching example shows 1,007 indicated miles.
This means that its 2.4-liter V6 engine, which produced 195 hp in 1973, has barely been run in.
Led Zeppelin with their manager Peter Grant and a member of the band’s team, at Nanzenji-Temple, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan, September 25, 1971. LR Peter Grant, John Paul Jones, Robert Plant, John Bonham, a member of the band team, Jimmy Page
Presented in highly usable and well-maintained condition both inside and out, this numbers-matching example shows 1,007 indicated miles. This means that its 2.4 liter V6 engine, which produced 195 hp in 1973, is hardly used.
The sale includes a carefully selected historical archive, including original correspondence with the Ferrari factory in Maranello (pictured).
Also included in the sale is a copy of the first record book with Peter Grant’s name clearly visible.
The sale includes a carefully selected historical archive, including original correspondence with the Ferrari factory in Maranello, as well as the first logbook to bear Peter Grant’s name.
Having undergone professional touch-ups and repaints at different intervals throughout its life, the ex-Peter Grant Ferrari Dino 246 GTS retains much of its past modifications, such as the installation of red carpets from 1988, for example, and The supplier considers these nuanced details to be 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.
However, it is Grant’s ownership and connection to the era of rock excess and artistic achievement that arguably makes it a Ferrari enthusiast’s dream.
The auction begins on Thursday, February 22 and ends a week later, on February 29.
With it expected to receive a ‘Whole Lotta Love’ from collectors, Car & Classic estimates it will sell for between £275,000 and £350,000.
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