Foskers Ferrari, Brandshatch Racetrack. Professional Ferrari and Sports Car Servicing for the South East.

• Model Name:

  Rare Series 1 246 Dino GT

• Project Start Date:

  2011

• Details:

On the 8^th of July, 1969, Maranello Concessionaires placed an order with the Ferrari Factory in Italy for one Ferrari 246 GT ‘Dino’. It was to be the display car for the Earls court Motor Show in London, and was the 1^st ever 246 Dino to arrive on these shores.

Invoiced on the 3^rd October 1969, chassis number 00496 was finished in Rosso Dino (20-R-350) with black interior & black carpets, and was to be the 45^th Dino built.

After unprecedented interest at Earls Court, it was immediately sold to it first owner, a Mr. C. Howry of Farnham, who took delivery on the 27^th October 1969. Only 4 series 1 cars were brought to the UK all in LHD.

During 1971, Mr Drummond, of Drummonds Bank, acquired 00496 and promptly exported it to Barbados, where his young son made full use of it, and thoroughly enjoyed himself. (Lucky boy!).

After one further owner, in the mid 70’s, it finally fell into the hands of Mr. Joey Rodriguez, who would not be parted with it until July 2011, some 33 years later. Iain Tyrrell, of Cheshire Classic cars fame, was staying with friends on Barbados seven years ago, when he visited the local motor museum, and heard of the only Ferrari on Barbados.

Via the curator, Iain was invited to the Royal Westmorland golf course, where he met upon Mr. Rodriguez, and was proudly shown 00496 where it was resting in its ‘container’ out on the course. Imagine Iain’s surprise and delight upon opening the doors and finding a totally unrestored original Dino, which had remained in its time capsule for over 30 years! Repeatedly, over the next seven years, Iain would attempt to relieve Joey Rodriguez of 00496, finally succeeding 2 months ago.

00496 was carefully loaded up and returned to the UK in its original state ready to be brought back to its former glory.

 

This very special Ferrari Dino is next in line for the Foskers restoration department. I will be following this car very closely throughout its time here and I will of course be uploading lots of pictures and updating the website at every stage of this restoration.

 

Adam West - the present tea boy and gofer.