Foskers Restoration Projects

"Barn Find" restoration

Back to Restoration

This 246 GT Rare Daytona pack (Flared wheel arches, campagnolo wheels) was purchased from a gentleman in Kent.  This Dino was stored in a barn where it had not been driven or moved since 1987! Foskers collected the vehicle via transporter on the 9th February 2007 and delivered to our workshop at the Brands Hatch Racing Circuit in Kent.

Upon delivery to the workshop the car was unloaded and photographed. The running gear appeared in good order although the brakes had seized. The car did not start but after changing the spark plugs, manually turning the engine and changing the oil, the engine started.

On the 19th March 2007 we started stripping the car of all components, engine, suspension, brakes, fuel tanks, chrome work, all lighting and electrics etc .

During an extremely busy summer, work on the Dino was put on hold, however on the 4th August 2007 work resumed on the engine rebuild.

Whilst the engine and gearbox units were being finalised our focuses turned to the now red and shiny body that had returned from the body shop. With the body shell supported on stands work on the four corners of the suspension and brakes could be under taken.

Having had the suspension components stove enamelled, powder coated and rebushed as required the four corners started to take shape on the newly treated chassis, including new shock absorbers, springs and over hauled brake callipers, the degree of final finish was starting to emerge.

The new floors and fibre glass section were next, giving a good base for the retrimed carpets, seats, dash and console assemblies. Prior to the installation of the dash we had already cut the old wiring loom back removing 30 years of Italian spaghetti and corrosion. We made new looms to the front and rear corners of the car.

On the outside of the vehicle the bright work and lights were left to fit, original units were used to maintain the authenticity of the Dino.

With the brake pipes and coolant system plumbing replaced things were really starting to take shape. The fuel system benefited from new fuel tanks and a modern fuel pump to improve reliability and delivery.

It was now time for that magic moment; the process of starting the new engine could begin. With circuits connected one by one, systems checked and liquids filled the engine could be cranked for the first time until oil pressure is attained.  With the engine run for short periods, basic carburettor tuning and set ups were done, ready for longer durations and first road test.

With newly refurbished Campagnolo wheels and new tyres the car was back on its wheels. We then checked the geometry and carried out a final spanner check under the car.

The car was test driven numerous times, each time going a bit further to ease the engine and gear box in gently. The new owner then had the moment he had been waiting for when Ian took him out in the car and let him experience the joys of a Ferrari Dino first hand. The team at Foskers were proud they had restored and rebuilt a car that had again surpassed the customer’s expectations.

This car was recently sold by Foskers should you be interested in a fully restored Ferrari then please contact Tony on 01474 874555 where he can advise you of up and coming projects.