A chubby man for most of his life with a distinctive bushy beard and serious demeanor, it’s conceivable that Led Zeppelin never achieved the pinnacle of fame without Peter Grant’s assistance. As the individual who cleverly negotiated the band’s initial substantial agreement with Atlantic Records, it is logical that Led Zeppelin’s person behind the main figure expended his newfound wealth on a car unlike nearly any other in Great Britain at that time. With just 235 examples manufactured in right-hand drive for the domestic market in the UK, this 246 Dino is an extremely rare vehicle that could be obtained in Britain during that era.
Equipped with a 2.4-liter Dino-series V6 engine under the bonnet, the powertrain in this 246 Dino is not a high-performance beast of a machine as we have come to expect from modern Ferrari engines. However, the same engine was utilized in the Lancia Stratos rally car and the Fiat Dino 2400 sports coupe, so it would be unjust to claim that this engine was a 1960s Italian equivalent of a Honda Accord engine. Nevertheless, while the Dino engine is sometimes subject to ridicule, the body surrounding the engine is its equal but opposite.
With design elements reminiscent of a Le Mans race car for the road, one could almost forget that Ferrari was defeated by Ford consecutively at the prestigious race not long before this Dino was manufactured. Due to its production for the UK market, this specific Dino benefits from more appealing European-spec front headlights, which had to be modified for the North American market to comply with much-criticized federal safety regulations implemented during the early 1970s.
“With numerous members of Led Zeppelin known for their fondness of luxury cars, including many Ferraris, this Dino previously owned by Peter Grant is a cherished, functional example with a documented history. It is not merely an automobile; it is a piece of rock history, a remarkable item of Led Zeppelin memorabilia, and a splendid specimen of a collectible 246 Dino GTS,” stated Dale Vinten, head of editorial for Car & Classic. “It is something that hopefully everyone can appreciate as it holds significant importance.”
According to expert estimations, the final selling price of this timeless classic Ferrari is expected to fall within the range of £275,000 and £350,000 through the Car & Classic auction network. However, considering the immense musical history associated with this car, is it possible that it could fetch an even higher price, potentially surpassing seven figures? By the end of the day on February 29th, we will have a definitive answer.
According to the Source autoevolution.com