Rocking its way to Car & Classic’s online auction is a rare, UK-delivered, right-hand drive 1973 Ferrari 246 Dino GTS ordered from new by Peter Grant, the manager of the legendary rock group Led Zeppelin.
A scarcely seen example of a Ferrari 246 Dino GTS in its own right, due to it being one of only 235 right-hand drive versions sold to the UK market during the period (1972 to 1974), this special variant was ordered through the revered Ferrari distributor in the UK, H.R. Owen, and delivered to its first owner, Peter Grant, manager of the rock group Led Zeppelin, in 1973. 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, Peter 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. Now qualifying as MOT-exempt in the UK due to its 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.
Responsible for the upcoming auction of the historically important 1973 Ferrari 246 Dino GTS is Car & Classic, Europe’s largest online marketplace for classic and niche vehicles. Discussing the ex-Peter Grant Ferrari, 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 [Ferrari] Dino [GTS] 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 and is accompanied by a carefully curated history file, including original correspondence with the Ferrari factory in Maranello, plus even 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.
As it enters the Car & Classic auction, 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. Having also appeared in many publications over the years, including ‘Ferrari Dino’ by Anthony Curtis and ‘Ferrari – The Ultimate Dream Machine’ by Paul W. Cockerham, this particular 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS has an added layer of historical significance to an already iconic vehicle, with Grant’s ownership connecting the car to the era of rock excess and artistic achievement, making it a symbol of the cultural landscape of the time.
