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Photography by: Jayson Fong
The Dino name has always had an interesting place among Ferrari purists, but as the car has aged, it is evident that any stigma it once wore has worn away.
Today, market values for the Dino are often dictated by how well they have been restored and how true to the original they are. This point is clearly something that does not faze Kevin O’Rourke, owner of Surrey-based Ferrari restoration experts Mototechnique, and owner of the one of a kind Dino 246 GTS that sat quietly in front of me.
Kevin tells me he has spent an entire career as what he calls a ‘copyist’, concerned only with reproducing originality into classic cars. Working on his own car allowed a refreshing opportunity to create a unique, bold and creative interpretation of the Dino, one that is undoubtedly a personal treasure of his—and rightfully so. At first glance, this particular Dino is clearly not fussed with winning the local concours.
With a deep candy red that Kevin produced himself, large 18”wheels in rose gold with matching brakes from an F360, this car is anything but traditional. Rounding over to the engine cover, Kevin pointed out a detail that was purely functional and he was particularly fond of: a tiny bulge in the cover subtly hinted at what lay below, standing out from an otherwise straight line that had been originally penned by Pininfarina.
As we lifted the lid, unveiling the heart, I couldn’t help saying “wow” out loud. Sitting transversely in place of the Dino’s standard 2.4-litre V6 was a Ferrari 3.2-litre V8, an instant cure to the power issue of the standard engine that many Dino enthusiasts have traditionally “learned to accept”.
The engine had been inherited from the Dino’s younger sibling, a 328, along with its transmission to bring the potential of the Dino to more modern times. Meanwhile, induction duties are taken care of by throttle bodies courtesy of a 355 and DTA ECU, with cool induction air flowing in through a stunning, custom-made carbon fibre air box that was captivating to look at.
As sunlight trickled into the workshop, we realised it was time to hit the road, and I couldn’t have been more excited. As I lowering myself into the passenger seat, Kevin keyed the ignition and started the engine as easily and effortlessly as a modern car. A pleasant surprise compared to the often painful procedure of misfires that are commonly associated with aged cars. This would only be a good afternoon…
On road, Kevin took it easy, letting the engine come up to temperature. Shifting at normal revs, the V8 was easily heard making its sounds behind my head, but I was thankful for the extensive sound deadening that had been installed to keep it reasonable. Kevin recounted his initial shakedown trip after the car’s completion to Austria without it: it had been very loud.
Coincidentally, it was then that we reached a nice stretch of road and I experienced the 300 horsepower V8 at full song, which was nothing short of glorious. As the revs built up, the slight burble crescendoed into a smooth note that held—just before a slick smooth gear change when it started all over again.
When we made our stop for photos, the spyder roof came off, allowing the sun to flood the interior with light. Once an overlooked part in car design, Kevin wanted something that was comfortable and modern since it would be the place he spent the most time. There was nobody better to send the car to be reupholstered than his son, Rob O’Rourke of O’Rourke Coachtrimmers, and the result speaks for itself. The attention to detail in the stitching and fitment of every part makes it is very possible that the interior is far more resolved than it had ever been before. Additionally, a fully engaged roll cage is bolted to the chassis to solve any torsional rigidity issues. Impressively, I noticed that the dashboard had been modified to wrap around the frame, creating a more integrated aesthetic.
As we headed back towards the workshop in the comfort of a modern classic, I asked about the future plans for the car; stiffer anti roll bars, better spec tyres and electric power steering were next on the list, to create an even more balanced package. Despite these changes, Kevin noted that all the original Dino parts had been kept in order to restore the car back to its original condition if ever needed. With 11 years of his spare time going into the build so far, Kevin’s journey to create his perfect Dino that blends the best of the past with the comforts of today will continue.
Although some connoisseurs of the classic car world may shake their heads disapprovingly at the thought of this car, they would be wrong in thinking that the spirit of the Dino has been lost. Kevin’s Dino more than retains the importance of the driving experience that it was originally built upon—the only difference is that now it’s been refined to become one man’s perfect car.
All you naysayers . . . get over yourselves! This guy built his Ferrari the way HE wanted it, and just because it’s not the way you think it should be, doesn’t make it any less stunning. At least in his eyes . . . and that’s all that really matters. I for one think it looks great! Love the larger engine. Quite a special build of a special car! BRAVO! 🙂
The nose looks different to me (different than my ’74 246 GTS) because 1. it has European bumpers which do not wrap around and into the nose opening 2. the sides of the nose opening are slightly squared off compared to my rounded sides. Also, I don’t mid the size of these wheels but the color combination with the paint job looks tacky. Black or silver would look better and my fave wheels on this car are the Campagnolos that come with the chairs and flares package.
Hi Rockdad, many thanks for you comments, please know that we have just re-scaled and cast the more stylish Campagnollo wheels in 17 inch rim size ( colour yet to be decided ;-} as for the cherry red and gold colour scheme ………. I took the inspiration from my 1st Italian motorcycle a Ducati which I bought way back in 1967, it changed my life !!!!!!
This is awesome! What’s unfortunate is that it is RHD and if it ever comes up for sale it won’t be so great in a LHD country…because I want it! We put a 355 drivetrain in a Euro spec 308QV and OMG did it transform the car. I suspect the transition in this Dino is similar albeit more subdued. What a great car! now if only someone would put a 355 motor in a dino with a 355 transaxle……. 🙂
Hi Valor 007, originally the car was left hand drive and we swapped her over, I still have all the old original parts stored securely so no worries ……….. as for a 355 engined version, it sounds great but I fear there would be issues installing her due to lining up the drive shafts without sacrificing cabin space.
I have nothing against the concept but I’m with others, the wheels argh. Looks like a Donk.
If as suggested a replica of the original wheels were made in a larger size I’m sure it would minimize the visual impact.
I find the color quite stunning.
And what’s with the antenna? Is that some kind of retro feature? It ruins the beautiful lines of the Dino.
Nope it doesn’t work for me. I guess I’m a purist. Ditch the ugly wheels, loose the roll cage and go more for original look. You killed what was once a stunning car. The saving grace is the photographer who has made it look great but I can see deeper that photo shopped pictures. Please don’t do this to any more Ferraris.
that the same for me Michael. the only thing i can accept on a Ferrari is the 308 group IV look for a 308 gtb or the 348 gtc wheels on a 348. But put 348 wheel on a mondial t because they had the same engine, put 360 wheel on a 308 because it’s dificult to find TRX tyres, no way for me… I like the original car in their original looks!!!
It always kills me that after a whole article beautifully describes a unique car as being an attempt at perfection by one individual and, for one individual that, so many people feel that they have to say what they would do different! To all those folks, I say ‘go for it! Build your own interpretation. To this gentleman I say ‘bravo’. Just a beautiful piece of work!
As to the controversy over the the wheels ..
Nahhhh .. I think these fit the proportions of the car to a tee . In fact I’ll be so bold as to say as a former 246 owner that the larger wheels fit the car’s overall design better than the originals did . The only thing I might of done different if this this been were would be to of had the larger wheels made in more of the style of the original available Campagnolo or Cromodora wheels . But in all honesty …. these are just fine !
Love the photos, love the colour and love the concept. Do not love the modern wheels, at least on this application. It’d have been nice to see a take on the original Cromodoras instead – perhaps an inch or two bigger than standard and wrapped in modern tyres, but keeping the spirit of the original design.
I understand the wheels are (almost) necessary for the size of the brakes, but 18″ on this car is an overkill that makes me recall the American classics from the same era with 20″ chrome wheels. It needs fatter tyres.
And I don’t like much the colour either, to be honest. Although I think that these photos have probably passed an heavy processing treatment and the real colour isn’t really so deep. I like to think so, at least.
18″ is nothing for a resto-mod in this day and age ! Fact is 18″ is down right conservative so be glad he remained within the realms of scale . proportion and good taste while still managing to place function as the priority what with the larger brakes , extra hp as well as improved handling . And what pray tell is wrong with a deep burgundy [ or Barolo if you prefer ] red .. albeit a candy red [ is it a true ‘ candy ‘ by the way ? ] on a Ferrari ? Its not like the original red or even Ferrari’s current choice of red is/ was anything to write home about . I mean .. compare this red to the red of the 208 to the right and tell me this isn’t a damn sight better looking regardless of what was done to the photos .
And err .. Luca ? As to the 20 inchers on Yank Tanks crack ? Best beware if you ever come our way should a well sorted pro-tourer/resto-mod come upon you goading you on to a bit of a race regardless of what you’re driving . Suffice it to say done right they’ll take on the best of the EuroSnobs handing said EuroSnob owner/drivers their heads in a hand basket when all’s said and done .
Holy _____ ! Somebody finally had the guts to do what even I wasn’t willing to do back in the day despite the fact that I really wanted to *
To build a V8 powered Resto Mod 246 ! And a damn fine job of building it if I do say so . Not to mention a set of mighty fine photos as well . Two huge thumbs up and my undying envy to the owner/builder
Hmmn … a resto – modded Ferrari … and an engine conversion to boot featured on Petrolicious . Who’d of thunk it ? This almost makes up for the Google Car fiasco earlier today . Almost … but not really [ my ire’s still in the red over that one ]
* Damn ! I wish prices of 246’s hadn’t escalated to the point of my finally selling mine . Cause if I hadn’t .. this’d of been its fate as well
Love everything about this. The wheels hint at something more modern, one of the few indicators, set off the body colour well. Putting a V8 in as Ferrari are testing a new V6 Dino mule, how timely. Love the idea of updating these classic cars to perform better. Excellent photos and story.