1973 Ferrari Dino with ties to Led Zeppelin up for auction

Stairway to Fontwell: 1973 Ferrari Dino owned by Led Zeppelin’s Manager visits the band’s old record label location in Chelsea before going under the hammer

This very special right hand drive Ferrari Dino 246 GTS was delivered new in 1973 to Peter Grant, manager of the legendary rock group Led Zeppelin. 

The then list price was £6,620.39 plus delivery charges, number plates and road tax. Additionally, the car was optioned with non-standard non-metallic paint at £63.16 and leather upholstery at £210.93. Today the car is estimated at £350,000 to £400,000.

The Dino will be auctioned at Coys ‘Thoroughbreds and Vintage at Fontwell’ auction in the elegant gardens of Fontwell House, behind the traditional horse racing course, and only a few miles up the road from the action at the Goodwood Revival meeting.

Chris Routledge, CEO of COYS, said: “London is filled with mythical places reminding us of the city’s rock n’ roll and music legacy. Swan Song Records was Led Zeppelin’s own record label, overseen by Peter Grant and used by the band to promote its own products as well as sign new upcoming artists. It’s not hard to imagine Peter Grant driving the Dino around Chelsea and parking it outside the studio back in the day before meeting with the band.”

He added: “The GTS has all the intrinsic qualities of the Dino 246, but offers in addition the extraordinary sensation of hearing the machinery come to life all around one. That is why it is not just a car with a sporting appearance; it is an authentic sports car through and through and, combined with its wonderful provenance and history would certainly grace any collection.”

Sixty other classic and sports cars will be going under the hammer, including a 2010 Lamborghini Reventon Roadster estimated at £900,000 to, 1,000,000, a 1975 Iso Lele Sport estimated at £58,000 to £65,000 and a 1954 Aston Martin DB 2/4 Mark 1 estimated at £160,000 to £190,000.

Chris Routledge said: “Early September is very much the British equivalent of events taking place on the Monterey peninsula in August with a world-class concours, international auctions and fantastic historic racing at Goodwood; all running throughout the week and all held within the South East of England.”

He added: “We have a fabulous selection of classic, sports and racing cars going under the hammer at Fontwell House, including an extremely rare Lamborghini Reventon, one of only 15 ever built, and the Led Zeppelin Dino - a true rock n’ roll icon, along with 60 other fabulous classics.”

Address Fontwell House, Fontwell Park, Sussex, BN18 0SX

Date Thursday08 Sep 2016, 3 p.m.

Viewing Wednesday, September 6, 12:00noon - 6 p.m.

On the day of the sale from 09:00am to start of sale

Online catalogue:

http://www.coys.co.uk/thoroughbred-vintage-at-fontwell-house

Classic Motor Cars Ltd of Bridgnorth | One of the world’s premier restoration companies

Classic Motor Cars was founded in 1993 and has over the ensuing years built an international reputation for car restoration world-class standards. Staffed by a highly experienced team of engineers and technicians, they operate from modern 36,000 sq. ft. premises and, with the exception of chrome plating, every aspect of a car’s restoration, servicing and even bespoke car design is carried out in-house.

CMC is also the only major restoration company providing 24,000 sq. ft. of specialized storage space for classic and sports cars, right next to its prominent facilities. Some 50 to 60 cars can be found in the workshops every month including Jaguar, Aston Martin and Lancia, amongst others.

CMC is especially proud of its apprenticeship schemes with young people learning their trades in trimming, auto electrics, bodywork, paintwork and general mechanical skills.

www.classic-motor-cars.co.uk | @CMCclassiccars