40 years ago, the automotive industry was in a different state. The modern era of the automobile had begun to blossom; brands and design houses across the board were seeing mass market potential in collaborative efforts to create cars for drivers of all varieties, and that meant refinement all around. With growing concerns for vehicle safety & emissions regulations, many automakers began expanding & testing the waters with subsidiary companies with the hopes of staying true to their roots while still covering ground. Consequentially, some grew beyond expectations – others became extinct.
Enter, the Dino.
Originally crafted by Ferrari S.p.A. back in 1968, the Dino emerged as a breakout brand for the Italian sports car manufacture’s lower cost option. The mid-engined, rear-drive platform was intended to couple only with vehicles that had fewer than 12 cylinders – leaving the flat-12 and V12 builds to be produced by Dino’s parent company. Sadly, the subsidiary was quickly scraped, retired and reformed to support traditional Ferrari branding after the Dino house made a less than stellar debut. Despite the rough start, one thing remains true even after nearly 4 decades of dormancy: the 246 GT is as stunning as ever.
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
The 246 was the first Ferrari model produced in “high volume” – Dino numbered 2,295 GTs and 1,274 Spyders from 1972 to 1974 only, pumping out 3,569 cars total. For many Italian automotive enthusiasts, the 246 GT is heralded for its progressive styling cues & the inherent road performance of a “driver’s car”. In our case, just having a Dino in for an interior & full exterior detail is borderline dreamy.
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
As always, Solomon started the 246 GT off right with our 24-step handwash over the entire vehicle, wheels, arches, doors, engine, and trunk jambs before drying out all the nooks & crannies with compressed air and a microfiber towel. Next, he set to work on all paintwork and glass, decontaminating with our clay bar treatment to further remove any remaining grime.
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
Initial LED inspection of the Dino’s surfaces reviled an ample amount of scratches, swirls, and minor marring – not pretty, but easily within the reaches of our full exterior detail.
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
The leather buckets show their age. Lightly spotted with dirt, slightly stressed & stretching around stitches and pressure points, the hides look like they’ve seen their fair share of seat time, but nothing that would be too far outside the realm of correction for even a basic interior detail.
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
Similar to the Dino, our full detail treatment was designed for those with budget in mind. We typically recommend it as a bi-annual, sometimes tri-annual treatment for most driver’s cars, and it’s a great introduction to the complete range of NWAS paint correction offerings. Utilizing only a 1-stage polish with Menzerna and a synthetic sealant or wax, the full detail provides a shiny and durable finish that will last 4-6 months depending on storage, maintenance, weather and post-detail vehicle mileage.
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
Once Solomon had the single stage exterior all wrapped up, we moved the 246 GT into the cyclorama for even more spot cleaning & interior wipe down wrap up!
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
The finale is just as important as the foundation – Solomon spent a considerable amount of time combing over every inch of the Dino’s glossy exterior, making sure to not leave even the smallest spot of grime behind in a vent or inlet.
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
Every track, every trim piece, carefully hand polished and cleaned to perfection; even if Dino is a bit of a forgotten subordinate, the finish quality of this 246 GT would have made Alfredo proud. The engine bay looks spotless enough to eat off of now!
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
To keep the Dino’s guts looking as fresh as the day it rolled out of the factory, we gave the GT a full interior detail. In this case, all interior surfaces cleaned and prepared, including inside windows, the perforated headliner and all vinyl/plastic surfaces. The carpets and upholstery needed spot treated and scrubbing respectively, while the leather surfaces would be carefully cleaned and conditioned using entry-level leather products. No oily residues here!
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
There is just something about a properly reconditioned vintage Italian sports car that words cannot describe. Parked, the Dino seems to calm the air around it; admiring its curves and body lines evokes a tranquil experience, even with such a striking red exterior. The badges, trim, and bumpers glisten like new, bending around the soft edges of the panels & window frames like the legs of a retro-modern chaise lounge.
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
The Dino may have not been the most successful automotive subsidiary of all time, but that doesn’t make the 246 GT any less beautiful. Once we had finished touching up the last few spots in the cyc, it was time for delivery!
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
The clouds broke and the sun decided to show itself, providing an even more illuminated look at how much of a difference even a 1-stage detail can make. Mirror cups so shiny they fish eye the world around them, tires looking like new, and a spotless, glossy exterior!
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
If you would like to schedule your own full exterior, interior detail, or find the perfect detailing package for your auto, contact us today so that we can better assist you in all of your vehicle reconditioning needs.
Lynnwood Auto Detailing NorthWest Auto Salon Dino 246 GT
Thanks for reading!