Ferrari’s first mid-engine production car, the Dino 206, launched in January 1969. Named after Alfredino, Enzo Ferrari’s son, it bore a race-derived 2.0-litre V-6 that he was instrumental in promoting for production. The motor marked a significant departure from the company’s front-engine V-12 grand tourers, influencing future models for decades to come. After a short run of the inaugural Dino 206 GT, the more powerful and refined 246 GT debuted in March 1969, followed by the open-top GTS in 1972. Ferrari built a total of 2,487 examples of the closed-roof 246 GT until 1974, spanning L, M, and E-series, each with subtle variations.

This right-hand-drive M-series 246 GT, chassis number 01602, is one of approximately 507 examples from this intermediate run of cars, produced for a short time in early 1971. Five-bolt Cromodora wheels, parallel windscreen wipers, and seat-mounted headrests are among the minor updates that distinguish it from earlier versions. The Dino was completed on 9 February 1971, finished in the appealing colour combination it still wears today of Argento Auteuil over Blu faux leather.

Delivered to noted Ferrari racing privateer Colonel Ronnie Hoare’s official distributor Maranello Concessionaires in England, it sold to its first owner in 1971, according to a report by marque historian Marcel Massini. By the early 1980s, ownership had passed to a Mr A Davidson in Manningtree, England and then to Nicky Paul-Barron by 1988. This owner had the car regularly serviced at S&H Motorsport in Middlesex and Nick Cartwright Specialist Cars in Derbyshire, among others, as indicated by service invoices on file. He showed the Dino at the Ferrari Owners Club England National Meeting at Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire in 1990, according to Massini’s report. From 1996, subsequent keeper Alan Stanley of Reedham, Norfolk continued the meticulous upkeep, which included refurbishing the seats in 1998. Attesting to the car’s continual care, it won Second in Class at the 2002 North West Ferrari Concours. Various trophies from these concours events accompany the Dino.

The consigning owner acquired the Dino in 2007 and commissioned Ferrari specialist Foskers of Kent to remove and refurbish both the engine and gearbox, while also servicing various other components in September 2010. In January 2012, Barkaways of Kent refurbished the clutch, suspension bushings, and rear brakes, then, in March 2016, completely overhauled the suspension system and tuned the engine before the car was submitted for Ferrari Classiche certification in October 2016.

This Ferrari is accompanied by its desirable leather folio, Warranty Card, owner’s manual, spare parts book, tool kit, and jack. Replete with service invoices dating from 1983, this well-preserved Dino 246 GT is also offered with its important Ferrari Classiche “Red Book” that confirmed the authenticity of its components, including the matching-numbers engine and gearbox. A highly desirable UK-delivered example in a fabulous colour scheme, and offered from nearly two decades of ownership, this Dino is sure to attract the attention of enthusiasts and collectors.