In the mid-1960s, Ferrari needed a production-based 2-litre engine for the new Formula 2 and conceived the mid-engined Dino to provide the necessary basis. The first of these ‘junior’ Ferraris – the 206GT – debuted at the Turin Motor Show in 1967. Building on experienced gained with its successful limited edition Dino 206S sports-racer of 1966, Ferrari retained the racer’s mid-engined layout for the road car but installed the power unit transversely rather than longitudinally.

A compact, aluminium-bodied coupé of striking appearance, the Pininfarina-styled Dino - named after Enzo Ferrari’s late son Alfredino Ferrari and intended as the first of a separate but related marque - was powered by a 2-litre, four-cam V6 driving through an in-unit five-speed transaxle. The motor’s 180bhp was good enough to propel the lightweight, aerodynamically-efficient Dino to 142mph, and while there were few complaints about its performance, the high cost enforced by its aluminium construction hindered sales.

A 2.4-litre version on a longer wheelbase - the 246GT - replaced the Dino 206 in late 1969. The body was now steel and the cylinder block cast-iron rather than aluminium, but the bigger engine’s increased power - 195bhp at 7,600rpm - was more than adequate compensation for the weight gain, as the Dino’s top speed increase slightly to within a whisker of 150mph. A Targa-top version, the 246GTS, followed in 1972. While not as fast in a straight line as its larger V12-engined stablemates, the nimble Dino was capable of showing almost anything a clean pair of heels over twisty going. Truly a driver’s car par excellence.

Sold new in France via Pozzi (Ferrari France) this Dino 246GT Berlinetta was acquired by the current (third) owner 3 years ago. We are advised that the car was completely restored by specialists on the Côte d’Azur in 2006 with original Dino spare parts and is presented in commensurately good condition. Finished in yellow with black leather interior, ‘02146’ is offered complete with tool kit, valid roadworthiness certificate and French Carte Grise.

Vendue neuve en France par Pozzi (Ferrari France), cette Dino 246GT Berlinetta fut acquise par le troisième (et actuel) propriétaire il y a trois ans. Nous savons que cette voiture a été totalement restaurée par des spécialistes de la Côte d'Azur en 2006 avec des pièces Dino d’origine. Présentée dans un état exceptionnellement bon, elle est peinte en jaune avec intérieur en cuir noir. “02146” est proposée complète avec son outillage de bord, son contrôle technique récent et sa carte grise française.