1966 Ferrari 206 S Competition Spyder

Dino Ferrari, son of Ferrari founder Enzo, conceived of a 65-degree V-6 engine prior to his untimely death in June of 1956. The engine was co-engineered by Alfa Romeo designer Vittorio Jano, then working as a consultant for Ferrari. The Dino V-6 engine was badged with a hand scripted autograph based on the Dino Ferrari's signature.

In early 1966, Ferrari introduced a new spots-racing car formulated for the FIA's 2-liter Group 4 class. They were dubbed the Dino 206S and were powered by the development of the Dino V-6 engine. Ferrari had hopes of winning over the successful privateer teams, many of whom were winning with Porsches.

The engine was introduced as a Formula 2 powerplant, an enlarged version was subsequently used in the Formula 1 cars. One example driven by works driver Mike Hawthorn was rewarded with a Driver's World Championship in 1958

The V-6 continued to be development and enlarged throughout its lifespan, and used in various experimental sports prototypes, including the 246 SP, the 206 SP, the 196 SP and the 166 P.

The Dino 206 S was introduced for the 1966 racing season. It wore similar coachwork to the 330P. The car was clothed by Piero Drogo's Carrozzeria Sports Cars in Modena. The design was aerodynamic and featured a combination of stressed alloy panels and fiberglass over a welded tubular semi-monocoque.

At the close of the 1966 race season, the 206 S had proven to be a fierce competitor, earning a 2nd place finish at the Targa Florio, 2nd and 3rd at the Nurburgring and a 6th place finish at Spa.

The 206 S had originally been slated for a homologation of 50 examples, but labour problems prematurely interrupted production after only 18 examples had been assembled.

Not including the Factory Works prototype, this 206 S is the third example produced. It is a restored car that was initially purchased on April 233rd of 1966, by Colonel Ronnie J. Hoare of Maranello Concessionaires Racing Team of Egham, Surrey, England, an authorized Ferrari dealer and racing concern originally founded by driver Mike Hawthorn. The car was painted Ferrari Racing Red and given a Maranello Concesionairs blue stripe.

Chassis number 006 made its racing debut at the RAC Tourist Trophy in Oulton Park, England. It was piloted by Michael Parkes and wore racing number 42. Unfortunately, the car retired early due to final drive issues, but it still placed 21st overall.

The following June, at the 1,000 Kilometers of Nurburgring, the car started 12th on the grid and was piloted by British drivers, Richard Attwood and David Piper. By lap 28, the car was in 5th in class and 8th place overall. Unfortunately, it would again retire early due to mechanical issues. After sorting out the mechanical problems, the car was brought to the British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch, where Mr. Parks drove the car to 6th place overall and 1st in class.

The car was sold in August of 1967 to Gustaf Dieden, through Tore Bjurstrom, the official Ferrari concessionaire of Sweden. Mr. Dieden subsequently advertised the car in Road and Track. It was purchased by Hans Wangstre of Malmo, Sweden, who brought in driver Evert Christofferson as a co-owner. Under the name Team Bam-Bam, Mr. Wangstre and Christofferson campaigned the car in several international venues over the following year. Highlights were a 15th place finish at the Good Friday Meeting at Oulton Park on April 12th of 1968 and a 22nd place finish at the Targa Florio on May 5th.

In 1969, the Dino V-6 engine suffered problems due to the imbalance of the crank shaft. A replacement block was deemed too expensive, so an experimental Volvo B20 engine was installed, effectively ending the cars racing career.

The car was sold to the current owner in 1970. The purchase included all of the components of the original engine. The car was then put into storage. A search for the correct-type replacement engine began. In 1974, the owner contacted the factory and was delighted to find that one engine was left over in the Maranello works. Unfortunately, the price was very steep. In 1988, a decision was made to restore the car back to its original glory. The owner eventually managed to obtain a set of drawings for the specialized 206 S block. The plan was to cast a new series of four blocks using another car in. The owner, at the time, also owned Dino 206 S chassis 016, which also had a cracked block. The blocks were cast at the factory foundry and machined to the correct specifications before the unit intended for chassis 006 was installed in the car.

The restoration of 006 took several years, including the testing of the new engine. The car has been returned to its original livery, as it was campaigned by Maranello Concessionaires at the 1966 1,000 km of Nurburgring, wearing number 14.

The 1987cc dual overhead valve V-6 engine offers 218 horsepower which is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. There is an independent double wishbones suspension and four-wheel disc brakes.

In 2012, the car was scheduled to cross the auction block at RM Auction's Monaco sale. The car is estimated to sell for €2.200.000-€2.800.000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2012