1971 Ferrari Dino 246 Coupe

The Dino 206S mid-engined sports car concept was powered by a two-liter engine and was a radical departure from the typical Ferrari design. It was displayed to the public at the 1965 Paris Motor Show. In 1966 the Dino Berlinetta GT was shown at the Turin Motor Show.

In 1956 Alfredino, Enzo Ferrari's son, died while developing a 1.5-liter V6 Formula two engine. Vittorio Jano later designed the engine and the engine was installed in Formula One racers and Dino Sports cars beginning in 1957. These vehicles had much success, including victories in hill climbs and smaller racing circuits where the Dino's superior handling gave the vehicle a distinct advantage.

The production version, the Dino 206 GT, was powered by a Fiat 1,986 cc V6 engine that produced 180 horsepower. This was Ferrari's first mid-engined production car. In 1969 the engine was enlarged to 2,418cc and power rose to just under 200. This new iteration became known as the 246 GT.

The mid-engined placement and small, lightweight body made the Dino Series very nimble. Styling was courtesy of Pininfarina.

The example shown, finished in red with black leather interior, was offered for sale at the 2006 RM Auction in Monterey, California. The vehicle was estimated to sell between $100,000-$125,000. It has original Cromodora alloy wheels and Pirelli P4000 P205/70/R14 tires. It has been carefully maintained, serviced, and cared for during its entire existence.

At the conclusion of the auction the vehicle had been sold for $99,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2013