As the replacement of the Dino 206 GT, named to honour Enzo Ferrari’s late son, the Ferrari Dino 246 GT brought Ferrari its first mid-engine road car, and it quickly earned worldwide acclaim as a more-affordable, yet still thrilling, Ferrari. Intent on differentiating his company’s usual offerings from these smaller and more affordable models, Enzo created a new series of chassis numbers to catalogue the cars. However, there was no denying that they were Ferraris, and they command as much respect in the collector car world today as Maranello’s 12-cylinder models.

Production of the 246 Dino started in 1968 and would represent a design unique to Ferraris produced in the 1970s, a design devoid of the angular and sharp lines that would come to define Maranello’s automobiles by the end of the decade. Available as both a closed GT and a targa-style top GTS, this design is often considered to be one of Pininfarina’s best, with bodywork executed by Scaglietti. Voluptuous and brilliant to behold in the flesh, the Dino 246 incorporated elements from Ferrari’s earlier 206 competition models, hinting at the road going Dino’s performance capabilities.

The Dino’s engine was smaller than other Ferraris of the time, but that didn’t mean the car was lethargic to drive. Power was provided by a Fiat-built, 190-horsepower mid-mounted V-6, positioned mere inches behind the passenger compartment. With a curb weight of 2,426 pounds, this was arguably one of Ferrari’s most agile cars, mostly due to the location of its engine and transmission, which resulted in near-perfect weight distribution. As a result, the 246 had no problems running circles around its primary competitors, namely Porsche’s 911.

Originally destined for Genova, Italy, and painted in Bianco Polo 20-W-152 with a black leather interior, the Dino on sale today was restored in the United States several years ago and went through some cosmetic and mechanical refreshing in 2012. Recent work included a complete repaint in red, re-chroming of a number of original components, the installation of a new windshield, and the addition of Daytona-style seats, and as a result, the car presents well. As for the interior, the original vinyl upholstery shows few signs of wear. A compression test was performed, and the results show that all six cylinders are running as they should be and that the engine bay is very clean. The original Cromodora wheels are present and wrapped in Michelin XWX tyres.

The 246 Dino has always been a popular model with Ferrari enthusiasts, as it represents the first mid-engine, road legal Ferrari and is a testament to Enzo’s son, Alfradino. Travelling less than 100 miles since its cosmetic and mechanical refreshing, this car will surely be an excellent driver.

Every Ferrari collection needs a Dino, and this 246 GT on sale today is a fine example of the breed. It is ready to be enjoyed by its new owner.