First capturing the hearts of sports car enthusiasts with its concept debut at the 1965 Paris Motor Show, the celebrated Dino was consistently developed over the years, in typical Ferrari fashion. Following the introduction of the 206 GT production car in 1967, the Dino received a larger displacement engine in 1969, resulting in the 246 GT. These coupes were then made in three series over the course of the model’s life, with the second of these, the M Series, running from late-1970 through 1971.

Accounting for approximately just 506 examples, the M Series featured a rear track widened by 30 millimeters and the addition of seat-mounted headrests, an internal trunk-lid release, five-bolt wheel mountings, and numerous minor modifications to the chassis, engine, and gearbox. In total, these upgrades endowed the M Series cars with better overall performance, particularly in the handling.

According to the records of the Dino Register, this minimally used and finely restored M Series 246 GT completed assembly in May 1971, equipped as a European left-hand drive example with instruments in kilometers. Finished in white paint over a black and white interior, the car was invoiced on May 17, 1971, and it was delivered to an owner living in Milan through the city’s official Ferrari dealer, Gastone Crepaldi S.A.S. Imported to the United States sometime during the mid-1970s, this Dino was acquired by an owner based in Whittier, California, by 1978. In 1981, the car was purchased by a Mr. Gleiforts, of Newport Beach, California, who sold it two years later to Robert Anderson, of nearby Rancho Santa Fe.

In 1985, s/n 01968 found more lasting ownership when it was acquired by Terrance Peterson, of San Diego, California. The following year, Mr. Peterson commissioned a thorough restoration, including a comprehensive mechanical refurbishment and a cosmetic refinish in the handsome color scheme of Nero (black) paint over a Nero leather interior with Bordeaux carpets. The Dino was only sparingly used over the following 26 years of Mr. Peterson’s ownership, and currently, it still displays less than 33,450 kilometers (20,772 miles).

This 246 GT has clearly been the subject of some additional restorative work within the last couple years, including a fresh repaint and re-chroming of some of the brightwork. The interior has been masterfully reupholstered in the Nero/Nero/Bordeaux livery, while the brakes and suspension have been rebuilt, the latter also having been re-plated. The engine bay has been carefully detailed, and the carburetor appears to have been recently disassembled and cleaned.

Currently equipped with covered headlamps, proper Cromodora wheels with a matching spare, power windows, and a Becker Mexico AM/FM pushbutton radio with cassette player and power antenna, this beautiful 246 GT still possesses its original headliner and sealed-seam sun visors, and all glass appears to be original as well. In preparation for this sale, the dash panel has been reupholstered with correct mouse hair fabric, and the car has undergone a complete servicing by Blackhorse Motors in Los Angeles, ensuring fresh operating condition.

Accompanied by a set of tools and jack, s/n 01968 displays an outstanding condition, a benefit of almost 40 years spent in Southern California’s forgiving climate. Claiming such minimal use and beautiful presentation, the car promises a warm welcome at regional concours and FCA events, while also offering many miles of fabulously sporty driving.