With a racing heritage that could be traced back to the glorious 246 and 156 “Sharknose” Grand Prix cars as well as the later 246 SP and 206 S sports racing cars, there can have been few examples of such pure automotive breeding as that of the Dino 206 GT, launched in January 1969.

Named after Enzo Ferrari’s beloved son, Alfredino, the all-new Dino was a departure from Ferrari’s big, thirsty V-12s. Power came from the compact, race-derived, 2-liter V-6, four-cam engine mounted transversely behind the driver (making this Ferrari’s first production mid-engined car). Styled by Pininfarina with coachwork by Scaglietti, the 206 GT was, and still is, one of the most sensuous and beautiful designs ever to emerge from the Italian styling giant. Aimed squarely at the Porsche 911, the mid-engined Dino immediately set new standards for roadholding and performance amongst small-capacity GT cars.

Following production of only 150 206 GTs, the more powerful and refined 246 GT model was introduced in March 1969. Separated across L, M, and E series (corresponding to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd), production totaled 3,761 units over the next five years and included both coupe and spider variants. Readily distinguished by their center-lock “knock-off” wheels, and by virtue of only 357 being produced, the L-series cars are considered the rarest and most desirable of the three.

Chassis number 01004 is a late L-series car, originally supplied by Ferrari agent Garage La Rotonda of Prato, near Florence, Italy, to its first owner Sig. Marco Paoletti on 29 July 1970. Sig. Paoletti kept the car only briefly, as the car was sold later that year to a Mr. Henrikus of Saarbrucken, Germany, who kept the car until 1978. A further four German owners ensued before the car was purchased by another individual, it having at some stage undergone a color change from the original light blue metallic paintwork to red.

In 2015, The car was the subject of a concours-level restoration by Modena Motorsport of Langenfeld, Germany. During restoration, the bodywork was completely stripped back to bare metal and refurbished. Similarly, the engine, gearbox, suspension, and braking systems were all completely overhauled, and the car re-wired throughout. Finally, the car was returned to its correct original color scheme of Celeste Metallizzato paintwork with black interior and period-correct Panno Blu toweling inserts. The entirety of this two-year project is documented by a restoration compendium containing complete photographic record in addition to a four-page expense list. Under the current owner, the car has received consistent service, with oil and filter changes occurring at regular intervals. In addition, other repairs were performed as needed and are represented on invoices dating from 2018 through 2022. Significantly, this Dino was issued Ferrari Classiche certification confirming that the car desirably retains its major numbers-matching mechanical equipment, including engine and gearbox.

Accompanied by a set of 246 GT manuals in an original brown leather pouch, a tool kit, and documentation pertaining to the restoration, chassis number 01004 represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire an immaculately restored example of the rarest of all 246 GT series.