Christened “Dino” to honor Enzo Ferrari’s late son, the Dino 246 GT showed that Ferrari could compete with the likes of Porsche by producing a smaller sports car with a lower price than the 12-cylinder GTs, but one that still radiated Italian style, flair, and drama. Once equipped with a 2.4-liter V-6, this engine produced 15 more hp over the initial 2.0-liter unit and was noticeably quicker than its predecessor 206.

The new Dino could sprint to 60 mph from a standing start in approximately eight seconds, leading to a top speed of just over 145 mph. Tipping the scales at just 2,394 pounds, it featured a near-perfect weight distribution, partly in thanks to its mid-mounted engine. As a result, it gave its driver an incredible overall driving experience. As a bonus, it looked “the business” and was still a tour de force of exceptional design that became a hallmark of 1970s sporting motoring.

The most desirable 246 was the targa-topped GTS, and the most significant of these are the rare, so-called “Chairs and Flares” models. When 7½-in. sand-cast Campagnolo wheels became available in 1972, cars so-equipped were built with wider Group 4-styled fender flares to accommodate the additional track. Some of these cars were also furnished with Daytona seats, referring to the deluxe and emblematic bucket seats available concurrently in the 365 GTB/4 Daytona. A small number of Dinos were equipped with both these items (according to the Dino Register, only 91 were so equipped for U.S. delivery), taking on the legendary “Chairs & Flares” moniker.

Further adding to its cachet and top-specification attributes, this Bianco Polo over Rosso (exceptional livery with black Daytona seat inserts) Dino also features optional factory air conditioning and power windows, as well as its original factory radio. It has the distinction of being the fifth car from the end of production in 1974, chassis number 08500.

The Dino was sold new to Gary Yelvington of Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1974, with Yelvington offering the car for sale in 1983 with just 9,000 original miles. A succession of owners followed, all of whom used the car sparingly. Today, the odometer reads little more than 19,000 documented miles from new. The original factory tool kit, resolute books, and a selection of service records are included.

Preserving its originality was paramount in the extensive restoration completed in early 2013. From new and always Bianco Polo, the body was removed from the chassis, and the car was taken to bare metal by Wide World of Cars, the Ferrari dealer in Spring Valley, New York. A new red leather interior was installed, as per the original, and the mechanical restoration was done by experts at Radical Motorsports in Ramsey, New Jersey. The original mouse-hair dash pad was in excellent condition and remains in place. Window seals were replaced, and the proper Michelin XWX tires were sourced and fitted to the Campagnolo wheels, which were refurbished. In addition, all of the chrome trim was refinished.

The current owner recently invested another sum near $100,000 to ensure that the car would be concours-correct and exquisite in every specification, including a 12-page major service by Patrick Ottis, rebuilding the brakes and suspension, overhauling the cooling system and air conditioning, and also applying for and receiving Ferrari Classiche certification.

It is exceptional in every regard, and with its low mileage, matching numbers, and known history from new, this fully optioned “Chairs and Flares” Dino is one of the most desirable examples to come to market in recent times.