The Dino, named for Enzo Ferrari’s son Alfredo, was Ferrari’s answer to market demand for a junior racer with a production-based engine, designed to meet Formula 2 regulations. The new Dino was an out-and-out hit on the track, as evidenced by Derek Bell and Ernesto Brambilla each winning stages of the European Championship in 1968, followed by Andrea de Adamich’s victory in the Argentine Temporada series the same year.

Powered by a 2.0-liter, six-cylinder engine, the aluminum-bodied Dino 206 GT was launched at the Torino Motor Show in 1967. By 1969, a larger-engine and longer-wheelbase version was required, and the Dino 246 was born. It evolved through three series, the last of which — called the E-series — began after July 1971, benefiting from former series improvements.

This E-series 1972 Dino 246 GT was completed on April 13, 1972, and was mated with engine no. 135 CS 000 0009647 at the factory – the engine that it still retains today. Upon leaving Scaglietti, finished in the exciting, era-evoking color of Rosso Dino (Dino Red) with black vinyl upholstery, the car was delivered new to official Ferrari dealer Dino Ravasio & Sons in Verona, Italy. It was then sold to its first owner, Rino Toffali, also of Verona, and registered as “VR 306474” on Verona license plates.

The Dino was sold in 1974 to its second owner, Sante Corazza of Porcia, in northern Italy, who stored it for decades in his garage. The consignor, a connoisseur and collector of the finest Italian classics, was told of the Dino’s existence by a friend and he purchased it for its rare color, originality, and mileage, with the odometer displaying under 15,000 kilometers when purchased. Cairati Milan/ Monterey, a meticulous, award-winning restoration shop, restored its mechanical systems and performed a bare-metal repaint, documented by photos on file. Sympathetic to the car’s history and character, Cairati was also able to preserve the Dino’s glorious original upholstery. The consignor wished for the Dino to be an exceptionally usable road car, and as such the engine was blueprinted, balanced, and rebuilt using Mahle Motorsport pistons, and extensively dyno tested prior to installation, as documented by videos on file.

The Ferrari is accompanied today by its rare original Italian libretto (registration booklet), along with a tool kit, jack, black Italian license plates, and owner’s manuals. The Dino also retains a set of rarely seen clip-in, warmweather seat inserts made of a cloth material. Its history is chronicled in reports by historian Marcel Massini and Dino authority Matthias Bartz. This is a significant opportunity to acquire an exquisitely restored Dino in its rare original color that has had documented care lavished upon it by one of the finest restoration shops.