1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS

Produced from 1967 to 1974, the Ferrari Dino has come to be recognized as one of the most desirable sports cars of its era – a Pininfarina-styled design powered by a mid-mounted, four-cam V-6 whose lineage traces directly to Ferrari’s Formula 1 and sports prototype programs. While the alloy-bodied 206 GT and early L-Series 246 GTs represent the purest expression of the model, the late-production E-Series cars mark its final evolution. Among them, the so-called “Chairs and Flares” examples are the most prized.

Never an official factory designation, “Chairs and Flares” refers to late E-Series Dinos specified with Daytona-style seats, flared wheel arches, and Campagnolo cast-alloy wheels. These features were available only at the end of production, and most examples so equipped were open-top 246 GTS models built for the North American market. Fewer than 150 are believed to have been built, making them exceptionally scarce – particularly examples with significant provenance, such as the car presented here.

According to research by noted Dino historian Matthias Bartz, chassis 06698 was completed in June 1973. It is one of just five Chairs and Flares 246 GTS examples delivered new to the UK, and the sole example specified in the distinctive period color scheme of Nocciola Metallizzato (Metallic Hazelnut) over black upholstery. Upon completion, it was supplied through Maranello Concessionaires Ltd., Ferrari’s official UK importer, and retailed by Sytner of Mapperley to its first owner, Steve Winwood.

By the early 1970s, Winwood had already firmly established himself as one of the defining musicians of his generation. As the teenage voice of the Spencer Davis Group, he helped create enduring hits including “Gimme Some Lovin’” and “I’m a Man.” He later co-founded Traffic, whose blend of rock, jazz, and folk produced landmark recordings such as Mr. Fantasy and John Barleycorn Must Die. In 1969, he was a founding member of Blind Faith, one of rock music’s earliest supergroups, alongside Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Ric Grech. By 1973, during a highly productive period with Traffic, Winwood stood at the forefront of British popular music as a gifted instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer whose influence extended well beyond the charts. By the 1980s, Winwood’s career was further lauded with numerous hits resulting in two Grammy Awards and, ultimately, induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Remarkably, 06698 has remained in Winwood’s ownership from new. First registered “NTO 60M” – the UK registration it still carries today – the Dino was driven regularly and used as daily transportation, carrying friends, collaborators, and musicians through the English countryside during a fertile period of Winwood’s career.

Among those who experienced the Dino firsthand was audio engineer Phil Brown, who recalled his time working with Winwood in an interview with Tape Op magazine:

“In one of the barns an impressive home studio had been built, while the other housed Steve’s splendid collection of cars – a 1930’s Fleetwood Cadillac, two Ferraris, four French sports cars from the ’60s, a Mercedes saloon and a Lancia fastback…Each day Steve would roll out his valuable but delicate Ferrari Dino and after coaxing it to start in the damp and misty Gloucestershire mornings, we would drive the half-hour to Chipping Norton. We traveled down narrow country lanes, barely four inches off the ground, at speeds of over 100 mph. I was sure I was going to die, but my ego consoled me with the thought that at least I would be remembered as the engineer who crashed with Steve Winwood. We never spoke on these journeys, which was hardly surprising. When we arrived I always needed a cup of tea and a joint with Alan Spenner before I felt calm and ready for work.”

In later years, the Dino was retired from daily use and preserved as a weekend pleasure car. Approximately two decades ago, Winwood commissioned an extensive restoration by Ferrari specialist Bob Houghton, refinishing the car in its present dark blue livery with tan leather upholstery. Since completion, it has been sparingly used, regularly maintained, and today shows just over 44,000 miles.

Beyond its ownership history, 06698 has been documented by Ferrari authorities including Tony Willis and Dino Compendium author Matthias Bartz. The car is supported by factory and dealer documentation substantiating its provenance and is accompanied by its jack and partial tool kit. Combining the rarity of a Chairs and Flares specification with more than five decades of continuous ownership by one of the defining musicians of his era, chassis 06698 represents an unusually complete and compelling Dino. Few examples offer such continuity of stewardship or such a direct connection to the cultural moment in which the Dino itself became an icon. Having remained in Steve Winwood’s care since new, this remarkable Ferrari now stands at a singular moment as it prepares to pass to only its second owner. Gooding Christie’s is privileged to have been entrusted with this milestone offering.

Notes Please note that this vehicle will not be sold for use or resale in California or to a non-dealer California resident.