This car started life as an American spec Ferrari Dino 246GT (type M) Series II, supplied new in 1971. Ferrari have confirmed that only 445 similar cars were supplied to the States between 1970 and 1971.
In the late seventies, when values and interest in the Dino in general was at a low point, the car was converted by a Mr. Jim Carpenter of Arizona who commissioned a new '206' body to be built by Giordenengo in Italy, correctly made in aluminium alloy as per the original 206.
The overall dimensions of the car and spec of the running gear were built to exactly replicate the original factory Dino 206 SP of which only 17 were ever built by Ferrari.
He utilised the original 246GT chassis and fitted a purpose built alloy block 206 engine, to replicate the original factory 206, which was rebuilt with special pistons and a balanced crankshaft, connecting rods and flywheel.
Never raced, the car was imported to Europe where it was registered in Germany and spent some time prior to arriving in the UK. It is now road registered but has been kept for a long time as part of a private collection. The car has more recently been repainted and some of the trim updated and replaced. Interestingly the car also now has current FIVA papers and therefore is eligible and could be used in all sorts of Tours and Road Rallies. It will come to our sale freshly and fully serviced and with a fresh MOT. It also has a spare windscreen and windscreen mould included in the sale. It is worth noting the removable Targa section that stows neatly in the rear.
Importantly, the car is recorded in the Ferrari World Book -Handbuch Der Ferrari Seriennummern 1947 - 2007 which details all known vehicles and chassis records. It is described here in this well-known publication as `chassis 01508 - Type 246 Red Dino 206 Replica' which certainly underlines its provenance.
This car offers the chance to enjoy the same driving experience as of 206 ownership but at a fraction of the cost. With the factory cars currently commanding prices well north of £5 million ~ it could be regarded as a real bargain!