1971 Ferrari Dino 246GT Coupé
Registration no. EPN 4K
Chassis no. 03048
Engine no. 03048

'It is a thrill to drive a car like the Dino, one whose capabilities are far beyond what even an expert driver can use in most real-world motoring, and that is the Dino's reason for being. The real joy of a good mid-engined car is in its handling and braking and the Dino shone as we expected it to. The steering is quick without being super quick, and it transmits by what seems a carefully planned amount of feedback exactly what is going on at the tyres. Thanks to the layout's low polar moment of inertia the car responds instantly to it. The Dino's cornering limits are very high... ' – Road & Track.

It was the need for a production-based engine for the new Formula 2 that had prompted the introduction of a 'junior' Ferrari, the Dino 206GT, at the Turin Motor Show in 1967. The latest in a line of Dino V6 'quad-cam' engines stretching back to the late 1950s, the new unit proved as successful on the racetrack as in the showroom, Derek Bell and Ernesto Brambilla both winning races in the European Championship, while Andrea de Adamich triumphed in the 1968 Argentine Temporada series.

Building on experienced gained with its successful limited edition Dino 206S sports-racer of 1966, Ferrari retained the racer's mid-engined layout for the road car but installed the power unit transversely rather than longitudinally. A compact, aluminium-bodied coupé of striking appearance, the Pininfarina-styled Dino - named after Enzo Ferrari's late son Alfredino Ferrari and intended as the first of a separate but related marque - was powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cam V6 driving via an in-unit five-speed transaxle. The motor's 180 brake horsepower was good enough to propel the lightweight, aerodynamically-efficient Dino to 142mph, and while there were few complaints about the car's performance, the high cost enforced by its aluminium construction hindered sales.

A 2.4-litre version on a longer wheelbase - the 246GT - replaced the original Dino 206 in late 1969. Built by Scaglietti, the body was now steel and the cylinder block cast-iron rather than aluminium, but the bigger engine's increased power - 195bhp at 7,600rpm - adequately compensated for the weight gain. A Targa-top version, the 246GTS, followed in 1972. The Dino 246 was built in three series: 'L', 'M' and 'E', these designations reflecting detail changes in the specification. Of the three, the M-series is by far the rarest, being produced during the early months of 1971 only. Changes from the preceding L-series included a 30mm increase in rear track; five-bolt fixing for the road wheels; internal boot release; seat-mounted headrests; and various minor improvements to the engine and gearbox.

While not quite as fast in a straight line as its larger V12-engined stablemates, the nimble Dino was capable of showing almost anything a clean pair of heels over twisty going. Truly a driver's car par excellence.

One of only 235 Dino 246GTs supplied to the UK in right-hand drive configuration, this stunning M-series car has to be one of the most original and unmolested examples of its type. Ordered on the 2nd November 1971 by Maranello Concessionaires, the car was delivered in the extremely rare colour of Azurro Dino, with optional radio, nose bar and electric windows. It was supplied new to Christopher Andrews of Sussex-based precision instrument manufacturers J E Baty Ltd and registered on the private plate '1 DUF'. The supplying Ferrari dealer took Mr Andrews' Aston Martin DBS V8 in part exchange. Mr Andrews owned the Dino for only a couple of years before a Mr Terry Wells purchased it circa 1975, whereupon the car was reregistered 'EPN 4K', the registration it carries today. Mr Wells owned the Ferrari from 1975 to 2005, covering approximately 45,000 miles during his 30-year ownership. Unlike so many of its kind, this Dino has been well maintained on a regular basis, including a major overhaul and full repaint in the original Azzuro Dino in 1991. The interior remains original and un-restored.

Chosen on account of its originality, stunning colour and few owners, this exceptional Dino was exhibited at the Haynes National Motor Museum and then selected for a major article in Classic & Sports Car, appearing on the front cover of the magazine's November 2012 edition. The Dino's then owner, Mark Hutchinson, described how Mr Wells had interviewed him to see if he should be 'allowed' to own it. The article concluded that car was just 'a bit special'.

Since then this beautiful Dino has featured in other publications including the Classic & Sports Car Calendar, and has changed hands once more, passing to the current vendor in 2013. Currently displaying a total of only 51,000-or-so miles on the odometer, it is presented for sale in remarkable condition, complete with a superb history file containing MoTs dating back to 1976, the original Maranello Concessionaires order, current V5C registration document, and all books including the original stamped warranty booklet. The car is also accompanied by its tools and jack. This well-known and extremely rare M-series Dino is taxed, MoT'd and ready to enjoy.