As a producer, Dino De Laurentiis created more than 150 films and influenced 20th Century film history significantly. In his early career he repeatedly contributed to the Italian neorealism scene with films such as ‘Bitter Rice’, ‘La Strada’ and ‘Nights of Cabiria’. Later came cult genre films such as ‘Barabbas’, ‘King Kong’ and ‘Conan the Barbarian’, all of which solidified his reputation in Hollywood. De Laurentiis worked with legendary directors such as Roberto Rossellini, Luchino Visconti, Sydney Pollack, Sidney Lumet, Ridley Scott, David Lynch and Roger Vadim, with whom he also shared his passion for elegant sports cars.

Now, a 1961 Pininfarina-bodied Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 ‘Series 1’ Coupé which he once owned is being offered by Bonhams as a ‘barn find’ car, having been left unused since 1976 – it still carries that year’s tax disc. The producer was the car’s second owner; it remained in his possession until 1967, after which it was acquired by the present owner who later left it to battle the elements. Rob Hubbard, Senior Specialist at Bonhams called the well-preserved ‘barn find’ "a wonderful opportunity to acquire an original and untouched early Ferrari 250 GTE, ripe for sympathetic restoration by a fortunate new owner". The auction will take place on 3 March 2012 in Oxford, with an estimated guide price of £40,000 - 60,000.

Photos: Bonhams