UK-supplied throughH.R. Owen and registered on the 10/10/1973 to the first of six former keepersFully matching numbers engine, gearbox and body and presents today in original coloursLast documented repaint was in 1989,the car would benefit from cosmetic restoration to achievea Concours standardJust40,000 miles indicated.The engine was rebuilt in the early 2000sand the gearboxin 2011The history file is substantial and contains the original handbook, order forms, reams of receipts and MOTsSupplied to auction from a deceasedestate we recommend closer inspection of this interesting motor car.Following the continued success on the track and in order to homologate Ferrari's 1966 Formula Two campaign, a new line of mid-engined production V6 coups with Fiat running gear went on sale in 1967 in two-litre form, however, in 1969 a larger 2.4 litre Dino was introduced, named the 246 GT. The voluptuous bodywork, which many people still regard as the prettiest ever to grace a road-going Ferrari, was designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti and covered a tubular chassis which carried wishbone independent suspension at each corner. The compact, four-cam engine which delivered 190bhp, was mounted transversely above the five-speed gearbox and just ahead of the rear axle, allowing for both a comfortable cockpit and some usable boot space.In the 1971 TV series The Persuaders, the two international playboys needed a car each befitting their affluent lifestyle. Roger Moores Lord Brett Sinclair naturally drove an Aston Martin DBS whilst his American crime-fighting partner, Danny Wilde played by Tony Curtis, drove a Ferrari Dino. The opening credits featured a race on the Cote DAzur between the two cars and is now regarded as an iconic piece of footage, cementing the Dino as the playboys car of choice. The 246 Dino was hugely successful but just 488 of themwere produced in right-hand driveAccording to the accompanying order form for this right-hand-drive car, Maranello Concessionaires Ltd. supplied it to H.R. Owen, London on 25th May 1973 and it was registered on the 10th October 1973 to the first of six former keepers. The car is full matching numbers (VIN, engine, gearbox and body) and has covered a mere 40,000 miles from new, fully supported by the substantial history file. It's finished in Rosso with a contrasting tan interior and red carpets and the dashboard has been re-trimmed in leather at some stage in its life. The interior has a nice patina to it but the passengerseat is split at the base.The Dino last benefitted from fresh paintin 1989 and, although the panels fit well and the body is presentable, itcould be improved, however, it's eminently usableas it is until the new owner commissions a body restoration to return the car to its former glory. The engine had a documented engine rebuild in the early 2000s whilst the gearbox was rebuilt in 2011. The car is fitted with a stainless steel silencer.In 2017, the Ferrari car was bought by a young collector, James Harris, to join his 1972 Ferrari Daytona. Mr Harris intention was to use the car regularly with thelong term intention offully restoringit. Unfortunately, Mr Harris passed awayin 2019 and the car is offered from his estate. Presented to auction with a full and comprehensive history file which includes the original sales orders, handbook, previous invoices, MOTs, V5C, and the original yellow jack in its accompanying bag.To conclude, this is an unusual opportunity topurchase a 246 that has benefited from continuous maintenance rather than a full restoration and has many years of use ahead before a restoration is on the cards. Prior to our Auction, it'sthe intention of the estate to have the car serviced by Ferrari specialists Terry Keys of Silverstone who have looked after itsince 2017 and an MOT test is planned at the same time.