1971 Ferrari Custom

We are pleased to offer 206 SP replica s/n 1508, built on the chassis of 1971 Euro model 246 Dino GT s/n 1508 GT as a base, fitted with an all-alloy body beautifully hand-crafted in Italy. This car started life as an Euro-spec Ferrari 246 GT Dino supplied new to Italy in 1971, imported into the US in 1975 and crashed shortly after being imported. The damaged body, engine and gearbox were removed and so s/n 1508 GT became a bare frame with suspension. In 1990 our company sold chassis s/n 1508 GT (along with 246 GT chassis s/n 3114 GT and 246 GT chassis s/n 7520 GT) to Italy as projects. Once in Italy chassis s/n 1508 was fitted with an all-new lightweight alloy 206 SP body by well known and talented Carrozzeria Giordenengo in Cuneo, Italy, correctly made in aluminum alloy as per the original 206 but with the wheelbase extended by 100mm (4 inches) to match with the 246 chassis and to provide more cockpit area and comfort. The 71 246 GT chassis was also modified to accept a longitudinally-mounted Ferrari 206 Dino alloy block engine. Once the chassis and body were completed the project was one of three bare bodies mounted on rolling chassis sold in 1992 by Giovanni Giordenengo to Oliver Kuttner at Griffon Motors in Virginia , including a 250 GTO body and a 250 California Spyder body, both mounted on 250 GT frames, plus this car s/n 1508 GT.

Once with Griffon Motors in Virginia an alloy 2-liter 206 engine was sent to Bob Wallace in Phoenix for a rebuilt to racing specs. Lightweight higher compression pistons, racing spec cams, a balanced crankshaft, connecting rods and flywheel were fitted, topped off with Triple 40 DCNF Weber carburetors. An original Magneti Marelli Dinoplex ignition provides the spark while tubular headers made for a free-flowing exhaust. The engine was mated with an Alpine 110A UN1 5-speed transaxle while an original-style oil cooler and radiator keep everything cool. Fuel and coolant all flow through aeroquip lines. The front and rear suspension were modified to suit the SP specifications, inboard rear disc brakes were installed to match the original Factory built 206 SPs, and the suspension is mounted on a correctly sized set of new 206 SP Center Lock Wheels by Tecnomagnesio wheels in Turin, Italy fitted with Avon radial tires.

The interior has been trimmed in pleated red leather and a full set of instruments were installed with a large Veglia tachometer mounted front and center. Both seats are fitted with Sabelt racing seat belts. The windshield, back window and door windows have been re-produced from lightweight Perspex and the Targa roof section is removable. Small dual rear view mirrors are mounted on pedestals to see over the rear fender haunches. Twin alloy fuel tanks have been installed either side of the engine bay and are filled through a period-correct fuel filler cap. An aluminum water reservoir helps keep it cool while an aluminum catch tank collects any fumes. A fire-bottle and electrical cut off switch were added for safety while a built-in battery charger keeps the power up when not in use. Access panels such as the hood air vent are attached with quick release racing dzus fasteners for quick and easy access. All road-going and safety equipment were added including head, tail and brake lights, windshield wipers, windshield squirters, turn signals and an emergency brake for parking, plus a full set of gauges including a small speedometer

When completed in 1993 206 SP replica s/n 1508 was sold to Werner Schmidt who had married into the Lebkuchen Cookie empire in Schwaig, Germany and entered in numerous events such as the 1994 Kitzbuheler Alpen Rallye and later in the 2006 Credit Suisse Goodwood Rally before moving to England in 2012. Most recently it was entered in the Brooklands Auto Italia event in 2019. Once in the UK, the car was subject to further attention from highly regarded classic specialists, Sherwood Restorations. The scope of work included some bodywork, a full re-paint in Rosso Corsa, a new custom-made windscreen (with a spare which comes with the car), a cabin re-trim and various other works to bring this fascinating 206 SP re-creation up to its best. It must be noted that the standard of finish is remarkable and a pre-purchase inspection of this vehicle is recommended with no disappointment expected.

206 SP replica s/n 1508 is road registered as a 1971 year model and has both an English title and current FIVA papers and therefore is both street legal and eligible for all sorts of Tours and Road Rallies. 206 SP replica s/n 1508 is recorded in the Ferrari World Book -Handbuch Der Ferrari Seriennummern 1947 2007 which details all known Ferraris and chassis records. It is described as `chassis 01508 Type 246 Red Dino 206 Replica which underlines its provenance. Accompanying the car is an equally fascinating and detailed history file including a copy of the FIVA Identity Card granted in 2012, current UK registration papers (V5c), copies of previous German registration papers, details and invoices for restorations works by Sherwood Restorations, invoices from other more recent mechanical maintenance works, old MOT Certificates, correspondence between previous owners, the Ferrari Owners Club UK and copies of paperwork from America. We have copies of all invoices on file, e-mail us for copies.

In summary, this is a very attractive, well-engineered, highly versatile 206 SP re-creation that can be enjoyed as a well-mannered sports car or perhaps used in vintage competition. The overall quality of finish is remarkably good, the Targa roof can be removed and neatly stows in the rear, the visibility from the cabin is superb, the controls are light and extremely responsive, the engine fires on-the-button, sounds healthy and the handling at speed is sublime. Just serviced on 01 April at a cost of £5.491.64 Sterling and further serviced on 20 July of this year at a cost of £4,760.00 Sterling by Bob Houghton Ferrari in Cheltenham, England. Seriously for sale at $395,000 USD or best offer.