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Ferrari Dino 206 SP: The 1965 six-cylinder prototype
The Ferrari Dino 206 SP — a 1965 two-litre V6 sports prototype that paved the way for the Dino 206 S. Here, we delve into its place in Dino history, its technology, and its achievements.
The Dino 206 SP in brief
The Ferrari Dino 206 SP — a 1965 sports prototype with a two-litre V6 engine, one of the first racing cars to bear the 'Dino' badge with a mid-rear engine. It set the stage for the subsequent 206 S model.
The name 'Dino' is a tribute to Alfredo 'Dino' Ferrari (1932–1956), who championed the idea of V6 engines.
History and development
Before the 206 SP came the 1965 Dino 166 P — the first 'Dino' sports prototype model, revealing a new rear-engine layout and a revised body. The 206 SP marked the starting point for the evolution of the final 65° DOHC racing engine.
Later came the Dino 206 S — an 18-unit sports prototype produced from 1966 to 1967. Its development drew on crucial decisions made with the 206 SP.
Technology and achievements
The engine — a 2.0-litre V6, mounted midship behind the driver. Ferrari had been using this layout in racing since 1961, and the first road car with a mid-engine was the 1967 Dino 206 GT.
Ludovico Scarfiotti, European Hill Climb Champion in 1962 and 1965, secured his 1965 title with an earlier 'Dino' model — the 206 SP. Later, its successor, the 206 S, achieved three class wins in the 1966 World Sportscar Championship.
Where to see it and whether it can be bought
Remaining 206 SP cars are known to collectors and museums, and sometimes appear at shows, such as Paris' 'Rétromobile'.
They are sold very rarely and prices are not publicly advertised. It's practically a collector's item or museum exhibit.
Versions and Evolution
The 206 SP belongs to the short-lived Dino series of sports prototypes.
Dino 166 P
1965The first 'Dino' sports prototype with a rear-mounted drivetrain.
- Rear-wheel drive
- New body
- It became the basis for later models.
Dino 206 SP
1965Starting point for the 65° DOHC racing engine.
- 2.0 L V6
- Scarfiotti's 1965 hill-climb championship title
- Predecessor to the 206 S
Dino prototypes
| Dino 166 P | Dino 206 SP | Dino 206 S | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years | 1965 | 1965 | 1966–1967 model |
| Engine | 1.6-litre, six-cylinder | 2.0-litre, six-cylinder | 2.0-litre, six-cylinder |
| Key | The first 'Dino' sports prototype | The starting point for the 206 S engine | Production version (18 units) |
The 206 SP is the bridge between the first 166 P and the 206 S: it tested the engine that later became the basis for the series 206 S version.
Pros
- A standout model in 'Dino' history
- The Scarfiotti championship in 1965
- New rear engine
- The basis for the 206 S
Cons
- Extremely rare
- Hard to find historical information
- Built for racing
Frequently asked questions
How does the Dino 206 SP differ from the 206 S?
The 206 SP was an earlier 1965 prototype, while the 206 S was an 18-unit model produced in 1966–1967 for homologation.
Why is it called the 'Dino'?
Dino is the name of Enzo Ferrari's son, Alfredo 'Dino' Ferrari; Ferrari models with fewer than 12 cylinders were named after him.
Can you buy a 206 SP?
Practically no: it's preserved in collections and museums, sales are extremely rare.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
