A 1965 Dino 206 P berlinette special prototype led Artcurial’s February 10 Retromobile auction in Paris, achieving $4.6m.

The car was commissioned by Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari, following the death of his son Alfred “Dino” Ferrari.

This is a unique Dino prototype 

Enzo wanted a car that was totally different to any that had gone before it.

Pininfarina took that idea and ran with it. This prototype differs from the finished design, displaying exaggerated front sweeps and a unique bubble housing for the lights.

The car was originally shown at the Paris Motor Show in 1965, where it received a rapturous response from the assembled crowds.

It has been housed in the collection of the Musee de l’Automobile in le Mans since 1967. The proceeds from the sale will be invested back in to the museum’s collection.

A 1948 Ferrari 166 Spider Corsa scaglietti was another star of the sale, achieving $3.1m.

Maitre Herve Poulain, Artcurial’s honorary chairman, said: “The current market shows both a robustnesss and a real vitality.

“The Herve Ogliastro Collection sold really well, as demonstrated by the Bugatti Atalante that made twice its estimate.

“There was something for everyone in this sale, from the famous Dino, that made the highest price, to a Renault 4CV that changed hands for the lowest sum.”

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