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At their press conference at the 1965 Paris Auto Show, Ferrari launched their new 330 P3 sportscar. Alongside the P3, a smaller prototype called the 206 S was launched which resembled its bigger brother. The 206 was powered by what could have been one half the P3's 4-litre V12. In the center of the car was a special Dino V6 which was very high revving. Peak power came in at around 9000 RPM!

Initially, Ferrari planned to produce 50 examples of this car for homologation purposes. Industrial unrest in Italy with resulting labour problems halted construction and race preperation on the cars. Only 18 206's were completed with limited racing success. After the 18 cars were finished, Ferrari lost motivation for the 206 and halted the racing program.

Various versions of the 2 litre engine were built. The initial version was fitted with three weber 40 DCN 2 carburetters which were replaced on the later models by Lucas fuel injection. Cylinder heads varied with either 12, 18 or 24 valves having single or dual spark.

Along with a large variety of powerplants, the bodywork on the 206 varied from car to car. A number of the 206's came as a spider version with the roof section completely removed. Piero Drogo was responsible for the design of body which was crafted by his company, Carrozzeria Sports Cars.

The limited production number combined with a most attractive Drogo body make the 206 a one of the most sought after Ferraris. While much of the design cues were carried through to the Dino 246, it lacked much of the pure, race-bred design elements found in the 206.

Written by Wouter Melissen of UCP.com with amendments by Richard Owen