A beautiful tarmac rally-prepared Ferrari Dino believed to have been the first 246GT imported into Australia is an early highlight vehicle of Shannons May 2 Autumn Auction in Sydney.

The Euro-spec Dino, chassis No 246GT00748, is one of the first series 246GT models with the 206GT-style knock-off wheels and is understood to be the first converted to right hand drive by the Ferrari factory.

It was purchased by the current owner in 2000 and was then rally-prepared by noted Sydney specialist, Stuart Dunbar.

The performance enhancements involved upgrading the Dino's mid-mounted 2.4-liter V6 engine to Lancia Stratos rally specs, while other upgrades included fitting electronic ignition and a competition clutch.

Inside, the Dino is equipped with a full roll cage with door side intrusion bars (all bolted to the original seat belt anchor points), competition bucket seats with four-point harness safety belts and a rally navigation system and footrest for the passenger.

The car competed in the East Coast Classic Rally 2001/2002 and following these events has been stored to the present day in a humidity-controlled car cocoon and periodically exercised.

Shannons are quoting a guiding price of US$146,000-$166,000.

Other interesting lots already slated for the May 2 sale include a former concours-winning and very correct 1955 MG TF Roadster ($31,000-$35,000), a nicely-presented left-hand-drive 1963 Ford Thunderbird Coupe ($25,000-$29,000), a 1960 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible that received a ground-up restoration and right hand drive conversion in 1991 ($44,000-$49,000) and a restored 1928 LaSalle 314-A seven-seater Limousine previously used as a wedding car ($43,000-$47,000).