Drogo Ferrari Dino 206 SP #026 1966

By mid 1967 the Ferrari factory Team turned over their remaining vehicles to private racers. Dino 206 SP, chassis #026, was sold directly by SEFAC Ferrari to the Swiss Scuderia Filipinetti Race team. The Scuderia Filipinetti first raced the car in the prestigious 12 hours of Sebring on April 1st, 1967. Driving duties were assigned to Herbert Mueller and Gunther Klass who were hopeful that the little Dino would maneuver well amongst the numerous Porsche 904, 906 and 910s from Stuttgart.

German newcomer, Klass was working hard to establish his reputation as an exceptional driver. This was in fact his first season with the Ferrari Factory Team and his expectations remained very high. Swiss born, Mueller on the other hand was well known in all racing circles and simply determined to win at every level. For the race, the SEFAC Ferrari Factory Team loaned Klass to the Scuderia Filipinetti. Wearing the race number 34, the two did well in practice, qualifying 15th overall. The two would have done even better had not minor mechanical problems limited the cars overall top speed down the straights. Race day saw the two quickly move to the front of the pack and by the close of the first hour the two had moved well up on the field, finding themselves in 11th place. By the third hour, Klass and Mueller were fighting it out amongst the two class leading Factory Porsche 910?s of Siffert and Hans Herman. Running third in class and 10th overall, Mueller continued to push even harder, some say perhaps too hard. On lap 63, going into the fourth hours, the right front "A" arm cracked a bushing, which caused the car to vibrate excessively under braking. Despite this Mueller and Klass pushed on. However, they were never again in contention. The two were eventually forced to settle for a rather poor 49th overall out of the 61 entries.

After Sebring, #026 was returned to the Ferrari Factory for service and sorting for the upcoming 1000 kilometer race at the Nurburgring track. The Scuderia Filipinetti again entered chassis #026 in this championship points race, which was held on May 27th, 1967. The SEFAC Ferrari Factory team driver, Jean Guichet was paired with the ever enthusiastic Hubert Mueller as at Sebring, #026 was wearing race number 34. In practice Guichet quickly began putting chassis number 026 through its paces. Tragically, an undetected fuel leak in the injection system began pooling fuel between the cylinder banks. A fire soon erupted while Guichet pulled off to the side of the track. However, he was unable to extinguish the fire. Help arrived in an untimely fashion allowing the fire to severely damage the engine, gearbox and much of the rear bodywork. The damaged racer was then returned to the Ferrari factory to await repairs. However, the damage was to such an extent that it was deemed not worth the expense to repair, as the season was mostly over.

In 1969 chassis #026 remained at the Ferrari factory unrepaired. It was then purchased by the well-known French collector, Pierre Bardinon. While with Bardinon it remained untouched. In 1982 it was purchased by the Italian Ferrari enthusiast, Corrado Cupellini. Cupellini then initiated and had completed a lengthy and complete restoration with direct assistance from the factory.

Corrado Cupellini states: "When I purchased the car, the rear end of the car was badly burned. Rear sheet metal, engine and transmission needed to be replaced. All other major parts, including the chassis, were reusable."

The car was completely reconstructed with the original frame and a 231 B Formula 2 motor in 1985/1987. This initial rebuild made use of this updated Ferrari Formula 2 motor and a Hewland gearbox. In this configuration, Cupellini raced the car on multiple occasions. Snr. Cupellini was also invited to Ferrari's 50th Anniversary Celebration May 31 thru June 8th in Maranello.

Shortly after the 50th Anniversary Bernard Carl of Washington, DC, USA, purchased the car. Mr. Carl was at the Anniversary with Dino 268S Spyder #0798 and had the opportunity to inspect the Dino #026. After Mr, Carl's purchase of the Dino the car was delivered to Terry Hoyle Engineering in Maldon, England for a more comprehensive restoration that saw the correct and original Ex-factory team (SEFAC) Tipo 231B, 206S engine #15 and proper Tipo 537 transaxle refitted back into the car.

In 1998 Mr. Carl sold #026 to Christopher Cox of North Carolina. Subsequent owners are Symbolic Motorcars, James Spiro, LA, USA, and Katsu Kubota LA, USA, and C. Briggs.

Sources: Symbolic Motorcars & Corrado Cupellini.