[krasnavian]

I received these delightful Dino photos from Serge Dermanian who maintained the cars in the Ralph Lauren collection for many years along with the following note:

Stephen,

I noticed you had a picture of a Dino 206. Let me tell you that I adored this little car. I would like to make a point concerning this model, I owned the original prototype Dino 206 serial number 206. Many stories have been written, with a question mark leaving blank this serial number.

In 1970, while I owned HPC in Waltham, MA, an Italian businessman had left this car as a consignment sale. I kept this little gem in my MG showroom and someone who later drove by from Connecticut purchased the car from me. The car was red with an alloy body, leather seats with red cloth inserts, wood steering wheel and knock-off hubs. The Dino had only a few thousand miles and the warranty booklet showed that it was sold new to a young Italian lady in Rome in the summer of 1968.

Later I imported another Dino 206, yellow with an alloy body (serial number 362), black vinyl seats and knock-off hubs. I kept this car for years, until I sold it to a Connecticut physician.

There are lots of details concerning these cars, perhaps if you like it I could write some more about them.

Regards, my friend, where ever you are.

Serge Dermanian

I would like that very much, Serge!

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

Thanx for the story and the old photos, Stephen. Dino 206s are so rare (something like 153 ???) and it is even more rare to see the original condition and interior. There's a good share of the 206s here in Japan and I have seen several, both under restorations and fully restored. What a pleasure to see the orginal beauty. When I was searching for a Dino, I was looking for a 206, but due to rarity and higher priced than 246s, I settled for 246 Tipo L which still retained many qualities of 206. w/ smiles Jimmy

[krasnavian]

Love the photos, Jimmy!

[Daytona73]

I remember the story of Serge from a French Magazine (Auto Passion Mai 1991).
Beautiful 206, I love the seats .

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

Originally Posted by krasnavian

Love the photos, Jimmy!

Thanx !!! As for the seats, ...very, very seldom do you see the original format. Virtually all of the 206s here in Japan have been redone with leathers. w/ smiles Jimmy

[krasnavian]

Thank you for posting the article, Daytona73!

[Daytona73]

A 206 GT with a serial number #00206 ,I can't forget that !

Jimmy's 246 tipo L is really perfect in every details .(It's not common on the 1st series,many have lost their originals parts/accessories !!)

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

Originally Posted by Daytona73

A 206 GT with a serial number #00206 ,I can't forget that !

Jimmy's 246 tipo L is really perfect in every details .(It's not common on the 1st series,many have lost their originals parts/accessories !!)

Indeed, a 206 with that kind of serial number ! And thanx for the comment. I believe most of the parts are original, such as steering wheel, bumpers, and so forth. w/ smiles Jimmy

[ferraripilot]

I love honest original cars. They are just priceless. Great stuff Jimmy

[Killer58]

Those transcend art.

Every shadow, stroke of color, and nuance, I could look at those photos like some would look at the Mona Lisa.

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

Thanx for the compliments, guys. I have had the car since 2004 and my Dino has been good to me, well, most of the time. There were few incidents now and then, but for a 1969 car, who knows what kind of history she endured, she is a charming thing for me. I do what is necessary to keep her happy. As you can see, it is nowhere near the so called concourse level, but I prefer worn out look myself. w/ smiles Jimmy

[ferraripilot]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS

but I prefer worn out look myself.

+1 They have far more personality and seem more real. Some restored cars can really appear over the top.

[SCM246]

The early thin bumpers are so sharp!

[krasnavian]

Wonderful photos, Jimmy!

[barcheta]

Good stuff! More please!