Some collector cars carry history in their panels. This one carries half a century of it. Gooding Christie’s has confirmed that a 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS, owned from new by musician Steve Winwood, will appear at its 22nd annual Pebble Beach Auctions on 14 and 15 August 2026. The estimate sits between $750,000 and $1,000,000.
A Rare Specification Among Rare Cars
The 246 GTS is already a desirable machine, but this example (chassis 06698) sits at the narrow end of a narrow field. It is a right-hand-drive E-series car and one of only five ‘Chairs and Flares’ Dinos delivered new to the United Kingdom. The ‘Chairs and Flares’ designation refers to the wider Campagnolo wheels and Daytona seat inserts that distinguish this specification from standard cars.
More specifically, it is the only UK-delivered ‘Chairs and Flares’ 246 GTS finished in Nocciola Metallizzato (a metallic hazelnut) over black upholstery. Winwood purchased it directly from Sytner of Mapperley in Nottingham through official UK importer Maranello Concessionaires Ltd.
Approximately two decades ago, Winwood commissioned a restoration by Ferrari specialist Bob Houghton. The car now presents in dark blue with tan leather upholstery. Marque historians Tony Willis and Matthias Bartz have documented its history.
Five Decades, One Owner
Single-ownership provenance is rare in the collector car world. Fifty-two years with the same custodian is genuinely exceptional. Winwood, born in Birmingham in 1948, rose to prominence during the 1960s British Invasion as a member of the Spencer Davis Group, recording internationally recognised tracks including “Gimme Some Lovin'” and “I’m a Man.”
He co-founded Traffic in 1967, whose catalogue drew on rock, jazz, and folk influences. He was also a member of Blind Faith, whose 1969 self-titled album is widely regarded as one of the era’s significant supergroup releases. His solo career extended his reach further, with the 1986 album Back in the High Life earning Grammy recognition, including for the single “Higher Love.” Winwood is a two-time Grammy Award winner and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
His own words on the sale are straightforward: the car should be driven and enjoyed, and the time has come to pass it on.
What Buyers Are Actually Bidding On
The estimate reflects both the car’s specification and its story. A standard 246 GTS commands strong money on its own merits. A one-of-five right-hand-drive ‘Chairs and Flares’ example, with a single famous owner and a documented history, is a different proposition entirely.
The Pebble Beach Auctions take place on Friday, 14 August at 4 p.m. PDT and Saturday, 15 August at 11 a.m. PDT at the Parc du Concours in Pebble Beach, California. Public preview runs from Wednesday, 12 August through Saturday, 15 August. General admission is $50. Bidder registration and live auction broadcast details are available at goodingco.com.
For the right buyer, this is less a transaction and more a transfer of custody, over fifty years of careful ownership, now looking for its second chapter.
