1970 Ferrari Dino 246 GT

The 'Dino' sports car was named in honor of Enzo Ferrari's late son Alfredino, and was inspired by Ferrari's V-6 racing-engine development program of the 1950s and 1960s. The Vittorio Jano-engineered 'Dino' V-6 powered Ferrari to its first Grand Prix Manufacturer's Championship and team driver Mike Hawthorn to the driver's title in 1958.

With the upcoming 1960 Formula 2 season and the 1.5-liter Formula 1 displacement limit announced for 1961, Enzo Ferrari tasked his technical director Carlo Chiti with updating the 'Dino' V-6 engine and placing it in a new car with the engine mounted behind the driver. The resulting 156 'Sharknose' driven by American Phil Hill clinched the 1961 Manufacturer's and Driver's championship for Ferrari and Hill at Monza.

The 'Dino' V-6 design had proven competitive in Formula 2, however revisions to FISA (Fédération Internationale du Sport Automobile) Formula 2 rules required a production-based engine and a 500-unit homologation requirement to compete beginning in 1967. Since Ferrari was a low-volume manufacturer and lacked the production capacity to meet this limit, they initially courted Ford (ultimately leading to the infamous 'Ford versus Ferrari' rivalry) before settling with the Italian industrial giant FIAT. FIAT produced the Ferrari-designed 2.0-liter, V-6 engine which powered FIAT's Pininfarina-built Dino Spyder debuting for 1966 and the Bertone-bodied Dino coupe from 1967.

Ferrari's V-6 line of road cars was an evolution of Pininfarina's 'Dino 206 S Speciale,' a styling exercise first shown at the 1965 Paris Salon. At Turin the following year, the 'Dino Berlinetta GT' first appeared, powered by a transverse mid-mounted V-6 engine and clothed with a Pininfarina-designed body built by Scaglietti. The first production Dino, designated 206 GT (denoting 2.0 litres of engine displacement and six cylinders) debuted in Turin in 1967, and was the first mid-engine production car by Ferrari and the start of the new Ferrari-based 'Dino' brand. In total, 150 examples were produced.

The 246 GT arrived in 1969, with the new model officially launched at the November Turin Salon that year, although production had already begun by then. The outward appearance was nearly identical to the prior 206 GT, except that the fuel filler car was now located under a flush-fitting flat on the car's left sail panel. The wheelbase and overall length increased slightly, allowing movement of the rear bulkhead further aft yielding additional interior room. Steel was now used for the main body panels and the engine block, replacing the prior aluminum components.

The enlarged 2,418cc engine resulted in a boost of power by 35 horsepower, giving the 246 GT a 140-plus mph top speed. Zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in the seven-second range. By the time production ceased in 1974, nearly 2,500 examples were built along three series marked by a number of changes including 'L' for Lungo (Long Wheelbase), 'M' for Modificato (Modified Chassis), and 'E' for Evoluzione.

At the March 1972 Geneva Salon, Ferrari introduced the 246 GTS with its black-finished removable roof panel and the elimination of the 246 GT Berlinetta's rear quarter windows. Production of the 246 GTS, part of the Series 'E' or Evoluzione run, was built through July 1974 with 1,274 produced. It incorporated all updates applied to the prior 'M' Series, with further modifications to the five-speed gearbox and engine. Detail changes included the relocation of the door locks, wider quarter-bumpers, windshield-wiper parking on left-hand drive cars, chrome-plated rectangular license-plate frame at the rear, and a switch to circular frontal cooling ducts.

The US-market 246 GT appeared near the end of 1971, followed by the 246 GTS with both models equipped with DOT-compliant front-signal and side-marker lamps.

The Dino was not as fast in a straight line as its larger V-12 engined stablemate, however, its small footprint, nimble handling characteristics, and lightweight construction made it a formidable competitor on the twisty circuits. A Ferrari 246 GT did contest the 24 Hours of LeMans in 1972. The highly modified example, based on chassis 02678, was entered by Luigi Chinetti's North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.) and piloted by Gilles Doncieux, Pierre Laffeach, and Yves Forestier to a 17th overall and 7th in the Index of Performance.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Scaglietti

In the late 1960s through the 1970s Ferrari produced the Dino series - the 206, 246, and 308. Enzo Ferrari used the name to honor his only son, Alfredo Dino Ferrari, who died in 1956 from muscular dystrophy.

Apart from some prototypes, the Dinos had their own chassis series, with even numbers only, ranging from S/N 00102 through S/N 15604.

The Dino evolved through three different series; the early ones had no license plate holders and lights, and bumpers reached into the grill. Dinos never left the factory with Plexiglas headlight covers, these were marketed by Maranello Concessionaires, and their popularity spread.

The 206 featured a longitudinal mid-mounted aluminum 2.0-liter V-6 engine. For more power, the engine was enlarged to 2.4 liters in the second version, the Dino 246, and had 195 horsepower at 7500 RPM. It was available as a coupe (GT) from 1970 and as an open spyder (GTS) a year later.

The Dino was created as a stand-alone marque, and consequently, there were no Ferrari nameplates or prancing horse emblems to be found on the car until 1976 when Mr. Ferrari consented to add them to the 2+2 Dino, the 308 GT4.

Coupe by Scaglietti

The Dino, developed by Ferrari and its then-new business partner Fiat, was the first Maranello-built road car to feature a V6 engine mounted in the rear, an idea taken from the Ferrari 206 S and SP prototype race cars. The first Dino, a 2-liter coupe, debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1965, and after a short production run, the car was updated in 1969 with a larger 2.4-liter engine that remained relatively unchanged until Dino's discontinuation in 1974. Often listed among the most beautiful Ferraris ever built, Dino's curvaceous body was designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti.

This Dino is one of 357 mid-production 246 GT L Series cars with an uprated 2.4-liter engine, aluminum body panels and knock-off wheels. It has been with its current owner since new; he collected it from the Ferrari delivery depot in Modena. This low-mileage Dino has been carefully maintained throughout its life and has never needed an engine rebuild.

Coupe by Scaglietti

The Dino 206 GT, 246GT and 246 GTS are V6 mid-engine sports cars produced by Ferrari and sold under the Dino marque between 1967 and 1974. The Dino 246 was the first automobile manufactured by Ferrari in high volume.

This Series 1 Ferrari Dino features the early alloy panels and interior design that was carried over from the 206 GT. It has a longer wheelbase and a larger 2.4-liter engine.

Another unique feature of this car is the European spec knock-off center hub wheels. The current owner acquired this car in 1974, and it has the original driveline. It was recently treated to a respray in its original color.

Coupe by Scaglietti

This Dino 246 GT is a European L version with knock-off wheels, round side marker lights, radio delete, European gauge package and alloy door skins, engine and truck lids. An 18-month restoration was completed by Bob Smith Coachworks in 2004 after a restoration by a former owner was aborted, leaving the car disassembled and existing only as dozens of boxes of parts.

The name 'Dino' honors Enzo Ferrari's son, Alfredo, who died of muscular dystrophy at the age of 24 in 1956. He is credited with the design of the car's V-6 engine.

The production of the 246 GT began in 1969 and ended in 1974 with 2,487 coupes and 1,274 Spyders produced. The price of this car was $14,000 new.

Coupe by Scaglietti

This Verde Germoglio 246 GT is perhaps the only example in the US. There is another example in Europe. This example has been given a nut-and-bolt restoration, with the interior receiving as much attention as the exterior. There is a three-spoke steering wheel, steel-gated, five-speed shifter, and an iron-block V6 engine made by Fiat.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Scaglietti
Chassis number: 00690

This Ferrari Dino 246 is one of just 357 examples of the Tipo L model. The Tipo L version was a transitional variant that ran between the original Dino 206 and the 246 variations. The older models had handmade craftsmanship featuring lightweight alloy body panels on the hood, deck lid and doors, whereas the later Dinos were machine-pressed.

This vehicle, a European specification model, is a matching-numbers example that has its original glass, a 206-style dashboard and bumperettes, knock-off wheels, and a Daytona steering wheel. It is finished in Classic Rosso Corsa paint.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $150,000 - $180,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $170,500, which included the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Scaglietti
Chassis number: 01016

The Ferrari Dino was the first automobile produced by Ferrari in high numbers. It was named in honor of Enzo's son, Alfredino (nicknamed Dino) who died at the age of 24 while working on the design of the dual overhead camshaft V6 engine that was used in the model. That and the Pininfarina-designed coachwork and body by Scaglietti helped recognize the Dino as one of the top sports cars of the 1970s and one of the 10 greatest Ferraris of all time according to automotive experts.

The 246 GT had a claimed top speed of 146 mph, although a road test by Britain's Motor magazine reported a top speed of 148 mph. It is powered by a 2419 cc engine producing 195 horsepower.

This 246GT Dino has covered just over 21,000 miles and is 1 of 357 L-Series Dino GTs. Unique features include its lightweight alloy doors and deck lids. Its mid-mounted engine gives the car perfectly balanced handling. The Dino was used sparingly prior to having extensive restoration work performed in 2016. Work included having the body has been fully stripped to bare metal and fully repainted in its original color of Blue Sera.

The L-Series served as the direct successor to the 206 GT and was built from March of 1969 until October of 1970, accounting for only 357 total examples and considered by connoisseurs as the 'bridge' between the 206 and the 246 GTs.

Coupe by Scaglietti

Unfortunately too often dismissed by purists, the Ferrari Dino is nevertheless one of the prettiest Ferraris. In addition, with its good combination of gear ratios and a center-placed V6 engine, the car offered a wonderful driving experience that makes it one of the nicest touring cars to own and collect. This particular car has received several awards in a number of respectable Ferrari gatherings and national events.

Coupe by Scaglietti
Chassis number: 246GT01158
Engine number: 135CS

The first Dino production car was the Ferrari Dino 206GT, available from 1967 through 1969. The engine was later revised with a cast-iron cylinder block and an increase in capacity to 2.4 liters, bringing about the Dino 246GT. The new 246GT, introduced in 1969, had some subtle styling revisions, notably steel bodywork, and an increase to the wheelbase size. The larger engine was more than capable of handling the increase in weight, while the cast-iron block offered better reliability. Top speed was in the neighborhood of 150 mph, with zero-to-sixty taking just 7.5 seconds. The Pininfarina body is elegant, classy, and exotic while offering road-hugging capabilities and excellent performance.

This example is an early Euro-spec version that has been in the US for several years. The odometer reads 70,000 kms, and is believed to be original. There are rare power windows, correct Dino Campagnola alloy wheels, and new Michelin XWX tires. The double-overhead-cam V-6 engine is rated at 195 horsepower and there is a five-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel disc brakes.

In 2008, this Ferrari Dino 246GT Berlinetta was offered for sale at the Hilton Head Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. It had an estimated value of $140,000 - $160,000. As the gavel fell for the third and final time, bidding had reached $126,500 including the buyer's premium. This was enough to satisfy the vehicle's reserve and the lot was sold.

by Dan Vaughan

The 206 Dino was built by Enzo Ferrari as a tribute to his son who passed away in 1956 at the age of 24 due to kidney disease. Alfredo Ferrari, more commonly known as Dino, was Enzo Ferrari's only son (Alfredo was also Enzo's brother and fathers' name). Afredo had been trained in Switzerland as an engineer, after which he returned to the family business and received tutoring from his father. It was Enzo's dream to one-day hand over the keys to the company to his son. Sadly, that never transpired.

The 206S first debuted in 1965 at the Paris Salon. The Dino Berlinetta GT Prototype was debuted later in 1966 at the Turin Show and again in 1967 at the same show but this time as a production model. The Dino Berlinetta was Ferrari's first transverse-mounted mid-engine vehicle.

The design was done by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti at the Maranello assembly facility. The body was alloy and the frame was steel.

The Dino 206 did not receive any Ferrari marque. It was void of the signature 'horse' logo, making it never officially a Ferrari. Rather, it was marketed as a separate marque.

The Dino was also built to compete against the Porsche 911. In order to meet the Formula Two racing regulations, over 500 production units had to be made. Ferrari was not capable of producing such numbers. So Ferrari relied on other resources. The engine was supplied by Fiat with half the number of cylinders that Ferrari was accustomed to working with. It was an all-alloy 2-liter, quad-cam, V-6 engine capable of producing between 140 and 180 horsepower. Side vents were located on the car which helped with cooling the engine.

Production continued until the end of 1969.

by Dan Vaughan