1968 Ferrari 206 Dino GT

Ferrari built 153 examples of the 206 GT, a minuscule fraction of the total production of 4,067 Dinos. They were a revolutionary vehicle and the first mid-engine V-6 road car offered by Ferrari. Built to help Ferrari meet the FIA-mandated production requirements to homologate its 'Dino' V-6 engine for competition, they were introduced in 1965 at the Paris Motor Show as the Dino Berlinetta Speciale. They were based on a competition 206 SP chassis and its styling would pave the way for the introduction of the road-going version. Series production commenced in June of 1968 and ended in April of 1969 when the 246 GT was introduced.

Formula 2 racing regulations for 1967 mandated production-based engines, with a minimum of 500 built yearly. Ferrari was unable to meet this demand, so they fostered a deal with Fiat to manufacture the engines and install them into new upmarket Fiat Dino models. Fiat would also supply engines for Ferrari's use.

The 206 GT wore aluminum coachwork by Scaglietti and rested on a 2,280mm wheelbase platform. They rode on knock-off Cromodora wheels that distinguished them from its more common brethren, the 246 GT and GTS. Other unique features were the wood-rimmed steering wheel, unique exhaust tips, exterior lighting, special interior appointments, and chrome-plated exposed fuel filler cap. Power was sourced from a 1,987cc, all-alloy V-6 engine with three Weber 40 DCN F/1 carburetors, four main bearings, and delivering 180 horsepower at 8,000 RPM and 138 lb-ft of torque. The suspension was fully independent and braking power was provided by disc brakes all round.

The Dino 206 was the first Ferrari to use electronic ignition, a direct rack-and-pinion steering, a Dinoplex C capacitive discharge ignition system that was developed by Magneti Marelli.

The Dino 246 was produced from 1969 through 1974, with 3,761 created. They had a more powerful 2,419.20cc engine with dual overhead camshafts, 2 valves per cylinder, an iron block with alloy heads, and developed 190 horsepower at 7,600 RPM. The increase in power was offset by the heavier steel body which was used to save cost. Its wheelbase was 2.1-inches longer than the 206 but its height was the same.

Of the 3,761 examples produced, 2,295 of those were GT Coupes and 1,274 were GTS Spyders. The GTS Spyders had a shorter production lifespan and were built after the Series III revision from 1972 to 1974.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2021