Ferrari Dino 246 GT
The Ferrari Dino 246 GT holds a unique and beloved position in the Ferrari pantheon. Named in honor of Enzo Ferrari's son Alfredo 'Dino' Ferrari, who helped conceive the V6 engine design before his tragic death from muscular dystrophy in 1956, the Dino was Ferrari's first mid-engined production road car. While the listing indicates a 1966 start date, the Dino 246 GT was actually introduced in 1969 as a successor to the 206 GT. It was not officially badged as a Ferrari -- the Dino name appeared alone on the car -- as Enzo Ferrari felt a V6-powered car should not bear the Ferrari name.
The 2.4-liter V6 engine, displacing 2,418cc, produced 195 horsepower at 7600 rpm. The engine was mounted transversely behind the driver, a layout pioneered in racing by the Formula 1 and sports car programs. The V6 featured DOHC heads on each bank, three Weber twin-choke carburetors, and a character that was distinctly different from the Colombo V12s. Where the V12 was silken and sonorous, the V6 was urgent and mechanical, with a higher-pitched exhaust note that was no less intoxicating.
The Dino 246 GT's body, designed by Pininfarina and manufactured by Scaglietti, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful automotive shapes ever created. The sensuous curves, perfect proportions, and absence of unnecessary decoration created a design that has only grown more attractive with age. The switch from the 206 GT's aluminum body to the 246 GT's steel construction (with aluminum hood, doors, and trunk lid) made the car heavier but also more affordable and practical for production.
The mid-engine layout gave the Dino handling characteristics that were revolutionary for a road car in 1969. The engine's placement behind the driver provided ideal weight distribution, resulting in neutral handling that could be adjusted on the throttle. The steering was light and precise, the brakes were powerful, and the overall driving experience was more intimate and connected than any front-engined Ferrari. The Dino felt smaller and more agile, encouraging the driver to explore its limits.
The Dino 246 was produced in GT (coupe) and GTS (targa) variants between 1969 and 1974, with approximately 2,487 GTs and 1,274 GTSs built. The relatively high production numbers (by Ferrari standards) and the car's manageable dimensions have made it more accessible than many Ferraris, both in terms of purchase price and running costs. The V6 engine, while still expensive to maintain, is somewhat simpler than the V12s.
Today, the Dino 246 GT occupies a special place in the collector market. It is often cited as the most beautiful car ever designed, and its combination of mid-engine handling, V6 soundtrack, and Pininfarina styling creates an emotional connection that transcends mere specification sheets. Values have risen steadily as the market recognizes the Dino's significance and desirability, with well-maintained examples typically trading between $300,000 and $500,000.
Check for chassis corrosion, especially in the sills, floor pans, and around the spare wheel well. The V6 engine should be verified as original to the car. Weber carburetor synchronization is critical for smooth running. The transaxle should shift cleanly through all five gears. Inspect the body for filler and previous accident repair. Ferrari Classiche certification, while not officially available for early non-badged Dinos, adds provenance. The E-series (later production) cars are generally considered more desirable due to improvements.
Built at the Ferrari/Dino factory in Maranello with bodies by Scaglietti. 2,487 GT coupes and 1,274 GTS targas were produced between 1969 and 1974. The engine was manufactured by Fiat under license.