Ferrari Dino 246 GT: The Definitive History, Specs, and Legacy
Introduction: Ferrari’s Mid-Engine Evolution
In the storied progression of Ferrari’s road cars, the Dino 246 GT, introduced in 1969, stands as a refined milestone—a mid-engine sports car that elevated the Dino sub-brand’s legacy. Powered by a 2.4-liter V6, this model saw 2,295 units crafted by Scaglietti, succeeding the Dino 206 GT. Named for Enzo Ferrari’s late son, Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari, it blended accessible performance with Pininfarina’s breathtaking design, cementing its place in Ferrari’s history.
The year 1969 was a dynamic period for Ferrari, its racing triumphs—365 GTB/4 "Daytona", 275 GTB—fueling road car innovation. Unveiled at the 1969 Geneva Motor Show, the Dino 246 GT captivated with its enhanced power and sleek form. This exhaustive history, penned with a Ferrari historian’s precision, explores its technical mastery, its iconic styling, its racing echoes, and its enduring legacy.
Historical Context: Ferrari’s Dino Refinement
The Ferrari Dino 246 GT emerged during a transformative era for Maranello. By 1969, Ferrari’s racing pedigree—330 GTS’s elegance, 250 GTO’s dominance—had solidified its stature, yet Enzo sought to broaden the marque’s appeal. The Dino 206 GT’s 131-unit run (1967-1969) introduced the mid-engine V6 concept, but its 2.0L engine and aluminum body limited scalability. The 246 GT, with a larger 2.4L V6 and steel construction, answered, targeting enthusiasts and competing with Porsche’s 911.
A total of 2,295 units were built (1969-1974)—all Scaglietti coupes, with steel bodies replacing the 206’s aluminum. Chassis 00686, the prototype, debuted at Geneva in March 1969, its curvaceous form a Pininfarina evolution. This was a car for a growing clientele—European drivers, American collectors—its robust production reflecting Ferrari’s confidence in the Dino sub-brand amid Italy’s late-1960s prosperity.
The broader context of 1969 shaped its purpose. Europe’s sports car market flourished—Porsche 911, Alfa Romeo Spider—while America embraced performance compacts. The Dino 246 GT bridged Ferrari’s racing heritage, rooted in the 250 MM, with a refined road-going experience, expanding Maranello’s reach.
Technical Specifications: The Dino V6’s Refined Power
The Ferrari Dino 246 GT’s heart was its 2.4-liter V6—a potent evolution of the Dino engine, designed for performance and reliability. Below, we dissect its engineering with historian’s detail.
Engine: Dino’s 2.4-Liter Advance
Displacing 2,418 cc (bore 92.5 mm, stroke 60 mm), the 246’s V6 was an upsized version of the 206’s unit, designed by Franco Rocchi. With double overhead camshafts per bank, a 9.0:1 compression ratio, and triple Weber 40 DCNF/6 carburetors, it produced 195 horsepower at 7,600 rpm—15 hp more than the 206 GT. The cast-iron block with aluminum heads, wet-sump lubrication, and 65-degree V-angle weighed 245 lbs, delivering 166 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm.
This engine was a mid-engine marvel. Chassis 01162, an early 1969 model, showcased its high-revving agility, balancing power with road-going refinement.
Performance: Spirited Pace
The Dino 246 GT reached 148 mph (238 km/h)—verified by Autocar’s 1970 test—edging out the 206 GT’s 146 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of ~6.5 seconds. Its power-to-weight ratio (181 hp/ton) trailed the 206 GT (200 hp/ton) due to its heavier steel body but outpaced many rivals.
Chassis and Suspension: Mid-Engine Precision
The chassis was a tubular steel spaceframe, weighing 1,080 kg (2,381 lbs)—180 kg heavier than the 206 GT due to its steel construction. Its 2,340 mm wheelbase (60 mm longer than the 206) enhanced stability, with fully independent suspension—double wishbones with coil springs front and rear—offering sharp handling.
Transmission and Brakes: Dynamic Control
A 5-speed manual gearbox—synchronized, mid-mounted—drove the rear wheels, its ratios (1st: 2.92, 5th: 0.96) favoring agility. Braking relied on 13-inch Girling disc brakes, delivering 1.0g deceleration—robust for its class.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L V6, 195 hp @ 7,600 rpm |
| Displacement | 2,418 cc (92.5 mm x 60 mm) |
| Top Speed | ~148 mph (238 km/h) |
| 0-60 mph | ~6.5 seconds |
| Weight | 1,080 kg (2,381 lbs) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual, mid-engine |
| Suspension (Front) | Double wishbone, coil springs |
| Suspension (Rear) | Double wishbone, coil springs |
| Brakes | Hydraulic discs, 13-inch |
Design and Styling: Pininfarina’s Timeless Curves
The Ferrari Dino 246 GT’s aesthetic was a refined evolution of the 206, crafted by Scaglietti under Pininfarina’s vision.
Exterior: Sculpted Elegance
Scaglietti built all 2,295 units—chassis 00686 featured a low nose, flowing curves, and a glassed engine cover, finished in Rosso Dino. Its 2,340 mm wheelbase and steel body (with aluminum hoods early on) balanced weight and form, with subtle air vents enhancing its mid-engine look.
Interior: Driver-Focused Refinement
The cockpit was a driver’s haven: leather bucket seats (black or tan), a gated shifter, and Veglia gauges—tachometer (9,000 rpm redline), speedometer, oil pressure. Chassis 01162’s minimalist cabin, with improved trim over the 206, offered a blend of sportiness and comfort.
Production and Variants: A Dino Success
The Ferrari Dino 246 GT’s 2,295-unit run (1969-1974) spanned three series: L (356 units, 1969-1970), M (500 units, 1970-1971), and E (1,439 units, 1971-1974), with updates like wider wheels and refined interiors. Chassis 00686 launched the series, while 08304 closed it, transitioning to the 308 GT4. No racing variants existed—its focus was the road.
Performance and Racing Legacy: A Road-Born Performer
The Ferrari Dino 246 GT racing history was limited, its road-going ethos primary. Chassis 00814, tuned to 200 hp, ran the 1970 Targa Florio rally, placing mid-field among privateers. Its true stage was winding roads—Alps, Tuscany—where its 148 mph top speed and nimble handling thrilled.
Ownership and Market Value: A Classic Icon
The Ferrari Dino 246 GT value reflects its rarity and charm. Early owners included Peter Sellers (01162) and European enthusiasts. Today, prices range $350,000-$500,000—chassis 00686 sold for $475,000 at Bonhams 2023. Restoration costs—V6 rebuilds at $80,000—highlight its appeal.
Cultural Impact: Ferrari’s Mid-Engine Legacy
The Dino 246 GT solidified Ferrari’s mid-engine lineage, its V6 and Pininfarina design influencing the 308 GT4 and beyond. In 1960s lore, it’s the car of spirited drives and timeless style, a cornerstone of Maranello’s evolution.
Comparisons: Ferrari Dino 246 GT vs Rivals
The Ferrari Dino 246 GT vs Porsche 911 S pits 195 hp V6 against 190 hp flat-6—Ferrari led in style, Porsche in durability. The Alfa Romeo Spider (130 hp) trailed in power but matched in charm.
| Model | Engine | Power | Weight | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari Dino 246 GT | 2.4L V6 | 195 hp | 1,080 kg | ~148 mph |
| Porsche 911 S | 2.4L Flat-6 | 190 hp | 1,050 kg | ~140 mph |
| Alfa Romeo Spider | 2.0L Inline-4 | 130 hp | 1,040 kg | ~118 mph |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Ferrari Dino 246 GT?
A 1969 2.4L V6 mid-engine sports car.
How many were made?
2,295 units.
What engine powered it?
2,418 cc Dino V6, 195 hp.
Did it race?
Rarely—built for road use.
What’s its value?
$350,000-$500,000.
