Ferrari 246 Dino

Designed by the legendary Leonardo Fioravanti, the same man responsible for some of the greatest Pininfarina/Ferrari designs, the original 206 Dino GT was a delightful Italian shape elegantly translated from the 1967 206 racecar. The sultry curvature and sensuality of the body bridged the exact moment of change from heavy front-engine cars to light and tight mid-engine dynamos. The heart of the Dino was the compact V6 engine, championed by Dino Ferrari, son of Enzo, whose name would ultimately (and tragically, due to his death) spawn the Dino brand at the hand of a formerly doubtful Enzo Ferrari, in lasting tribute to his determined and prescient son. The Dino would go on to establish Ferrari as a world car leader, firmly positioned to compete in the growing sports car segment. Shortly after release, the 206 advanced to the 246 as the public demanded more power and production increased for this excellent handling mid-engine car. Stamped in steel at Pininfarina using higher volume practices, and aided by Fiat backing, the new Dino wowed Europe and America with its sleek bodywork and nimble performance, establishing Ferrari as far more than a small volume manufacturer.

The new engine, a 2,418-cc, 65-degree, dual-overhead-camshaft, 9.0:1 compression ratio, iron block with alloy heads, produced 195 bhp (at 7,600 rpm) in European trim. The American version used an exhaust air pump, and modified timing to deliver 175 hp through three Weber 40 DCNF/6 or 40 DCNF/7 carburetors. The 246 had a claimed top speed of 146 mph and zero to 50 of 5.5 seconds, competing very favorably against the slower Porsche 911S, while also being competitively priced. The Dino 246 GTS was mechanically similar to the 246 GT, however offering a removable targa-top roof, that allowed open-air driving with the rigidity of a closed car. Orders came flooding in, especially from the United States. By 1974, when production ceased, thousands of these excellent little cars had been delivered, with the vast majority shipping to the U.S.