1972 | Ferrari Dino 246 GT

UNDERSTANDING THE DINO

Introduced in 1969 to succeed the 206GT, the Dino 246GT uses a larger 2.4 liter version of 206's V6. This new engine produced 15 horsepower more than the outgoing 206GT, and more importantly, more torque and a broader power band. The wheelbase was increased by 60 mm in order to accommodate the larger engine and make the car more stable at high speeds. The engine block in the 246 is aluminum, versus cast iron in the 206GT.

The 246GT is stiffer and lighter than the 206GT.  The body work was designed by Aldo Brovarone and Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina; their design takes direct inspiration from the 330P4 race car, which features an enveloping front fender line and sudden drop away. There are very few visual differences between the 206GT and 246GT, the most obvious being the longer rear engine cover and relocated positioning of the fuel filler cap. Although not as rare as the 206GT, just 2,487 of the 246GT were produced between 1969 and 1974. Three series of Dino 246GT were produced, denoted as the L, M, and E. In 1971, the series 3 (or Tipo E) was introduced; which benefited from all of the changes made to the M series, as well as modifications to the engine and gearbox, to make them more robust and reliable.

DINO HISTORY

The Dino was the first road car produced by Ferrari to use a V6 mid engine design coupled to a transaxle.  It was named after Enzo Ferrari's late son Alfredo 'Dino' Ferrari, who died in 1956.  Alfredo 'Dino' Ferrari was a brilliant engineer himself, and was involved in the 750 Monza project.  He also co-designed the company's first V6 engine, a 1.5 liter unit that was put into the company's 1957 F2 race car.

Engineers at Ferrari approached Enzo about building a production version of a V12 mid engine road car, but Enzo didn't want to sell his clients V12 mid engine cars, believing his clientele couldn't deal with the handling characteristics of a mid engine design coupled to a powerful V12.  Although there was a planned road-going version of the 250LM, it never went into full scale production.  A compromise was reached with the Dino series cars, and Enzo gave the series his blessing. Until Enzo Ferrari's death, V6 Ferraris were made under the Dino sub-brand, not only in tribute to his son, but also in tribute to Dino's design work on the company's first V6. The 'Dino' logo script that adorns the car is that of Dino's own signature.

THIS EXAMPLE

This car, serial number 04572, is a series 3, or Tipo E. Of the total 246GT cars produced, 1,624 of those were series E. Built in 1972, it was sold to its first owner in California from Bill Harrah's dealership in Reno, Nevada. Painted in Giallo Fly over a Nero interior, it underwent a cosmetic and mechanical refresh in 1986. A suspension overhaul was carried out in 2017, and the car had a full engine out service in 2019. It retains its original engine and gearbox, and it has been modified with a Tubi Style exhaust. The odometer shows just north of 79K miles. Included with the car are the original books, tools, and service records plus 1 original California Blue plate.

WHY TO BUY

This Dino is a wonderful example of a “driver,” meaning a car that can be driven and enjoyed without the guilt of fear of ruining a perfect low mileage 100 point concourse car. The 246GT offers only the best vintage Ferrari driving experiences, and this one can be driven and enjoyed the way it was meant to be.

• Series 3, Tipo E
• 1 of 1,624 Series 3 examples produced
• Giallo Fly exterior paint
• Nero leather interior
• 2.4L V6 engine
• 5-speed gearbox
• Gated manual shifter
• Air conditioning
• Power windows
• 79k miles

• Tubi-style exhaust

• Seller's Disclosure
• Service records from previous ownership
• Paint meter readings, see Documents gallery above