Ferrari DINO 246

After only two years and 152 built models, the Dino 206 GT paved the way for the 246 GT. The highly anticipated successor to the Italian mid-engine road sports car made its debut in 1969 at the Geneva Motor Show. The differences between the two vehicles were marginal. Only the fuel filler cap hidden under a cover on the left strut and the enlarged twin exhaust pipes indicated that it had to be the successor to the 206 GT. The curvy design by Aldo Brovarone, which made the Dino one of the most beautiful sports cars of all time, remained unchanged. As did the renunciation of the prestigious Ferrari emblem on the hood.

The biggest changes concerned the V6 engine of the sports car. This was no longer made of an aluminum alloy for the 246 GT, but (mainly for cost reasons) made of cast iron. The engine displacement increased to the delight of many Dino fans from 1.986 to 2.419 cc, which was noticeable in terms of power. The enlarged version of the engine built by Fiat achieved 195 hp, which corresponded to an increase of 15 hp compared to its predecessor. However, the car became much more agile due to the increased torque. The top speed remained the same at 235 km/h.

Similar to the engine, Ferrari also switched from aluminum to steel for the body of the 246 GT. While the entire body of the 206 GT was still made of the lightweight material, the first 246s (L series) only had an aluminum front hood and doors. Another change could be found in the wheelbase, which increased from 2.280 mm for the 206 GT to 2.340 mm for the 246 GT, providing a smoother driving experience.

The Differences of the L, M, and E Series

During the production of the 246 GT, which lasted from 1969 to 1974, Ferrari made no drastic changes to the engine or design of the popular sports car. However, there were minor changes that eventually led to the three series "L," "M," and "E." The L-series built between 1969 and 1970 can be recognized, among other things, by the front bumpers that extend into the grille and are still noticeably more delicate. It also has center-lock wheels, an aluminum front hood and doors, and an external button to open the trunk.

The M-series of the Ferrari Dino 246 GT found its way into the market at the beginning of 1971. New features included 5-hole rims, headrests integrated into the seats, and a lever in the interior of the car to open the trunk. In addition, Ferrari made some modifications to the chassis, gearbox, and engine, which required an increase in the rear axle track width by 30 mm. The changes made to the M-series remained in the E-series of the Dino 246 GT, which was built from 1971 to 1974. There were further minor changes to the chassis and gearbox. There were also some minor modifications in appearance: the locks moved under the door handles, the windshield wipers no longer crossed in the middle (for left-hand drive cars), but rested parallel to the right, and the two front bumpers ended in front of, rather than inside, the grille.

Ferrari Dino 246 GTS with detachable Targa roof

In the spring of 1972, Ferrari presented the Dino 246 GTS with a detachable Targa roof at the Geneva Motor Show. With the open sports car, the Italians wanted to further increase the popularity of the sports car. With success: the presentation of the Gran Turismo Spider alone created a positive media echo and immediately brought Ferrari numerous orders.

However, there are hardly any significant differences between the GT and GTS versions of the Dino, except for the option to remove the roof and drive in the fresh air.

Positive Conclusion after five years of the Dino 246 GT/GTS

Ferrari was able to draw a positive conclusion after selling 1868 GTs and 1274 GTSs by the end of the 246 series. The Dino's 6-cylinder engine served as the basis for successors such as the Ferrari Dino 308 GT4, Ferrari 308, and Ferrari 328 built from 1974 to 1980. In the following years, the 246 GT/GTS became one of the most sought-after classic sports cars of all time, in part due to its distinctive design, winning the hearts of many celebrities.

Prominent owners and screen appearances of the Dino 246 GT/GTS

The list of celebrities who have fallen under the spell of the 246 GT/GTS is long, including "Rocketman" Elton John, cult guitarist Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, and comedian Peter Sellers. Sir Elton John acquired his 246 GT in Rosso Chiaro in 1972 as a reward for the success of his single "Crocodile Rock". It cost him 5.700 pounds at the time. Just one year later, the singer gave the car to his drummer Nigel Olsson. In 2014, the restored and yellow-painted sports car went up for auction at Bonhams, with an estimated price of around 330.000 euros.

Keith Richards also parted ways with his Argento Silver Dino, but not before driving the dream car named after Enzo Ferrari's deceased son daily for years, preferring it to his comfortable Bentley Continental. With 30.000 miles on the clock and two more owners on the papers, the 246 GT Coupé finally went under the hammer at the legendary Goodwood Revival in 2018. In the end, Richards' car went down in history as one of the most expensive Dinos of all time, selling for a final price of 486.000 euros.

With its cinematic design, the Dino also made a big splash in Hollywood. The orange-red Dino 246 GT with Tony Curtis at the wheel is unforgettable. In the series "The Persuaders!", Curtis, playing millionaire Danny Wilde, raced through the narrow streets of Monte Carlo in competition with Roger Moore as Lord Brett Sinclair in an Aston Martin DBS V8. The car also appeared in "Chips", "The Rockford Files", "Kojak", and "Batman Forever".

Prices for GT and GTS on the rise

While the GT and GTS were available in the 1970s for four-figure sums, prices have skyrocketed in recent years. Well-maintained examples can now command prices of between 300.000 and 400.000 euros (as of 2020). Even moderately maintained vehicles can fetch prices between 150.000 and 200.000 euros, in large part due to the availability of replacement parts. It is expected that the values of the 246 models will continue to rise in the future.