When Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari, Enzo Ferrari’s only son, passed away in 1956, the world lost not only a young life but also the visionary who had first dreamed of a smaller, more compact V6 engine for racing. Dino’s dream, while not fully realized during his lifetime, inspired a new chapter in Ferrari’s history, as his father brought his son’s ideas into fruition with the iconic Dino series. The 1967-1973 Dino 206 GT and 246 GT cars were not just vehicles; they were a tribute to Dino Ferrari’s legacy, blending performance and design in a way that changed the trajectory of sports cars forever.

The Birth of the Dino: A Dream in Motion

In the aftermath of Dino’s death, Enzo Ferrari was determined to carry on his son’s dream of a lightweight V6 engine for racing and road cars. This was not simply a sentimental gesture; it was a practical pursuit to create a smaller, more affordable car that could compete with the likes of Jaguar, Mercedes, and Porsche. In 1966, at the Turin Auto Show, Ferrari revealed the first Dino road car. It was a mid-engine two-seater that carried a 2.0-liter V6 engine—a fitting tribute to Dino’s vision.

The car, named simply “Dino,” was not marketed as a Ferrari, a deliberate move to establish a secondary line of vehicles that would allow Ferrari to compete in a different market segment. By keeping the Ferrari name absent, Ferrari aimed to create a brand that was distinct but still intrinsically linked to its roots, catering to a different type of buyer who sought a Ferrari experience at a more accessible price point.

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Watch the video to discover why the Dino 246 and 308 GT4 were not ‘less-than’ Ferraris, with insights from Jason Cammisa in Episode 31!

The Stunning Design of the 1967-1973 Dino 206 GT / 246 GT

Designed by Pininfarina, the Dino 206 GT was, without question, one of the most beautiful cars of the 1960s. With flowing, curvaceous fenders, a sweeping flying buttress roof, and a sleek ducktail spoiler, it was a perfect blend of form and function. The car’s compact size (only 165 inches long) and the smooth, aerodynamic lines made it not only one of the most striking vehicles on the road but also one of the most agile. The Dino 206 GT’s design embodied a revolutionary approach to sports car aesthetics, with an emphasis on both elegance and performance.

Underneath its stunning body was a steel tube frame that mounted an all-independent suspension system of unequal-length double A-arms at all four corners. This setup, combined with the mid-engine layout, ensured that the Dino handled like a true racing car while still being approachable enough for everyday driving.

Performance: Under the Hood of the Dino

The heart of the Dino 206 GT was its 2.0-liter V6 engine, a marvel of engineering. Producing 180 horsepower at a relatively low 3,000 rpm, the engine was capable of propelling the lightweight car to thrilling speeds. The alloy V6 was designed with double-overhead cams, a lightweight reciprocating assembly, and a 9.6:1 compression ratio. The use of three Weber two-barrel downdraft carburetors helped the engine reach its full potential, creating an exhilarating driving experience that was unrivaled by its competitors.

Although the 206 GT was small in displacement, it was anything but underpowered. The car’s lightweight construction—barely tipping the scales at under 2,000 pounds—combined with the highly tuned V6 engine to deliver exceptional performance. It was enough to make the 206 GT a favorite among driving enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Collaborations and Fiat’s Role in the Dino’s Success

A key part of the Dino’s success was the collaboration with Fiat, which played a pivotal role in the development of the engine. Fiat not only produced the Ferrari-designed V6 for Ferrari’s road cars, but they also used the same engine in their own Fiat Dino coupe and roadster. While the Fiat Dino didn’t capture the same level of affection as the Ferrari Dino, it played an essential role in making the V6 engine more accessible, further cementing the Dino as an important vehicle in Ferrari’s lineup.

This collaboration allowed Ferrari to enter the mainstream market with a car that was more affordable, thus expanding their reach while maintaining the performance and luxury that the Ferrari name was known for.

Dino 246 GTS: A New Era of Open-Top Driving

In 1972, Ferrari expanded the Dino family with the introduction of the Dino 246 GTS, a car that featured a Targa-style roof. This removable roof panel became a key feature of the Dino 246 GTS, and the “S” in the name signified the Spyder or open-top version. The design of the GTS was a perfect blend of beauty and practicality, offering the thrill of open-air driving while retaining the elegance and aerodynamic advantages of the hardtop version.

The 246 GTS further solidified the Dino’s place in Ferrari history by offering something unique: an open-top experience that was still very much in the Ferrari tradition of high-performance, mid-engine sports cars.

The Dino Legacy and the Future of Ferrari’s Affordable Sports Cars

Despite not bearing the Ferrari name, the Dino became an instant classic, loved by enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its legacy is clear today, influencing Ferrari’s later models, particularly their mid-engine sports cars like the 308 GT4 and the more recent 430 Scuderia. The Dino was also instrumental in helping Ferrari reach a broader audience, introducing the brand to those who might not have been able to afford a full-fledged Ferrari.

Though Ferrari never marketed the Dino as a part of its flagship brand, its design and engineering were unmistakably Ferrari, and the car remains one of the most beloved models in the company’s history. While the successor to the Dino was not as widely celebrated, it laid the groundwork for Ferrari’s future.

Video

Check out the video to see how they built the ultimate Ferrari Dino in The Evo!

Conclusion: A Timeless Icon of Italian Automotive Excellence

The Ferrari Dino 206 GT and 246 GT stand as a tribute to Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari and his legacy. Through the use of innovative engineering, beautiful design, and a dedication to high performance, the Dino became more than just a car—it became a symbol of Ferrari’s versatility and commitment to automotive excellence. Although the Ferrari name was never officially placed on the Dino, its impact on Ferrari and the sports car industry is undeniable. Today, the Dino remains one of the most iconic cars in automotive history, revered by collectors and enthusiasts all over the world.