1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS

Coachwork by Scaglietti
Design by Pininfarina

2,419cc DOHC V6 Engine
3 Twin Weber Carburetors
195bhp at 7,600rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Fine example of the fully evolved 246 produced about 100 cars from the end
*Retained in mild Western US climates for decades
*Well-preserved example fitted with Daytona seats, power windows and A/C
*Iconic Dino Spider with excellent road holding capabilities


THE FERRARI DINO 246

'It is a thrill to drive a car like the Dino, one whose capabilities are far beyond what even an expert driver can use in most real-world motoring, and that is the Dino's reason for being. The real joy of a good mid-engined car is in its handling and braking and the Dino shone as we expected it to. The steering is quick without being super quick, and it transmits by what seems a carefully planned amount of feedback exactly what is going on at the tires. Thanks to the layout's low polar moment of inertia the car responds instantly to it. The Dino's cornering limits are very high... ' – Road & Track.

Building on experienced gained with its successful limited-edition Dino 206S sports-racer of 1966, Ferrari retained the racer's mid-engined layout for the road car but installed the power unit transversely rather than longitudinally. A compact, aluminum-bodied coupé of striking appearance, the Pininfarina-styled Dino - named after Enzo Ferrari's late son Alfredino Ferrari and intended as the first of a separate but related marque - was powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cam V6 driving via an in-unit five-speed transaxle. The motor's 180 brake horsepower was good enough to propel the lightweight, aerodynamically efficient Dino to 142mph, and while there were few complaints about the car's performance, the high cost enforced by its aluminum construction hindered sales.

A 2.4-litre version on a longer wheelbase - the 246 GT - replaced the original Dino 206 in late 1969. Built by Scaglietti, the body was now steel and the cylinder block cast-iron rather than aluminum, but the bigger engine's increased power - 195bhp at 7,600rpm - adequately compensated for the weight gain. A Targa-top version, the 246 GTS, followed in 1972. The Dino 246 was built in three series: 'L', 'M' and 'E', these designations reflecting detail changes in the specification. Of the three, the M-series is by far the rarest, being produced during the early months of 1971 only. Changes from the preceding L-series included a 30mm increase in rear track; five-bolt fixing for the road wheels; internal boot release; seat-mounted headrests; and various minor improvements to the engine and gearbox. The final 'E' series incorporated all the changes made to its predecessors together with further improvements to the engine and gearbox and numerous other more minor details.

While not quite as fast in a straight line as its larger V12-engined stablemates, the nimble Dino was capable of showing almost anything a clean pair of heels over twisty going. Truly a driver's car par excellence and still highly regarded today.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This beautiful Ferrari Dino 246 GTS - chassis number 08116 - was completed at the Maranello Ferrari works during April of 1974. The new Dino was configured just as it appears today, a GTS Targa top version in the final and fully evolved E-Series and was among the last 100 or so examples of the Dino 246 model produced. According to Matthias Bartz' comprehensive 'Ferrari Dino V6 Compendium', 08116 is recorded as having been equipped for the US market from the factory.

08116 was acquired during the mid 2000s in California by the consignor - a prominent Reno, Nevada-based collector of exceptional classic sports cars - and sparked his interest in collector cars. From the acquisition of this classic Ferrari Dino, the consignor would go on to build his impressive collection. Today 08116 presents in largely original and well-preserved condition. The Scaglietti-crafted bodywork displays good fit and finish, and original factory chassis and ID plates remain in situ, as is original Carello lights and lenses, and much of the brightwork. Inside much of the interior remains original, and the desirable Daytona-style seats are fitted, trimmed in tan with black inserts. Power windows and air conditioning are fitted as well. Cromodora alloy wheels shod on Michelin classic XWX radial tires are fitted, with a matching spare and jack located in the luggage compartment.

This 1974 Ferrari 246 GTS Dino from the very end and fully evolved part of the production run, combines the classic and well-proportioned Pininfarina-penned design, with a rev-happy dual overhead cam V6 engine mated to a slick gated shift 5-speed manual transaxle. The Dino is a thrill to drive and a pleasure to visually admire. This attractive example of Ferraris mid-engine classic represents an exciting opportunity for any Ferrari enthusiast.