Ferrari Dino

By Timothy Hogue
Mid Engine Timeless Classic
The Ferrari Dino is arguably one of the most iconic and beautiful Italian sports cars ever created, in my opinion it must be on a top 10 of any collectors list.
The Ferrari Dino 246 is a legendary sports car that has become an icon of automotive design. Produced by Ferrari from 1969 to 1974, the Dino 246 was a smaller and more affordable alternative to the company's larger and more expensive models. It was named after Enzo Ferrari's son, Alfredo, who was also known as Dino, and who played a significant role in the development of the car.
The Dino 246 featured a mid-engine layout, with a 2.4-liter V6 engine mounted behind the driver. The engine produced 195 horsepower and was mated to a five-speed manual transmission, giving the car impressive performance and handling. The Dino 246 was capable of reaching a top speed of 146 miles per hour and could accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 7.1 seconds.
In the late 1950s, Formula 2 racing regulations required engines with a maximum displacement of 1.5 liters and a limited number of cylinders. Ferrari traditionally relied on V12s, but the rules made such large engines unsuitable. Dino Ferrari had proposed a compact V6 layout as a competitive solution, and after his passing, Ferrari engineers—led by Vittorio Jano—brought his idea to life.
The result was a family of 65-degree V6 engines, which became known as the Dino engines. They were first used in racing cars such as the Ferrari 156 F2 and the Formula 1 Ferrari 246 F1, before eventually powering road-going models.

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The Dino V6 engines had several innovative features:
  • Configuration: A 65° V6 layout (different from the more common 60° V6) which allowed for a lower center of gravity and improved packaging for mid-engine use.
  • Displacement range: Initially built as 1.5L racing engines, later versions grew to 2.0L (Dino 206 GT) and 2.4L (Dino 246 GT) in road cars.
  • Materials: Early versions used aluminum alloy blocks and heads for weight savings, while later 246 engines adopted cast iron blocks for durability.
  • Valvetrain: Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), advanced for its time, ensured strong breathing and high-revving performance.
  • Power output:
    • 1.5L racing spec: ~180 hp
    • 2.0L road (Dino 206 GT): 160 hp
    • 2.4L road (Dino 246 GT): ~195 hp
This combination provided an ideal balance of responsiveness, power-to-weight ratio, and smooth delivery, which suited both Ferrari’s racing ambitions and its new line of road cars.
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The Dino engine’s most famous application was in the Ferrari Dino 206 GT (1967–1969) and Dino 246 GT (1969–1974). These cars were Ferrari’s first mid-engined road cars, aimed at a younger clientele, and were marketed under the “Dino” brand rather than Ferrari to differentiate them from the V12 lineup.
  • Dino 206 GT: Featured a 2.0L aluminum V6 producing 160 hp. Only 152 units were built, making it very rare.
  • Dino 246 GT: The most iconic, with a 2.4L iron-block V6 producing 195 hp. It combined style, speed, and usability, becoming one of the most beloved Ferraris of its era.
These engines were paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and gave the lightweight Dino chassis nimble, race-inspired dynamics.
The Dino engine is significant because it marked:
  1. Ferrari’s first step away from the V12 tradition, showing versatility in engine design.
  2. Introduction of mid-engine architecture for Ferrari road cars, a layout that continues to define Ferrari supercars today.
  3. A tribute to Dino Ferrari, ensuring his vision lived on through some of the most beautiful and innovative Ferraris ever made.
Today, the Ferrari Dino engines are celebrated not only for their engineering but also for their emotional connection to Enzo Ferrari’s family story. Collectors prize the Dino 246 GT in particular, with its V6 heart widely regarded as one of the sweetest-sounding engines of its time.
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However, the Dino 246 was more than just a performance car. It was also a work of art, with a sleek and stylish design that has stood the test of time. The car's curvaceous lines and low-slung profile gave it a distinctive and timeless look that still turns heads today. It is the design aesthetic of what every classic sportdscar is.

One of the most notable features of the Dino 246 was its targa top, which could be removed to allow for open-air driving. The car's interior was also a marvel of design, with leather seats and a wooden steering wheel that added a touch of elegance to the sporty and aggressive exterior.
The Dino 246 was a commercial success for Ferrari, with over 3,700 units produced during its five-year production run. It was also a critical success, with many automotive experts praising the car's design, performance, and handling.

Today, the Dino 246 is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Its rarity, iconic design, and connection to the Ferrari legacy make it a highly prized addition to any collection. Prices for well-maintained examples can range from $300,000 to over $500,000, making it one of the most valuable and collectible Ferraris of all time.
In conclusion, the Ferrari Dino 246 is a timeless classic of automotive design. It represents the perfect marriage of performance and style, with a mid-engine layout that provides exceptional handling and a sleek and stylish exterior that still turns heads today. The Dino 246 is a true icon of the Ferrari legacy and a symbol of the company's dedication to innovation and design excellence. 
Timothy Hogue,
Contributor, MetronGarage-Elevated Garage Journal

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