DINO 246 GT
Images ©timelessclassics.com
A Ferrari WITHOUT THE BADGE
The Dino 246 GT, introduced in 1969, is far more than just a classic Italian sports car. It was born from a deeply personal mission of Enzo Ferrari: to honor his late son, Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari, a promising engineer who had developed a lightweight V6 engine design before his untimely death in 1956.
For marketing reasons, Ferrari reserved its name for V12 models at the time, so this car was simply called "Dino". But that didn’t stop it from becoming one of the most beloved and beautiful Ferraris ever built. Its low, curvaceous silhouette, penned by Pininfarina and hand-built by Scaglietti, remains timeless.
Mid-engined V6 SYMPHONY
The Dino 246 GT is powered by a 2.4-liter V6 engine, mounted in a rear-mid position, an architecture that was still a rarity among road cars at the time. This technical choice, inspired by Formula racing cars, gave the Dino exceptional weight distribution and razor-sharp agility. Designed by famed engineer Vittorio Jano, the 65-degree V6 has its roots in motorsport and delivers 195 horsepower, accompanied by a distinctive voice all its own.
Unlike the deep, thunderous roar of traditional Ferrari V12s, the Dino’s engine sings in a higher registe, sharp, metallic, and full of nervous energy, climbing through the revs with eagerness and grace. It’s a sound that evokes emotion, especially when paired with the car’s light weight (about 900 kg), offering a driving experience that’s both visceral and refined. It’s a purist’s machine, old-school mechanics that reward finesse and driver involvement, with every acceleration telling its own story.
From underdog TO ICON
When it first came out, the Dino 246 GT was greeted with caution by some Ferrari purists. But little by little, it won hearts. Celebrities such as Keith Richards and Elton John fell in love with its distinctive lines and spirit.
Today, it's an icon. A turning point in the history of Maranello. A demonstration that passion and balance are sometimes worth more than numbers.
The model presented at Timeless Classics is an original French model, recognisable by its yellow headlights, and in a beautiful Giallo Modena livery.