1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT

Named after Enzo Ferrari’s son, the 1968 Dino 206 GT was Ferrari’s first mid-engine production car. It was the first V-6 street model, though a series of successful twin-cam V-6 engines had been used in Formula 1 and 2, and sports racers. Powered by an aluminium 1,986 cc DOHC V-6 engine, the Dino weighed only 900 kgs, with an aluminium body, and electronic ignition. While 0-60 mph time was only 7.5 seconds, the slippery body delivered 146 mph top speed.

In 1969, the Dino’s V-6 was enlarged to 2,418 cc, with a cast-iron block. Engine output increased to 195 horsepower for the 246 series, which had a steel body. The engine was also used in a muscular front-engine, rear-drive Fiat Dino Spider designed by Pininfarina, and the Fiat Dino Coupe from Bertone, both of which lasted until 1973.

At the end of 1971, Enzo Ferrari took a hard look at the U.S. market and aimed the Series III (or “E” series) Dino 246 at it. The 246 GTS targa-roofed Spider was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in May 1972 and proved an immediate hit in America. Apart from the removable roof panel, the GTS can be distinguished by the lack of rear quarter windows, replaced by a sail panel with three rectangular vents. A total of 1,431 GT and 1,274 GTS Series III models were built between 1972 and 1974.

Late in the 1972-74 production run, what is now known as the “chairs and flares” package was offered and about 250 GT coupes and GTS Spiders were so equipped. They had flared wings, wider Campagnolo wheels instead of Cromodoras, and 275 GTB Daytona-pattern seats with with elaborate stitching and horizontal bars in the centre.

There were several changes for different markets and some running changes through production. U.S. market cars can be recognized by vertical front turn signal lights, and rectangular side marker lights. Series III cars also changed wiper motion to right-hand parking on left-hand drive cars, while right-hand drive cars retained central parking. The door lock barrel was moved down below the scallop, and front quarter bumpers were finished short of the grille, with cooling ducts changed from square to circular.

“Chairs and flares” Dinos are prized, with the best GTS Spiders generally leading the way in the market. However potential buyers should be aware of significant caveats. Since these cars were aimed at less wealthy collectors, maintenance records and restoration photographs are vital, as the 246 suffered from serious rust. Other weak points include camshafts and second-gear synchromesh, and the Dinoplex electronic ignition module. Interiors are also fragile, though handsome.

Curiously, the Dino had virtually no competition career, despite evolving from a competition model. One exception was Luigi Chinetti’s entry for the Le Mans 24 Hour race in 1972, which finished 17th overall. But 500 Dino engines were delivered to Lancia when Dino production ended. Fitted to the new amazing Stratos WRC car, they won the World Rally Championship in 1974, 1975 and 1976 and the Monte Carlo Rally in 1975, 1976 and 1977.

Period alternatives are the other Ferrari Dino- the 308 GT4, the Maserati Merak and the Lamborghini Jalpa.