1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GT by Scaglietti

In the pantheon of automotive legends, the Ferrari Dino 246 GT by Scaglietti holds a distinguished place. This mid-engined sports car, produced between 1969 and 1974, was Ferrari’s first high-production model and remains a symbol of timeless design and performance.

Named after Enzo Ferrari’s son, Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari, the Dino 246 GT marked a significant shift for the Italian marque. It was Ferrari’s foray into producing a more affordable, high-performance sports car under the Dino sub-brand. The car’s V6 engine and curvaceous body were a departure from the traditional V12 power plants and more angular designs Ferrari was known for.

At the heart of the Dino 246 GT lies a 2.4-liter V6 engine, producing 192 bhp at 7,600 rpm and 166 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm. This engine, with its double overhead camshafts and three Weber carburetors, delivered a spirited and engaging driving experience. The American version, slightly detuned for emissions regulations, still offered a robust 175 hp.

The Dino’s performance figures were impressive for its time. It boasted a top speed of 148 mph, as verified by Motor magazine in 1971, and could accelerate from 0 to 50 mph in just 5.5 seconds. These stats placed it ahead of competitors like the Porsche 911S, making it a formidable player in the sports car arena.

The Dino 246 GT’s design, crafted by the legendary Sergio Scaglietti, remains iconic. The car featured a sleek, low-slung profile with a wheelbase of 92.1 inches and a height of just 43.9 inches. The body was primarily steel, a shift from the aluminium construction of its predecessor, the 206 GT, to reduce costs.

Distinctive features included the two rows of seven vents on the engine lid, a covered fuel cap, and various series-specific design elements. The Series I (L series) cars retained the centre-bolt wheels and unique windshield wipers of the 206. Series II (M series) introduced five-bolt Cromodora alloys and parallel wipers. The Series III (E series) saw minor adjustments in gearing and fuel supply, ramping up production, especially for the US market.

The Dino 246 GT’s driving dynamics were lauded for their precision and responsiveness. With a curb weight of 2,380 lbs, the car felt nimble and agile. Its balanced chassis and communicative steering made it a joy to drive on winding roads. The inclusion of Bilstein DampTronic adjustable dampers and Brembo brake callipers ensured that the Dino could handle spirited driving with ease.

Beyond its road-going capabilities, the 2.4-liter V6 found its way into other legendary vehicles, including the Fiat Dino 2400 and the rally-dominating Lancia Stratos. This versatility underscored the engine’s robustness and Ferrari’s engineering excellence.

The Ferrari Dino 246 GT by Scaglietti is a piece of automotive history. Its combination of stunning design, exhilarating performance, and Ferrari’s racing pedigree makes it a coveted classic. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, the Dino 246 GT represents the essence of what makes Ferrari an enduring icon in the world of sports cars.