Lot 237: 1972 Ferrari Dino 246GT Berlinetta
Coachwork by Pininfarina

In the mid-1960s, Ferrari needed a production-based 2-litre engine for the new Formula 2 and conceived the mid-engined Dino to provide the necessary basis. The first of these ‘junior’ Ferraris – the 206GT – debuted at the Turin Motor Show in 1967. 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, aluminium-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-litre, four-cam V6 driving through an in-unit five-speed transaxle. The motor’s 180bhp was good enough to propel the lightweight, aerodynamically-efficient Dino to 142mph, and while there were few complaints about its performance, the high cost enforced by its aluminium construction hindered sales.
A 2.4-litre version on a longer wheelbase - the 246GT - replaced the Dino 206 in late 1969. The body was now steel and the cylinder block cast-iron rather than aluminium, but the bigger engine’s increased power - 195bhp at 7,600rpm - was more than adequate compensation for the weight gain, as the Dino’s top speed increase slightly to within a whisker of 150mph. A Targa-top version, the 246GTS, followed in 1972. While not 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.
A remarkable feature of this Dino 246GT is its interior, which has been preserved in perfect original condition, a rare find in such a car. Chassis number ‘04020’ has covered circa 72,000 kilometres from new and benefits from overhauled suspension and running gear. Finished in the attractive combination of sky blue metallic with beige upholstery, the car is equipped with the desirable air conditioning and is offered with (cancelled) Swiss registration papers and leather wallet containing service booklet and dealers’ list.