1971 | Ferrari Dino 246 GT

The Ferrari that wasn’t allowed to be one – the 1971 Dino 246 GT

The 1971 Dino 246 GT is a prime example of Italian engineering and design at its finest. With its legendary V6 engine, strikingly streamlined bodywork, and advanced technology, it represents the perfect balance between driving pleasure, aesthetics, and rarity. An incomparable collector’s item that holds a special place in any collection.

In 1967, Ferrari unveiled the Dino at the Turin Motor Show – Ferrari’s first mid-engine sports car, built to rival the Lamborghini Miura. Its engine was a V6, named after Enzo Ferrari’s son Dino, who tragically passed away in 1956 at the age of 24. For this coupé, the founder introduced a separate brand name, Dino. A road-going sports car with a relatively small six-cylinder engine was not to bear the Ferrari name. The flowing coupé silhouette, designed by Pininfarina masters Aldo Brovarone and Leonardo Fioravanti, captivates with its timeless elegance. The bodywork was constructed under the direction of Giotto Bizzarrini by Ferrari’s in-house coachbuilder Scaglietti.

From 1969, the rear-mounted V6 was enlarged to 2.4 litres, delivering 195 hp at 7,600 rpm. Its unmatched sound, power, and high-revving nature continue to thrill enthusiasts. The robust cast-iron engine block with aluminum cylinder heads, paired with a precise five-speed gearbox, provides a direct and engaging shifting experience. The Dino accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 235 km/h. The E-series benefits from improved traction and enhanced driving stability. Between 1971 and 1974, approximately 2,450 units were produced.

This particular Dino was manufactured in October 1971, first registered in Switzerland in December of the same year, and traded in at Ferrari dealer Foitek in Zurich in 1979. By 2022, the car had changed hands four times. A Ferrari Certificate and a 2018 FIA Identity Card confirm its authenticity. In 2013, the engine and braking system underwent a comprehensive overhaul.

Today, the car presents itself in exceptional condition. In 2022, it was fully restored inside and out by specialists at Zanasi in Maranello. The paintwork in Azzurro La Plata, along with the interior featuring red quilted panels and color-matched racing seats, pays tribute to the 1957 250 GT Berlinetta Tour de France, whose color scheme was masterfully adapted here. A true one-off that combines style, performance, and technical finesse – a jewel for any collector.

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