© 2026 - Octane Automotive BV
Alfredo Ferrari, Enzo's eldest son, designed the first V6 racing engine for Formula 2 in the 1950s before dying of muscular dystrophy at twenty-four in 1956. For his father, the Dino model line became a living memorial: a separate brand name, positioned below the Ferrari badge, with the V6 as its technical signature. The 246 GT (2,487 cars) and 246 GTS (1,274 cars) are the second generation and the first in series production, with a 2.4-litre 65-degree V6 mounted transversely behind the driver. Only in 1976 was Dino absorbed into Ferrari; since then the 246 has been officially recognised as a Ferrari and Ferrari Classiche certification is available. The Pininfarina design still ranks among the most beautiful compact sports car shapes ever built.
Ferrari unveiled the Dino 206 GT in 1968 as the first of the Dino model line. The name Dino honours Alfredino Dino Ferrari (1932-1956), son of Enzo Ferrari who died at the age of 24 from muscular dystrophy. Alfredino designed Ferrari's first V6 engine (used in F2 racing) before he died; the Dino model line was built as a living memorial. The Dino models were originally sold under the separate Dino brand name (with Dino badging, not Ferrari badging) and positioned below the Ferrari brand name as visible younger sister of Ferrari. For collectors the Dino 246 represents Ferrari's first regular production V6 Berlinetta.
The central technical point of the Dino 246 is the naturally aspirated 2.4-litre 65-degree V6 (Tipo 135 CS). The engine is further developed from the Dino 206 GT 2.0-litre (65-degree V6, 180 hp) with increased displacement to 2.4 litres and 195 hp. The V6 is mounted transversely in mid-rear position - Ferrari's first transverse-mounted V6 in a regular production specification. The transverse specification was later replaced by longitudinal specification in 308 GTB (1975-1985) and all later mid-engine Ferrari V8 specifications. The V6 has Weber 40 DCNF carburettors (three carburettors), redline 7,800 rpm, and more compact dimensions that enabled the mid-engine packaging strategy.
In 1972 Ferrari introduced the Dino 246 GTS Spider - open targa specification with removable roof panel. The package includes identical V6 drivetrain as the Dino 246 GT Coupé but with removable roof panel (can be manually placed or removed, with storage in the boot). The GTS has reinforced chassis structure for open-body torsion stiffness. Total Dino 246 GTS production was 1,274 cars compared to 2,487 Coupé specifications. For collectors the Dino 246 GTS is generally higher priced than the Dino 246 GT due to scarcity and open driving experience.
The Dino 246 production is divided into three production Tipos: Tipo L (early production 1969-1970, around 357 Coupé specifications, characteristic details such as classic smaller tail lights), Tipo M (mid production 1970-1971, around 507 Coupé specifications, refined details), and Tipo E (late production 1971-1974, around 1,623 Coupé and all GTS specifications, most refined details). For collectors Tipo L examples are generally scarcer and higher priced due to early production status; Tipo E examples are most accessibly priced.
The Dino 246 has seen a substantially strong appreciation curve since 2010. Well-documented Dino 246 examples in original specification with proven service history sit in a substantially high price tier for classic Ferraris. Dino 246 GTS Spider and non-red Dino specifications (Verde Pino, Marrone Dino, Azzurro Hyperion) are substantially scarcer and higher priced. For sellers this means a well-documented Dino 246 with proven service history at Ferrari Classiche or recognised classic Ferrari specialist, original original specification, and Ferrari Classiche certification attracts substantial international interest.
Dino 246 GT Coupé (1969-1974, 2,487 cars, closed Coupé) or Dino 246 GTS Spider (1972-1974, 1,274 cars, open targa specification with removable roof panel). For collectors the Dino 246 GTS is generally higher priced than the Dino 246 GT due to open driving experience and targa specification.
The Dino 246 is available in classic Ferrari colours: Rosso Chiaro (signature Dino colour, around 50% of production), Giallo Fly, Bianco Polo, Azzurro Hyperion, Verde Pino, Marrone Dino, Argento Auteuil. For collectors non-red Dino specifications are substantially value-adding, with Verde Pino and Marrone Dino as the scarcest.
The Dino 246 has naturally aspirated 2.4-litre 65-degree V6 (first regular production Ferrari with V6, further developed from Dino 206 GT 2.0-litre). The engine is mounted transversely in mid-rear position (in contrast to longitudinal specification in 308 GTB and later models). For collectors V6 condition is substantially value-driving.
The Dino 246 has original 14-inch Cromodora wheels (classic star-design wheels, characteristic of classic Ferraris from the 1960s and 1970s). For collectors original Cromodora wheels and factory original interior (Connolly leather, wood trim specification, or Tipo-era interior elements) are essential.
The Dino 246 production is divided into several Tipo specifications (Tipo L early production, Tipo M mid production, Tipo E late production). For collectors confirmation of factory chassis number and Tipo specification via Ferrari Classiche certification is substantially value-adding. Tipo L examples are generally scarcer and higher priced.
Ferrari Classiche-recognised service is essential for classic Ferraris. For Dino 246: V6 service (valve clearance, oil consumption status, engine oil condition), manual transmission service (Tipo-specific transmission), fuel system service (Weber carburettors), electrical system condition, and historic service documentation.
For Dino 246 collectors well-documented low-to-moderate mileage (under 80,000 for regular model years, under 40,000 for low-mileage examples) with full service history is more attractive. Number of previous owners (50-year ownership chronology has historic weight), market version, and geographic distribution are substantially value-adding.
Note: These factors may influence buyer interest. Value depends on many factors.
Dino 246 GT Coupé (1969-1974) or Dino 246 GTS Spider (1972-1974). Production Tipo (Tipo L, Tipo M, or Tipo E). Model year, chassis number, engine number, and market version. For collectors Tipo confirmation via Ferrari Classiche is essential.
For Dino 246 Ferrari Classiche certification is substantially value-adding. Apply via Ferrari Maranello in Italy via Ferrari Classiche form. Confirms factory chassis number, factory engine number, production date, production Tipo, original original specification, and Dino 246-specific specification.
All invoices from Ferrari Classiche or recognised classic Ferrari specialist. For Dino 246: V6 service (valve clearance, oil consumption status, engine oil condition), manual transmission service, fuel system (Weber carburettor status), electrical system condition, brake status, and historic service documentation.
The 2.4-litre V6 (Tipo 135 CS, 65-degree V6, 195 hp) has known points of attention: valve clearance (annual adjustment required), Weber carburettors (regular adjustment required), oil consumption status, timing chain condition. Document diagnostic report from classic Ferrari specialist.
The Dino 246 is available only with manual five-speed gearbox. Document transmission condition, clutch status, limited-slip differential service (where applicable), and rear axle condition. For collectors proof of original transmission is essential.
Paint colour with Ferrari factory code: Rosso Chiaro, Giallo Fly, Bianco Polo, Azzurro Hyperion, Verde Pino, Marrone Dino, Argento Auteuil. For collectors non-red specifications are substantially value-adding. Document original 14-inch Cromodora wheels (not replaced by aftermarket).
Number of previous owners (long ownership chronology of 20+ years is value-adding), mileage, market version, model year (1969-1974), production Tipo (Tipo L, M, or E), Ferrari event participation, and geographic distribution. For collectors: low mileage (under 80,000 for regular, under 40,000 for low-mileage examples) is substantially value-driving.
Submit your car and our team will review it within 48 hours