From Jalopnik · Brad Brownell · · 1m 20s
Ferrari's 1969 Dino 246 GT: Automotive Perfection
Ferrari's 1969 Dino 246 GT achieved automotive perfection with its blend of style, engineering, and driving dynamics.
In brief
Ferrari's 1969 Dino 246 GT achieved automotive perfection with its blend of style, engineering, and driving dynamics. Ferrari's 1969 Dino 246 GT remains the last truly beautiful Ferrari, outperforming contemporaries in power-to-weight ratio and design. Originally reported by Jalopnik.
Ferrari's Last Beautiful Car
Ferrari hasn't built a truly beautiful car since the 1969 Dino 246 GT, which wore a Ferrari badge without being a race car.
“the last beautiful car to actually wear a Ferrari badge was the 1964 250 lm”
Dino 206 GT's Legacy
The 1967 Dino 206 GT debuted as the prettiest car on the market, becoming a sub-brand due to V6 engine controversy.
“it was considered sacrilege at the time to put a ferrari badge on anything powered by a v6 engine”
Engine and Performance
The 1969 Dino 246 GT featured a 2.4-liter V6 engine producing 195 horsepower, outperforming the 170-hp Porsche 911S in power-to-weight ratio.
“the dino jumped to 195 horses while the porsche fell further behind at just 170 german ponies”
Design Evolution
The 246 GT Dino gained a slightly longer wheelbase and 397 pounds of weight compared to the 206 GT, yet still achieved superior power-to-weight ratio.
“the 246 gt dino grew its wheelbase slightly and gained about 397 pounds swapping alloy bodywork for steel”
Sergio Pininfarina's Vision
Sergio Pininfarina designed the Dino based on a 1965 concept, creating the first mid-engine Ferrari road car after Alfredo Ferrari's death.
“based on a 1965 concept from sergio pininfarina, the roadgoing dino was the first mid-engine ferrari road car”
Driving Experience
The Dino's lightweight chassis and 8.2-second 0-60 time offer a nimble driving experience with smooth engine performance and responsive steering.
“the dino is hardly setting the world on fire, but do you really need more? can't you simply wallow in the spectacular suction of a trio of weber downdraft carburetors”
Why It Matters
The 1969 Dino 246 GT remains Ferrari's last truly beautiful car, achieving a balance of style, engineering, and driving dynamics that has not been matched since.
“the 246 gt dino grew its wheelbase slightly and gained about 397 pounds swapping alloy bodywork for steel, it still bested the 911's power-to-weight ratio”
The key point
Ferrari's 1969 Dino 246 GT remains the last truly beautiful Ferrari, outperforming contemporaries in power-to-weight ratio and design.
