# 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.
- Title: Ferrari's 1969 Dino 246 GT: Automotive Perfection · Jalopnik
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: ferrari, dino 246 gt, 1969, sergio pininfarina, enzo ferrari, alfredo ferrari, ferrari dino, mid-engine, v6 engine, power-to-weight ratio, porsche 911s, cars
- Source: Jalopnik — https://jalopnik.com/2272442/ferrari-automotive-perfection-1969-dino-246-gt
- Author: Brad Brownell
- Published: 2026-10-04T16:05:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ferrari, dino 246 gt, 1969, sergio pininfarina, enzo ferrari, alfredo ferrari, ferrari dino, mid-engine, v6 engine, power-to-weight ratio, porsche 911s, cars
## 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
## Key takeaway

Ferrari's 1969 Dino 246 GT remains the last truly beautiful Ferrari, outperforming contemporaries in power-to-weight ratio and design.