This Ferrari Dino 246 GTS is a 1973 beauty. The mid-engine/rear drive Dino was the first Ferrari produced in high numbers, 3,761 were produced between 1969 and 1974. The Dino name was used to denote Ferraris having less than 12 cylinders. Originally, an inexpensive alternative to high prices Ferraris, it has become a highly collectible automobile commanding prices in excess of $350,000.
The name "Dino" honors the founder's late son, Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari, who was credited with the design of the V6 engine. Along with famed engineer, Vittorio Jano, Dino influenced Enzo Ferrari's decision to produce a line of racing cars in the 1950s, with V6 and V8 engine designs. History shows that Alfredo Ferrari did not have a hand in the actual design of the V6 motor that made its way into the Dino.
The "Dino" brand was created to market a lower priced, "affordable" sports car. The first brochure described the Dino as "almost a Ferrari". Ferrari intended to do battle in the marketplace with Porsche and its 911. The more expensive road going Ferrari V12's of the time were no match at their much higher price point. But Enzo did not want to diminish the Ferrari brand with a cheaper car, and so "Dino" was born. In addition to being a lower priced, "affordable" sports car, it was a car built in Alfredo's honor after he lost his battle with muscular dystrophy. While in hospital, he discussed technical details with the engineer Vittorio Jano. Dino would never see the engine; he died on June 30, 1956 at the age of only 24, before his namesake automobiles Fiat Dino and Dino were produced.
Calls for more power were answered with the 2.4 L Dino 246. The motor was a 65-degree, dual-overhead-camshaft, 9.0:1 compression ratio, iron block with alloy heads. The European motor produced 195 bhp (at 7,600 rpm), and was available as a fixed-top GT coupe or, after 1971, an open Spyder GTS. The American version had an exhaust air-pump, and timing changes which created 175 hp (130 kW). The GT had 3 Weber 40 DCNF/6 or 40 DCNF/7 carburetors. For the 246 a new version of the Dinoplex ignition was deployed, the more compact Magneti Marelli AEC103A system.
The 246 Dino GTS weighed 2,426 lb (1,100 kg). The body was now made of steel to save cost. The 246 Dino had a 2.1-inch (53 mm) longer wheelbase than the 206, at 92.1 inches. The height of the 246 was the same as the 206 at 43.9 inches. The 246 had a claimed top speed of 146 mph, although in July 1971 a road test by Britain's Motor magazine reported a top speed of 148 mph, which compared favorably with the 136 mph achieved by a recently tested Porsche 911S. With a 0 -- 50 mph. With an acceleration time of 5.5 seconds the Dino narrowly outperformed the Porsche again, although the Porsche was narrowly the winner on fuel economy.
Dino 246 production numbered 2,295 GTs and 1,274 Spyders, the latter being built from 1972 to 1974 only, for a total production run of 3,569. Three series of the Dino were built, with differences in wheels, windshield wiper coverage, and engine ventilation.
Check out our Drive With Dave Podcast!
iTunes: https://goo.gl/wUG4js
SoundCloud: https://goo.gl/2VSPVs
Stitcher: https://goo.gl/x4yFV4
Link to share videos with friends: https://youtu.be/basq2DM6nOA
Check out my John Weinberger Playlist: https://goo.gl/jNsRM2
Check out my Gas, Electric and Fun Transportation Playlist: https://goo.gl/HpI31Q
Check out my Italian Luxury Sports Car Playlist: https://goo.gl/Q74yEO
Check out my German Luxury Sports Car Playlist: https://goo.gl/SGOPI6
Check out my British Luxury Sports Car Playlist: https://goo.gl/e0bVvu
Check out my American Luxury Sports Car Playlist: https://goo.gl/s9CQoQ
Check out my Motor Racing Playlist: https://goo.gl/AsoKY0
Follow me on my website: http://www.drivewithdave.com
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dave.DWD
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drivewithdave
Follow me on Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/drivewithdave
Check out my guest posts on https://www.theawesomer.com
Check out my guest posts on https://www.95octane.com
Check out my guest posts on Continental AutoSports’ Newsletter: http://www.imakenews.co
The Porsche 911 model series (pronounced Nine Eleven or in German: Neunhundertelf, or colloquially Neunelfer) is a family of two-door, high performance rear-engine sports cars, introduced in September 1964 by Porsche of Stuttgart, Germany, and now in its eighth generation. All 911s have a rear-mounted flat-six engine, and usually 2+2 seating, except for special 2-seater variants. Originally, 911s had air-cooled engines, and torsion bar suspension, but the 911 has been continuously changed and im...
More about Porsche 911→
1:40
4:24
5:40
2:35
