Ferrari unveiled a 246 GT variant called the GTS at the Geneva Motor Show in 1972. The company would move on to build 1200 units of the Ferrari Dino 246 GTS in the following two years. What set it apart from the rest of the line was the removable top that could be taken out similar to the Triumph TR4 which pioneered and was the source of inspiration for the rooftop design. The Dino model was built to honor Ferrari’s son Alfredo Ferrari who designed a V6 engine before losing his life. The Dino line started with the 206 model which was later succeeded by the 246. Let’s dive deeper into the history, design, and performance of this truly spectacular car in our Dino 246 GTS review. We will also check out the auction Dino 246 GTS price to see how much the model is currently worth.
Enzo Ferrari’s son, Alfredo Ferrari, proposed the use of a 650 V6 to be used in upcoming models only for him to lose his life from Muscular Dystrophy in 1956. Alfredo was known popularly as Dino and this is the name his father Enzo used to grace the models that would come thereafter in honor of his son. In the following years, the Dino V6 engine would prove highly successful in both the Formula 1 as well and the Formula 3 races. But soon, regulations would be imposed on the Formula 2 races. These stated that the engine displacement limit would sit at 1600cc with production of no less than 500 units. The 500 units would also need to be built for use on road cars with a production timeline of just 12 months. At this time Ferrari had been out of Formula 2 for a good thing while and wanted to get back into racing. It was the most popular race and gained the interest of car manufacturers and even Formula 1 drivers. The new regulations would only serve to raise interest even more. The Dino would use the 650 V6 which had initially been enlarged to a 2.0 Liter as the basis for the new 1600cc motor for use in Formula 2. However, Ferraris could not simply build 500 cars and this is why he decided to get into an agreement with Fiat. They could produce the 500 units which would allow Ferrari to get into the race. This was the birth of the first Dino the 206 GT line. A couple of years later the 246 GT/GTS models would succeed it. In 1972 at the Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari would showcase the new Dino 246 GTS. This was a Targa-topped model thus the “S” for Spyder and featured a black roof panel that was removable. Once out this roof panel could easily be stored away behind the seats. But where was the Dino 246 GTS made? This was at the company Factory in Maranello, Italy. The Ferrari Dino 246 GTS came with much higher specs than the GT variant. Buyers would get the car with leather upholstery as standard. On the later models, buyers would also get air conditioning and electric windows. But how many Ferrari Dino 246 GTS were produced? Just 1200 units were ever built. This GTS also featured a much tougher chassis which was reinforced at the sides with more bracing. The reinforcement was also done at the front of the engine frame with a more beefed-up roof hoop. One of the main differences that set the GTS model apart from the other Dinos is that it didn’t have rear three-quarter windows. However, in their place was a sales panel that featured a trio of rectangular grilles which served to send air into the cockpit. Let’s now dive deeper into our Ferrari Dino 246 GTS review, shall we?
Inside the engine bay was the 650 V6 that had been designed by Vittorio Jano and was now updated by Franco Rocchi. This engine was mounted transversely. It featured two valves for every cylinder and dual overhead camshafts. The engine used wet sump lubrication had a single plug per and a single ignition per cylinder and had been upgraded from 1600cc to a now 2418cc. This resulted in improved Dino 246 GTS horsepower and torque figures. The V6 could produce 195 bhp as well as 165 lb.-ft torque and was mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox via a single plate clutch. It was constructed out of cast iron to reduce engine costs. The Ferrari Dino 246 GTS top speed was 146 mph. Compared to the 206 line, the new 246 GTS was longer with an extended wheelbase of 2340mm up from 2280mm. The Dino 246 GT weight sat at 1100 Kilograms. Buying a car can be hectic. On the upside choosing to buy a car online can save you loads of hassle not to mention it’s a safer way to transact. Check out Exotic Car Trader’s online car-buying guide to learn the process.
The majority of the Dino 246 GTS interior was brought over from the Ferrari Dino 206. On the dashboard was an oval central binnacle. It housed most of the readings including the speedometer, rev counter, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, clock, and ammeter. The dashboard featured gray mouse hair upholstery to prevent reflection on the windscreen. Atop the door panel was a black vinyl upholstery as was on the headrests and upper rear bulkhead. The larger portion of the door panel featured upholstery that matched the seat, sills as well as transmission panel. One could adjust the seats forward and backward. However, it was not possible to adjust the backs as this was fixed in a single position. The headrests were also connected to the rear bulkheads. The Dino 246 GTS interior design also came with a leather trim steering wheel rim around the tree spoke design.
The Ferrari Dino 246 GTS exterior design featured body panels that were constructed out of steel. It looked a lot similar to the predecessor the 206 GT but there were a few notable differences. For one the fuel filler caps were new and were mounted under a circular flap at the left side of the vehicle. It also came with a larger exhaust. The Dino 246 GTS exterior bodywork was handled by Pininfarina with the fabrication left to Scaglietti in Modena Italy. With recessed headlights, gently curving wings, and featuring a shallow primary nose intake. There were also vents on the front lid inside which was space for the full-size spare wheel. Do you have a car lying around in your garage that you want to dispose of? If so, then you need the perfect online selling platform to list the car and get it in front of as many eyeballs as possible. This is where Exotic Car Trader comes in. By listing your vehicle with us, you can start connecting with potential buyers in no time.
Let’s take a look at the Dino 246 GTS technology. The suspension comprised double wishbones of unequal length, Koni telescopic dampers, and coil springs. Both ends featured anti-roll bars. All wheels came with disc brakes. Speaking of wheels these were 6.55 x14 inches running on Pirelli Zero tires. The fuel tank was a 65-liter mounted on the rear next to the bulkhead. Are you looking for your next car? Then head off to Exotic Car Trader where you can browse our huge listing to find your perfect ride!
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You are probably wondering; how much is a Dino 246 GTS Worth? Well, here are some action figures to give you an idea. Of course, the price will also be influenced by the Dino 246 GTS trim levels. One Ferrari Dino 246 GTS for sale built in 1974 of chassis number 07798 exchanged ownership for a good $375,000. This model had air conditioning, and electric windows, and had 20,000 miles on it. It was also owned by a single owner for well over 20 years and sold at the Pebble Beach Auctions in 2015. Another 1972 model of chassis number 03652 was sold at the Amelia Island Auction for a whopping $357,000. This model was also on display at the 1972 Los Angeles Motor Show and is among the first Ferrari Dino 246 GTS delivered to the United States. Another 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS sold at the Scottsdale Auctions in 2015 for a good $390,000. This particular car of model number 04746 even though it had been restored managed to fetch quite a handsome sum. Its history was meticulously recorded and also came with Accessories Books and Tools.
In this Ferrari Dino 246 GTS review, we’ve seen the development of the Spyder model of the GT inspired by the Triumph. It draws its roots from a son’s idea who never got around to seeing its fruition and a father’s dedication to keep his son’s name forever etched in history. The GTS takes that splendid design of the GT a notch higher with a removable top for anyone who wants to feel the wind in their hair in style!
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