Marque: Ferrari Dino - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand
Ferrari Dino
Ray Potter
My past and present threesome have given me plenty of excitement, both good and bad starting with my first and most memorable Ferrari bought nearly fifty years ago. Not that I have always had one in the garage, but it seems an emptier place without an example around once you have owned one to either drive, compete with or simply admire – or occasionally swear at when things go on the…
Ferrari Dino 208, 308 GT/4
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1973-80 (2826 made - 840 208s) - Bodywork:
Coupe 2+2 - Engine:
2927cc Transverse mid-mounted 90° V8 light alloy cylinder block and head two valves per cylinder twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank - Suspension:
Independent double wishbones coil springs/ Independent double wishbone coil springs - Power:
255bhp
Past: Unpopular replacement for much loved Dino 246 Ferrari unveiled the Dino 308 GT4, a V8-engined 2+2 designed by Bertone, with boxy lines. The name Dino was retained until the end of 1976 when it was changed to Ferrari due to popular demand. The car remained in production until late 1980, with a rare 2-litre model not seen in UK added to the range in 1975.
Present: This is today’s ‘entry-level’ Ferrari for most of us as well as the most affordable and fairly approachable opportunity to own a Ferrari – if you view one as such you won’t be disappointed. In fact, the media fairly raved about the car when new even though it was a softer more civilised take on the 246GT.
Future: Lack of popularity makes one a tempting bet butvalues won’t rise for some time and many have been neglected because of this. Looks affordable but repair costs can outweigh the car’s value.
Ferrari Dino 206, 246GT, GTS
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1968 (1969)-74 - Bodywork:
Coupe, targa - Engine:
1987cc Rear-mounted 65° V6 light alloy cylinder block and head twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank (2419cc Rear transverse-mounted 65° V6, light alloy cylinder block and head – 246 GT) - 0-60 mph:
7 secs - Suspension:
Independent double wishbones coil springs/ Independent double wishbones, coils springs - Power:
180bhp (246GT 195bhp)
Past: An all time great. Introduced as an entry level Ferrari, it has become one of the most coveted. A road going development of the racer of the same name using a V6 shared by Fiat, Dino hit the streets in 1967 as the 206. The Dino 246 GT was an evolution of, with a larger engine and a wheelbase lengthened by 60 mm. The car proved commercially very successful and when production stopped in 1973-4, with the Targa topped GTS was launched a year earlier, demand was still sky high.
Present: In a word fabulous! True, it’s not quick, especially these days, but mid-engine handling ensures true driver involvement (although an MR2 would probably show one the way home?). Immense owner satisfaction.
Future: Values remain in orbit but have levelled off of late and it’s a horrendously dear car to restore too. Bodges are horrendously rife as a result so always go for the best you can afford. It’ll be worth it.
