1972 Ferrari 246 GT Dino

The Ferrari 246 GT Dino was first introduced in 1969 at the Turin Motor Show as a replacement for the Ferrari 206 GT. The 246 GT Dino (named after Enzo Ferrari's deceased son, Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari) was produced from 1969 to 1974 and was Ferrari's first mid-engine production vehicle. The car was designed and manufactured by Ferrari, but it was marketed as a separate brand under the Dino name.

Under the hood of the 246 GT Dino was a V6 engine with an aluminum alloy block and heads. The displacement was 2418 cc, and it produced 195 horsepower at 7,600 rpm. The engine featured dual overhead camshafts and three Weber carburetors, making it incredibly responsive and powerful. The V6 engine was mated to a five-speed manual transmission, with a final drive ratio of 3.91:1.

The chassis of the 246 GT Dino was tubular steel, coupled with an aluminum body. The suspension was fully independent with unequal-length A-arms and coil springs, with hydraulic shock absorbers. The car also featured four-wheel disc brakes and rack and pinion steering, giving it precise handling and excellent stopping power.

The interior of the 246 GT Dino was minimalist in design, with a purposeful focus on driving. The seats were trimmed in black leather, and the doors featured simple, pull-strap door handles. The dashboard was streamlined and featured a large, round tachometer, with smaller gauges for speed, oil pressure, fuel level, and water temperature. The steering wheel was a leather-wrapped, three-spoke design with a Ferrari crest in the center.

One of the unique features of the 246 GT Dino was the gated shifter, which was designed to keep drivers from accidentally engaging reverse while shifting aggressively between gears. The shifter was positioned close to the driver, giving an excellent shift feel and allowing precise gear changes.

Overall, the Ferrari 246 GT Dino was a stunningly beautiful and exceptionally engineered sports car, with an impressive V6 engine and unparalleled handling. The car was a significant milestone in Ferrari's history, and it remains a highly sought-after collector's item for car enthusiasts worldwide.