Broken Dreams: Ferrari Dino 206 Berlinetta Competizione. Too sporty to be true

The 65° V6 engine, suggested by Enzo's prematurely deceased son Dino, was successfully used both in racing cars and road models like the Dino 206 and 246. After the racing successes of the 206 SP in 1965 and 206 S in 1966, Pininfarina created a fully operational prototype based on the same mechanics. This unique car, designed by Paolo Martin under Sergio Pininfarina’s supervision, introduced race-focused elements to road cars, such as the front and rear wings.

The purity of a road car, the proportions and grit of a racing car. A big step forward in the style of those years.

Unveiled at the 1967 Frankfurt Motor Show, the car became an instant sensation. Ferrari received numerous purchase requests, but the project was shelved due to the Ferrari-Fiat agreement to develop the Dino series as sporty but not extreme road cars. Over time, Fiat introduced two versions under its badge: a spider by Pininfarina and a coupe by Bertone, alongside Ferrari's Dino 206 and 246.

The vertically opening doors and the large weight-saving holes reinforce the innovative and technical vision of a prototype that, unfortunately, was to remain just that.

The Dino 206 Berlinetta Competizione Prototipo was created during an intensely creative period at Maranello, influenced by legendary prototypes like the 330 P3. Pininfarina’s design also prioritized weight reduction, achieving savings of about 50 kilograms.

The rear end of the car with its recess for easy access to the engine was of clear racing origin, as was the small wing, an absolute novelty for those times.

Had this model gone into production, it would have threatened the commercial strategy of the Dino lineup. This led to the abandonment of a car destined to be a star among sports cars.

The shapes of the Ferrari Dino 206 Berlinetta Competizione combine performance needs with the classic elegance of Pininfarina design.