1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021

A Ferrari without the Ferrari name on its nose? In 1973, the Ferrari Dino 246 GTS stood at the center of that paradox. With its mid-mounted V6, removable targa roof, and Pininfarina lines, it redefined what a road-going Ferrari could be.

Technical Details:

The 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS was powered by a 2,418 cc 65-degree V6 engine mounted longitudinally behind the seats. The unit featured dual overhead camshafts per cylinder bank and three twin-choke Weber carburetors, delivering approximately 195 PS (143 kW) at 7,600 rpm. Torque was transmitted to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox integrated with the transaxle. The chassis was based on a tubular steel frame, with independent suspension on all four wheels, double wishbones, coil springs, and telescopic dampers. Disc brakes were fitted front and rear.

The 246 designation refers to “2.4 litres, 6 cylinders,” distinguishing it from the earlier 2.0-litre Dino 206 GT. Compared to the 206, the 246 GTS adopted a cast-iron engine block instead of aluminum, increasing durability and slightly raising overall weight. The GTS variant featured a removable targa roof panel, which could be stowed behind the seats, adding structural reinforcement compared to the fixed-roof GT. With a top speed of approximately 235 km/h and 0–100 km/h acceleration in around seven seconds, the Dino 246 GTS delivered performance consistent with early-1970s sports car expectations while maintaining balanced mid-engine handling characteristics.

General Information:

• Manufacturer: Ferrari
• Model name: Ferrari Dino 246 GTS
• Year of manufacturing: 1973

Design:

The Ferrari Dino 246 GTS was styled by Pininfarina, with bodywork executed by Scaglietti. Its form remains one of the most recognizable silhouettes of the early 1970s. The flowing front wings, gently rising beltline, and muscular rear haunches give the car a compact yet sculptural presence. Unlike front-engined Ferraris of the era, the Dino’s proportions were defined by its mid-engine layout, resulting in a short nose and tightly drawn cabin.

The GTS introduced a removable black targa roof panel, visually breaking up the roofline while preserving the overall curve of the greenhouse. This element added versatility without compromising the car’s identity. Chrome bumpers were minimal, and details such as the round rear lights and twin exhaust outlets contributed to a restrained but purposeful appearance.

Inside, the cockpit was driver-oriented. The instrumentation was housed in a curved binnacle directly ahead of the steering wheel, with auxiliary gauges angled toward the driver in the center console. Materials included leather upholstery and clear, legible switchgear typical of early-1970s Italian sports cars. The cabin’s compact dimensions reflected the car’s focused layout, reinforcing its identity as a true two-seat sports machine.

Historical Significance:

The Dino project originated from Ferrari’s need to homologate a V6 engine for Formula 2 racing in the late 1960s. Named in honor of Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari, Enzo Ferrari’s late son, the model line initially avoided Ferrari badging and was marketed simply as “Dino.” The strategy allowed Ferrari to introduce a smaller, more accessible sports car without diluting the prestige associated with its V12 grand tourers.

Introduced in 1969 as the successor to the Dino 206 GT, the 246 GT and later GTS represented a refinement of the concept. By 1973, the Dino 246 GTS had become the dominant variant, particularly in export markets such as the United States. Over the entire production run from 1969 to 1974, approximately 3,569 examples of the 246 series were built, with the GTS accounting for a significant portion of that total.

The Dino 246 GTS also marked Ferrari’s firm commitment to the mid-engine layout for road cars. While initially controversial among traditional customers accustomed to front-engined V12 models, the Dino’s configuration would later become standard for Ferrari’s V8-powered sports cars. In that sense, the 246 GTS represents a transitional but decisive chapter in Ferrari’s technical evolution.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

Despite being built by Ferrari, early Dino models carried only Dino badges, not the famous prancing horse on the front bonnet. This branding distinction has become a recurring point of discussion among collectors and historians. By the mid-1970s, Ferrari began integrating the Dino line more directly into the main brand identity, but the 246 GTS remains emblematic of this unique period.

In popular culture, the Dino 246 GTS achieved lasting visibility through film and television appearances. One of the most frequently cited examples is its role in the 1969 film The Italian Job, where a red Dino is prominently featured. Over time, the model has come to symbolize a certain vision of 1970s European sports car design: compact, curvaceous, and technically sophisticated without excess.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden in 2021. This event, held annually in the spa town’s Kurpark and along the Kaiserallee, is one of Germany’s most picturesque classic car gatherings. In 2021, the 44th edition featured 300 vintage vehicles from 80 different brands, including rare models. The event embraced a 1970s theme, showcasing over 40 vehicles from that era. An innovative highlight was the “automobile fashion show,” where models presented current fashion trends while riding in open-top classic cars through the park. The event concluded with the traditional Concours d’élégance, awarding 120 prizes across 15 categories.

Conclusion:

The 1973 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS stands as a pivotal model in Ferrari history. Technically advanced with its mid-mounted V6 and independent suspension, it delivered balanced performance in a compact format. Its Pininfarina-designed body remains a benchmark of early-1970s sports car aesthetics, while its branding story reflects a nuanced chapter in Ferrari’s evolution. As both a driver’s car and a historical milestone, the Dino 246 GTS continues to occupy a distinctive place within the broader narrative of Ferrari sports cars.