The Ferrari Dino 206 GT is a watershed model in Ferrari’s history. Built between 1967 and 1969, it was Ferrari’s first mid-engine road car and established the layout and styling philosophy that paved the way for modern mid-engine V8 and V6 Ferraris.
Naming & The “Dino” Sub-Brand The car was named in honor of Enzo Ferrari’s son, Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari, who co-designed the early V6 engine before passing away in 1956. Enzo reserved the Dino badge for non-V12 sports cars. As a result, the 206 GT left the Maranello factory without any Ferrari badges or Cavallino Rampante (Prancing Horse) emblems—bearing only yellow “Dino” badges.
Design & Bodywork
- Styling: Styled by Aldo Brovarone and Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina and handcrafted by Scaglietti.
- All-Aluminum Construction: Unlike its successor (the steel 246 GT), the 206 GT featured a lightweight, full-aluminum body attached to a tubular steel chassis.
- Key Identifiers: Features an exposed chrome fuel filler cap on the left rear wing, 6 louvers per side on the engine cover, single-eared central knock-off wheels, and a short 2,280 mm wheelbase.
Engine & Performance
- Engine: Transversely-mounted 2.0-liter (1,987 cc) 65° V6 with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and three twin-choke Weber carburetors.
- Power Output: 180 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 138 lb-ft of torque.
- Transmission: 5-speed manual transaxle.
- Weight & Speed: Dry weight of just 900 kg (1,984 lbs) with a top speed of ~146 mph (235 km/h) and a 0–60 mph time of around 7.0 seconds.
Production & Rarity Only 152 units of the Dino 206 GT were produced before Ferrari replaced it in late 1969 with the more powerful, steel-bodied 246 GT. Because of its ultra-low production run, hand-built aluminum body, and high-revving all-alloy engine, the 206 GT is one of the most sought-after collector Ferraris today.