1971 Ferrari Dino 246 GT Coupe

Often described as being one of Pininfarina's most beautiful designs, the Dino was developed from a series of racing prototypes powered by the V6 engine first proposed by his late son, Alfredino, after whom they were named. A series of styling exercises, starting with the 206 Dino shown in Paris in 1965, saw the basic shape of the Dino evolve into a production model by 1967. Combining classic Ferrari styling cues with the mid-engined layout, Pininfarina added some novel touches like the flying buttresses and side air-intakes that would become signatures on many subsequent models. The first 150 Dinos built had a 2-litre engine and aluminium bodywork but from 1969 a 2.4-litre version, the 246 GT, was marketed with a slightly longer wheelbase and steel panels, along with bolt-on cast alloy wheels instead of knock-offs. The 65-degree 2416cc V6 had twin overhead camshafts per bank and was fed by triple Weber 40 DCN carburettors, its195 bhp delivered to the rear wheels through a five-speed transaxle. Suspension was derived from racing practice and hydraulic disc brakes all round ensured excellent stopping. There were 2,487 246 Dinos built in berlinetta configuration, of which 488 had right-hand drive. Today the 246 GT Dino is recognised as a fully fledged classic Ferrari and prices have been climbing steadily upwards as collectors come to fully appreciate the timeless styling, exemplary performance and incredible character imbued in these Italian masterpieces.