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Model Year: | 1969 |
The 1969 Ferrari Dino 246 GT is a celebrated classic sports car, embodying Ferrari’s commitment to beauty and performance in a compact coupe design. As one of the most iconic models of the late 1960s, the Dino 246 GT was introduced to offer a mid-engine, V6-powered driving experience distinct from Ferrari's V12 road cars. The Dino name honors Enzo Ferrari's late son, Alfredo "Dino" Ferrari, and this model carries his legacy through exceptional engineering and timeless design.
Dimensionally, the Dino 246 GT is a compact sports coupe notable for its agility and road presence. It measures approximately 4100 mm (161.4 inches) in length, 1680 mm (66.1 inches) in width, and 1120 mm (44.1 inches) in height. This low and sleek profile enhances its aerodynamics and gives it a graceful stance. Weighing around 1,220 kg (2,690 lbs), the Dino 246 GT strikes a fine balance between lightweight construction and structural integrity, which contributes significantly to its agile handling and dynamic driving characteristics.
Powered by a transverse-mounted 2.4-liter V6 engine, the Dino 246 GT delivers an exhilarating performance for its time, producing roughly 195 horsepower. Its mid-engine configuration allows for excellent weight distribution, further improving handling agility and cornering stability. The coupe body style emphasizes a driver-focused experience with a two-seater layout, low seating position, and a curvaceous body design sculpted by Pininfarina.
The 1969 Ferrari Dino 246 GT remains a celebrated example of Italian automotive artistry, renowned for its combination of elegance, performance, and exclusivity. It is a perfect reference for enthusiasts interested in classic car dimensions and sports car size comparisons within the vintage Ferrari lineup. Whether you appreciate its iconic styling or wish to understand its scale relative to contemporary sports cars, the Dino 246 GT represents a pinnacle of 1960s automotive design and engineering.
Discover the standout features that make the 1969 Ferrari Dino 246 GT a leader in its class
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The 1969 Ferrari Dino 246 GT features compact but sporty dimensions typical of late 1960s sports coupes. Its overall length measures approximately 4,200 millimeters (165.4 inches), providing a sleek and agile profile well-suited for dynamic handling. The width is about 1,700 millimeters (66.9 inches), allowing for a balanced stance on the road without sacrificing aerodynamic efficiency. Standing at roughly 1,120 millimeters (44.1 inches) tall, the low height contributes to a lower center of gravity, enhancing stability and cornering performance. These dimensions reflect Ferrari's commitment to combining elegant design with racing-derived agility in the Dino 246 GT.
The Dino 246 GT has a wheelbase measuring approximately 2,400 millimeters (94.5 inches). This relatively short wheelbase imparts a nimble and responsive driving experience, enabling the car to react promptly to steering inputs and navigate tight corners with ease. The shorter distance between the front and rear axles enhances the car’s agility, a characteristic highly valued in sports cars. Additionally, this dimension helps maintain a balanced weight distribution crucial for the Dino's mid-engine layout, optimizing traction and stability during spirited driving.
The Ferrari Dino 246 GT has an approximate curb weight of 1,120 kilograms (2,470 pounds). This relatively light weight for a two-seater sports coupe contributes directly to its impressive performance characteristics. A lighter car accelerates faster, brakes more efficiently, and handles more responsively. Ferrari's focus on lightweight construction, including extensive use of aluminum body panels and a compact V6 engine, helped ensure the Dino 246 GT remained agile and quick despite its classic grand touring capabilities. The modest weight also aids fuel efficiency and overall driving dynamics.
The Ferrari Dino 246 GT is a two-seater coupe with a cabin designed for driver and passenger comfort while prioritizing sporty ergonomics. Although exact interior dimensions like shoulder room and legroom are not widely documented, the ergonomics are tailored to accommodate average-sized adults snugly, reflective of its sports car nature. The low roofline and compact width create an intimate driving environment. Storage and cargo space are minimal, as expected, with a small front luggage compartment and limited small-item spaces, highlighting the Dino's focus on performance and style over practicality.
Yes, the Ferrari Dino 246 GT fits comfortably into a standard modern residential garage. Standard garage dimensions typically range around 2,400 to 2,700 millimeters (94.5 to 106 inches) in width and about 4,800 millimeters (189 inches) or more in length. With its length of approximately 4,200 millimeters (165.4 inches) and width of 1,700 millimeters (66.9 inches), the Dino 246 GT leaves sufficient clearance on all sides for safe parking and door opening. Its low height of 1,120 millimeters (44.1 inches) also means plenty of vertical clearance in most garages.
The Ferrari Dino 246 GT is an evolution of the earlier Dino 206 GT, with several dimensional changes reflecting enhancements in performance and comfort. The 246 GT is slightly larger, with an increased overall length of about 4,200 millimeters (165.4 inches) compared to the 206 GT’s approximate 4,000 millimeters (157.5 inches), providing more cabin space and an elongated engine bay for the larger 2.4-liter V6. Width increased modestly as well, offering greater stability and interior room, while the height remained similar, preserving the car’s sleek profile. These dimensional increases helped the 246 GT strike a balance between sportiness and usability.
Compared to contemporaries like the Porsche 911 (late 1960s) and the Jaguar E-Type Series II, the Dino 246 GT holds its own with competitive dimensions. It is generally shorter than the Jaguar E-Type, which measures over 4,400 millimeters (173 inches) in length, but similar in length to the Porsche 911, which ranges around 4,200 millimeters (165 inches). The Dino’s width of around 1,700 millimeters (66.9 inches) is narrower than both competitors, giving it a more compact footprint. Its low height of about 1,120 millimeters (44.1 inches) is on par with these sports cars, contributing to a low center of gravity crucial for handling. Overall, the Dino blends Italian design flair with dimensions that favor both performance and everyday usability.
The Ferrari Dino 246 GT is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter V6 engine mounted transversely behind the passenger compartment, reflecting its mid-engine configuration. This V6 engine produces approximately 195 horsepower, allowing the car to deliver exciting performance typical of Ferrari sports cars of the era. The mid-engine layout aids in balanced weight distribution, enhancing handling agility and stability. Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, the drivetrain setup provides an engaging driving experience with responsive gear changes and direct connection to the road.
The Ferrari Dino 246 GT has a fuel tank capacity of approximately 61 liters (16.1 US gallons), which supports extended driving ranges between refueling, a useful feature for touring. Fuel consumption figures for this classic car typically range around 13-15 liters per 100 kilometers (18-20 miles per gallon), although actual consumption can vary significantly based on driving style and conditions. The naturally aspirated V6 engine focuses more on spirited performance than fuel economy, which is common for sports cars of this era.
The Ferrari Dino 246 GT’s iconic exterior is characterized by smooth, flowing lines and a curvaceous body designed by Pininfarina, which not only pleases aesthetically but also enhances aerodynamic efficiency. The compact dimensions are influenced by the low-slung profile with a height of about 1,120 millimeters (44.1 inches), ensuring a minimal frontal area to reduce drag. Its short rear overhang and the mid-engine placement allow for a tightly packaged design without excess length. Rounded wheel arches and integrated bumpers keep the car’s width manageable at approximately 1,700 millimeters (66.9 inches), maintaining a balanced stance on the road while emphasizing elegance and performance.