The Dino was Ferrari's first attempt at introducing a secondary marque, since the Dino carried no identification that indicated that it was a Ferrari. There was no Ferrari insignia and no prancing horse logo. The all alloy engine was produced by Fiat, and the Dino, which was named after Ferrari's deceased son, was put into production automobiles to make it eligible for formula 2 racing.

The Dino name plate first appeared at the 1965 Paris salon on the Dino 206S Speciale coupe. It carried avant garde styling by Pininfarina and sported a mid-engine twin cam, 2 litre V6. That showcar's Ferrari designed engine was non-functional. A second Dino prototype, the Dino Berlinetta GT was displayed at the 1966 Turin show. The production version was introduced at the following year's Turin show and would carry the first transverse mounted mid-engine offered by Ferrari

Anyone in doubt about the car's origin had only to listen the V6's exhaust snarl to be convinced that this was indeed a Ferrari. The low, curvaceous body, built by Scaglietti to Pininfarina specifications, had it's headlamps deeply set back into the fender nacelles with a tiny grille opening in the short, sloping, and protruding nose. Alongside the grille were long wraparound bumperettes. Most examples had covered headlamps. A bulged look was evident above the front wheels, and to some extent above the rear wheels as well. A trio of small slots sat on each side of the hood, near the front. An upright back window stood between twin 'flying buttress' roof extensions. Front vent wings and trapezoidal rear quarter windows were installed.

With its race inspired 1987cc V6 engine rated at more than 180 horse power, a Dino was capable of over 140 mph. In its original form it was produced up until 1969 and with minor changes until 1971. However, it was never a strong seller and in that same year it was phased out in favour of the much more popular, and more powerful 246.

As many as 153 examples of the Dino 206 were produced in original form between 1967 and 1969