The Ferrari 246 is the model number given to almost all of the “Dino” line of Ferrari-manufactured sports cars that were produced from 1968 to 1976. Ferrari produced almost 4,000 of these relatively low-cost sports cars that were later replaced by the Ferrari 308 GTB series. The name “Dino” came from the middle name of Ferrari Company owner, Enzo Ferrrari’s late son, Alfred Dino Ferrari. The line was an attempt by Ferrari to manufacture a sports car that would be affordable to many consumers who would otherwise be unable to obtain a prestigious sports car brand.

The Ferrari 246 was produced with a mid-engine, rear wheel drive configuration that is still being celebrated as one of the most innovative designs in an affordable sports car and remains a collectable car to this day. The “246” designation refers to the 2.4 liter, V6 engine. The Dino line also later included the Ferrari 308, which was a 3.0 litre V8.

The Ferrari 246 was split into two available model lines: the 246 GT and the 246 GTS. The 246 GT featured a dual overhead camshaft and an iron engine block that included alloy heads. It weighed 2,380 pounds and boasted 195 horsepower at 7,600 rpm. The Ferrari 246 GTS was the topless version of the GT and weighed only 2,426 pounds with the same engine. Both offerings had a top speed of over 140 mph.

Enzo Ferrari originally resisted the idea to produce a mid-engine sports car for mass-production because even though many race cars of the time utilized this configuration, it created handling challenges that he felt were too dangerous for use by the casual driver. He finally gave in and permitted Sergia Pininfarina, the Dino’s designer, to create a concept that would be exhibited at the 1965 Paris Motor Show. Since the car would only have a six cylinder engine, Ferrari rationalized that the mid-engine design would not present too many problems for his customers. He did, however, demand that the new Ferrari offering be the sole line of Ferraris to wear the Dino badge.

The Ferrari 246 was originally manufactured as Ferrari’s chief competitor against the Porsche 911 and cost $13,900. Today, collectors regularly search for and pay well in excess of $125,000 for them when found in good condition. Even though the Ferrari 246 was never “officially” included in the Ferrari line since they didn’t wear the Ferrari badge, the line remains one of the most popular that the company has ever produced.