The name Ferrari evokes images of iconic red sports cars winding their way through the Italian countryside. Every model from the 1986 Ferrari Testarossa (made famous by Tubbs and Crockett in Miami Vice) or the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California (destroyed in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) evokes strong emotions.

Among the most distinctive is a landmark vehicle that prompted a pivotal turning point in the automaker’s history: the 1969 Ferrari Dino 246 GT L — the first Ferrari to make a splash in the production car market.

The Fascinating Origins of the 1969 Ferrari Dino 246 GT L

In 1967, Ferrari was well on its way to entering the mass market. This was made possible by an agreement with automaker Fiat to produce cars that would be sold to the general public.

Founder Enzo Ferrari still wanted his eponymous brand associated with unparalleled performance and unforgettable looks despite this new venture. Thus, the Dino 206 GT was born — a car that could exist separately from high-performance sporting machines like the Ferrari 330 and P series.

While the Dino 206 was a modest success, drivers demanded more power under the hood. Thankfully, Ferrari was happy to oblige. Two years later, the 246 GT debuted at the Turin Auto Show. Improvements from the 206GT include:

  • A slightly larger 2.4 litre V6 engine.
  • A broadened wheelbase.
  • A cast iron engine block.

The most important difference was in the production scale; the Dino 246 GT was Ferrari’s first attempt at producing enough of a particular car to satisfy consumer demand. While the Dino 206 GT only saw 152 production units during its three-year lifespan, Ferrari manufactured more than 3,500 246 GT models between 1969 and 1974. The L version of the 1969 Ferrari Dino 246 GT is the most sought-after because it was the very first model off the assembly line in late 1969.

Remarkable Performance

Performance is always top of mind regarding Ferrari cars, whether competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans or simply going out for a weekend drive in the hills. There’s no question that the Dino 246 GT lives up to the sterling reputation of any car with the Cavallino Rampante logo. Boasting a 0 to 1,000 metres time of 26.8 seconds and a top speed of 235 km/h, the Dino 246 GT has enough performance to raise eyebrows in modern times, let alone the era in which it was first available to motorists.

A Name Worth Remembering

The history behind the Dino 246 GT is one of the many reasons why collector car enthusiasts adore it. The release ushered in a new era in which Ferrari cars were widely available to the common driver. And even the name — Dino — occupies a soft spot for the Ferrari family. It was the nickname of Alfredo Ferrari (the oldest son of Enzo), who designed the 1.5-litre V6 engine that powered several championship-winning cars.

While the Dino name was officially retired in 1976, this model remains one of North America and Europe’s most popular classic cars. These days, it’s valued at just north of $400,000 USD. The 1969 Ferrari Dino 246 GT L market not only endures but has made modest gains over the last decade. It’s easy to see why, as the timeless design ensures this vehicle remains elegant, exotic, and exactly what collector car enthusiasts desire.

Ferraris & Beyond: Protect Your Collector Car

Whether you favour classic Ferraris or other vintage vehicles, you’ll want to invest in the right coverage to protect them. Collector car insurance provides much-needed peace of mind as you cruise around town. Reach out today to learn more.

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