Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
Top speed (250 km/h)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Extremely positive sentiment focused on the vehicle's timeless design, driving character, and historical significance.
1 problem reported (1 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- IsolatedRudimentary and mechanical nature
Described as having a feeling where "everything feels" mechanical, which is noted as part of its character but may not suit all drivers.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. The data includes mentions of both the Dino 246 GT and the 246 GTS, as well as the later 308 GT4, but no comparative analysis of trim or model year desirability is present.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Lamborghini Miura, Lotus Elise, Porsche 911 Carrera RS, Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA and Jaguar E-Type.
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Overall sentiment
Extremely positive sentiment focused on the vehicle's timeless design, driving character, and historical significance. The Dino 246 GT is consistently praised as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, with its design described as graceful, swooping, and definitively 1960s. Owner experiences highlight its raw, mechanical, and engaging driving feel, with everything in the car described as feeling rudimentary and connected. The car is noted for its high-revving V6 engine, which produces a loud, crisp, and pleasant exhaust note. Historically, it is recognized as the origin of Ferrari's small, high-revving mid-engine philosophy and is credited to designer Leonardo Fioravanti. A notable point of discussion is its past market position, where it was reportedly considered undervalued and "dirt cheap" in the early 2000s, with one specific example cited as purchased for approximately $30,000 before a restoration costing around $80,000.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a purist's driver's car and a design icon from the 1960s. It is described as the inspiration for later mid-engine Ferraris and is frequently compared to the Lamborghini Miura in terms of era and significance. In vintage racing game contexts, it is noted as a competitive and well-handling car in its class (e.g., B 700). Compared to a modern Lotus Emira, the Dino is cited as the original inspiration, with the Emira itself described as an homage to a later Ferrari 360. It is distinguished from later "wedge"-shaped 1970s Ferraris (like the 308/512 BB) by its rounded, 60s styling.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. No specific configurations regarding options, colors, or equipment are discussed in the provided owner feedback.
General recommendations
Suitable for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate raw, mechanical driving experiences and iconic design from the 1960s. Potential buyers should be prepared for the rudimentary nature of the vehicle and should thoroughly inspect any car's restoration history. Given its status as a valuable classic, secure, enclosed transport is strongly recommended, with one mention specifying a Ferrari-branded trailer. Not recommended for those seeking modern comfort, refinement, or reliability.
Remarks
A significant portion of the community discussion revolves around identifying replica kit cars, often based on the Toyota MR2, which are widely criticized as "bad replicas" and "abominations" that ruin the donor car. This indicates that authenticity and provenance are critical concerns in this market. The Dino is historically noted as being sold under its own marque, not as a "Ferrari," though it is universally considered part of the Ferrari lineage today. Analysis based on approximately 8 substantive owner discussions and numerous identification/enthusiast posts.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: 208
Not sold in North America: these versions are from other markets.
308 2.9 V8
2.9L 8-cylinder · 255 hp · RWD · manual
Built 1973–1980