‘In the heart of every Ferrari enthusiast lies a soft spot for the Dino’.
The Ferrari Dino holds a cherished place in motor car lore.
It was named after Enzo Ferrari’s son, Alfredo’ Dino’ Ferrari.
The Dino immortalises his contributions to the V6 engine development.
Grief-stricken, Enzo Ferrari vowed to complete the project in his late son’s honour.
The newly named 156 Dino Formula 2 V6 race car debuted in the 1957 Naples Grand Prix.
Subsequently upgraded to 2.4-litre Formula One specification. Winning five GPs over the following three seasons.
It also secured Mike Hawthorn the 1958 World Championship.
Ten years later, Ferrari produced a Dino 206 GT road car.
Designed by Aldo Brovarone and Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, the 206 GT weighed under 2,000 pounds dry.
The Dino 206 GT was Ferrari’s first mid-engine road car to be produced regularly, setting a precedent for future Ferrari models.
Disappointingly, Ferrari’s most devoted clientele didn’t understand the absence of the Ferrari logo.
Ferrari only manufactured 153 cars between 1967 and 1969.
However, the later 246 GT and GTS, almost 3,800, were produced between 1969 and 1974.
Now, the ‘Dino’ is revered by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The amalgam of performance, style, and historical significance endures, influencing generations of sports cars and supercars with its mid-engine layout.
There is speculation that Ferrari may resurrect the Dino name for a modern model.
The Ferrari Dino stands as a testament to innovation and craftsmanship.
And the enduring bond between a father and his beloved son, leaving an indelible mark on motor car history.
