Ferrari's mid-engined V6 berlinetta — the most balanced classic Ferrari for actual driving.
Sold under the Dino brand rather than Ferrari, the 246 GT and 246 GTS replaced the short-lived 206 GT in 1969 with a larger 2.4-litre V6, longer wheelbase and revised interior. Built until 1974, the 246 is now firmly absorbed into the Ferrari market and is regarded as one of the purest-driving classics the marque ever produced.
Long dismissed for not being a 'real Ferrari' because of its V6 engine and Dino badging, the 246 GT has spent the last decade catching up to and now exceeding many V8 and V12 contemporaries on the strength of how well it drives.
The 246 is the most driver-focused classic Ferrari per dollar; values are mature but still reward originality and matching numbers heavily.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dino 246 GT | 1969–1974 | 2,487 | Closed coupe; three sub-series (L, M, E). |
| Dino 246 GTS | 1972–1974 | 1,274 | Targa-top derivative; introduced late in the production run. |
Start with identity, paperwork and originality. For the Ferrari Dino 246 GT / GTS, the strongest cars have a continuous ownership file, matching numbers where applicable, original manuals, invoices and evidence of work by recognised marque specialists. Original colour combination, matching engine and gearbox numbers, Ferrari Classiche certification and originality of trim and brightwork determine value.
The 2.4-litre V6 is robust when properly serviced; cam-belt and chain conditions, valve clearances and Weber synchronisation are core ownership items. A proper pre-purchase inspection includes cold-start behaviour, leak-down or compression testing where appropriate, underbody photography, suspension and chassis-point inspection, brake condition and a road test long enough to expose heat-related faults. Deferred maintenance is almost always more expensive than buying a better-sorted car.
Use a paint-depth gauge, lift access and a specialist familiar with the model's factory seams and panel gaps. Collector value is dramatically affected by structural repairs, poor paintwork, corrosion, incorrect panels and missing factory trim. Documented cosmetic restoration is acceptable; concealed accident repair must be priced severely.
Coupe (GT) and Targa-roofed (GTS) cars are both desirable. 'Chairs and flares' GTS cars (Daytona seats and flared arches) and matching-numbers, single-ownership cars lead the market. Specification, colour, transmission and limited-build variants move values significantly. Buy the best-documented example in the most desirable specification you can justify rather than a tired example of a rarer derivative that will need years of corrective work.
Regional ranges authored independently — each reflects its local market, not an FX conversion
Budget annually even if the car is used sparingly. Fluids age, tyres date out, fuel systems suffer from ethanol, batteries fail and stored cars need exercise. A documented maintenance rhythm protects both reliability and resale value.
Ferrari-experienced specialists are required; the Dino-specific suspension, cooling and trim parts are not interchangeable with V8/V12 Ferraris of the period. Before purchase, confirm parts availability for model-specific trim, suspension, fuel system, electronics and engine components. A cheap car waiting on unobtainable parts is rarely cheap in collector ownership.
Each region quoted in its local currency — independent market readings, not FX conversions
Dino values plateaued in the mid-2020s after a decade of strong appreciation. The market separates clearly into matching-numbers Classiche-certified cars and lesser-documented examples; chairs-and-flares GTS cars continue to set the auction tone.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-16 | RM Sotheby's Monterey | 1973 Dino 246 GTS 'chairs & flares' | — | $610,000 Sold |
| 2025-03-07 | Gooding & Co. Amelia Island | 1972 Dino 246 GT | — | $385,000 Sold |
| 2024-09-07 | Bonhams Goodwood Revival | 1971 Dino 246 GT | — | £305,000 Sold |
Matching-numbers Dinos and chairs-and-flares GTS examples should remain defensive holdings. Lesser-documented cars will track condition and originality more sharply.
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