Car Collector International
Classic · 1969–1974

Ferrari Dino 246 GT / GTS

Ferrari's mid-engined V6 berlinetta — the most balanced classic Ferrari for actual driving.

Car Collector International Editorial
Red Dino 246 GTS, front three-quarter studio view on a grey backdrop with the targa roof panel removed, showing the Pininfarina bodywork, sail-panel louvres, chrome bumpers, Cromodora alloy wheels and tan interior.
Overview

Why this car matters

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.

Variants

Range and production

VariantYearsProductionNotes
Dino 246 GT1969–19742,487Closed coupe; three sub-series (L, M, E).
Dino 246 GTS1972–19741,274Targa-top derivative; introduced late in the production run.
Buyer's Guide

What to look for

Provenance and originality

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.

Mechanical inspection priorities

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.

Body, paint and accident history

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.

Specification strategy

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.

Ownership

Living with it

Typical mileage
1,500–4,000 miles typical for collector use
Service interval
12 months; mileage interval varies by model and use
Annual running cost
$4,000 – $12,000
Fuel economy
15–24 mpg depending on use
Insurance
Use an agreed-value collector policy with limited mileage, secure storage, documented photography and an annual value review. Premiums vary sharply by age, storage location and declared value.

Maintenance planning

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.

Parts and specialist access

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.
Common Problems

Known issues by system

Body

Rust in sills, A-pillars and around fuel-tank surrounds

Critical$25,000 – $80,000 for proper body restoration
Symptoms — Filler, bubbling at sills and arches, paint blistering around tank surrounds.
Inspection — Lift inspection; magnet/paint-depth survey of sills, arches and floor.
Engine

Cam-chain tensioner wear and Weber synchronisation

Major$10,000 – $25,000 for a correct top-end refresh
Symptoms — Tappet/chain noise on warm idle, uneven idle, weak mid-range pull.
Inspection — Compression and leak-down test, cold and hot road test, recent service paperwork.
Identity

Non-matching engine or gearbox

MajorSignificant pricing impact
Symptoms — Numbers not matching Classiche records.
Inspection — Ferrari Classiche cross-check.
Auctions

Recent results

DateAuctionCarMileageResult
2026-05-16
Broad Arrow
Villa d'Este Auction (Lot 212)
1972 Dino 246 GT
€400,000
Sold
2026-05-03
Bonhams
The Miami Auction (Lot 11)
1972 Dino 246 GT
$459,200
Sold
2026-03-05
Gooding Christie's
Amelia Island (Lot 117)
1974 Dino 246 GTS
$1,325,000
Sold
2026-03-05
Gooding Christie's
Amelia Island (Lot 147)
1972 Dino 246 GT
$516,500
Sold
2026-02-27
RM Sotheby's
Miami (Lot 166)
1974 Dino 246 GTS 'Chairs & Flares'
$797,000
Sold
2026-02-27
RM Sotheby's
Miami (Lot 159)
1969 Dino 246 GT
$566,000
Sold
Investment

Long-term outlook

Strong HoldHorizon: 5–10 years

Matching-numbers Dinos and chairs-and-flares GTS examples should remain defensive holdings. Lesser-documented cars will track condition and originality more sharply.

Our view, not advice. This section is Car Collector International's editorial judgement on where this model sits in the collector market, based on the production, specification and market data set out in this guide. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell and it is not investment advice. Values can fall as well as rise.

Recommended

The trusted network

Specialists

  • Ferrari marque specialist
    View →
    UK / Europe
    Ferrari Dino 246 GT / GTS inspections, servicing and originality reviews.
  • Model-focused independent
    View →
    United States
    Pre-purchase inspections, major service planning and market-correct preparation for the Dino 246 GT / GTS.
  • Concours preparation studio
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    International
    Paint correction, detailing, preservation and sale preparation for premium collector cars.

Storage

  • Windrush Car Storage
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    London & Cotswolds, UK
    Climate-controlled storage and collection management for high-value collector cars.
  • AutoVault
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    Essex, UK
    Dehumidified storage at 55% RH in purpose-built sealed buildings, with maintenance programmes and individual motor-trade insurance cover.
  • Classic Car Club Manhattan
    View →
    New York, NY
    Secure urban storage for collector and modern-classic performance cars.

Transport

  • CARS UK
    View →
    UK & Europe
    Enclosed event, concours and collection transport across Europe.
  • Reliable Carriers
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    USA (national)
    Enclosed coast-to-coast transport for premium and collector cars.
  • FERRLOG
    View →
    Italy / Europe
    Air-ride enclosed transport for Italian and European collector cars.
Related

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The valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.