1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT Coupe

Often described as being one of Pininfarina's most beautiful designs, the Dino was developed from a series of racing prototypes powered by the V6 engine first proposed by his late son, Alfredino, after whom they were named.

A series of styling exercises, starting with the 206 Dino shown in Paris in 1965, saw the basic shape of the Dino evolve into a production car by 1967. Combining classic Ferrari styling cues with the mid-engined layout, Pininfarina added some novel touches like the flying buttresses and side air-intakes that would become signatures on many subsequent models. The first 150 Dinos built had a 2-litre engine and aluminium bodywork but from 1969 a 2.4-litre version, the 246 GT, was marketed with a slightly longer wheelbase and steel panels, along with bolt-on cast alloy wheels instead of knock-offs. The 65-degree 2416cc V6 had twin overhead camshafts per bank and was fed by triple Weber 40DCN carburettors, its195bhp delivered to the rear wheels through a five-speed transaxle. Suspension was derived from racing practice and hydraulic disc brakes all round ensured excellent stopping.

There were 2,487 built of which 488 had right-hand drive. Today the 246 GT Dino is recognised as a fully fledged classic Ferrari and prices have been climbing steadily upwards as collectors come to fully appreciate the timeless styling, exemplary performance and incredible character imbued in these Italian masterpieces.