The Dino 206 GT was produced from 1968-69 as somewhat of a diversion from the typical Ferrari lineup. It derived its name from the company’s lineup of V-engine sports cars. The Dino was truly unique, including Ferrari's first rack-and-pinion steering, a mid-transverse mounted 65° V6, and a fully aluminum chassis.

The small, compact nature of the car owed to Ferrari’s drive to address expenditures while creating a production car that could be easily made on an assembly line. Eventually, the 206 GT would evolve into additional models such as the 246 GT/GTS and 308 GT4. Developed upon the Dino 196 S, the street-legal 206 GT was described as "Tiny, brilliant, safe...almost a Ferrari."

Ferrari Partnered With Fiat To Increase Production Volume

Ferrari Dino 206 GT
Via: rmsothebys.com

The prototype for the Dino 206 GT was released in 1965 at the Paris Motor Show. Designated as the “Dino 206 GT Speciale”, its design closely followed that of the production model. The lines of the 206 GT were said to follow that of the Ferrari 412P and 330 P4, both V12-powered Ferraris. The “Dino” nomenclature was used in reference to Ferrari’s V-engine Formula 1 and race cars, and as a tribute to Enzo Ferrari’s late son.

Ferrari was already in the business of introducing small-engined cars to the market, primarily for the emergent restrictions in Formula 2 racing. The automaker would soon form a partnership with Fiat, who would create the engines while Ferrari supplied the chassis and transmission for the high volume production car.

RELATED: Here’s How Much A 1989 Ferrari 328 Is Worth Today

Ferrari Dino 206 GT Vintage Classic Sports Car Racing Heritage Evolution History
via autoevolution.com

A second prototype was introduced at the 1966 Turin Auto Show. While maintaining the mid-engine layout, designers implemented a higher roof and elliptical radiator apertures. By the end of 1967, engineers had rotated the engine 90 degrees into a transverse configuration.

The Dino 206 GT Used A V6 Capable Of 180HP

Ferrari Dino 206 GT Vintage Classic Sports Car Racing Heritage Evolution History
via montereycarweek.net

The 1,987cc engine in the Dino, numbered 135B, had a dual overhead camshaft design. Cast iron and Silumin alloys were used to create the cylinder block and heads. Ferrari developed a 5-speed synchromesh transmission and outfitted the engine with triple Weber 40DCN F/1 carburetors. The wet sump lubricated engine had a bore and stroke of 86mm x 57mm.

RELATED: These Classic Sports Cars Were Modified To Perfection

Ferrari Dino 206 GT Vintage Classic Sports Car Racing Heritage Evolution History
via ferraris-online.com

With this configuration, the Dino 206 GT had a total output of 180hp at 8000rpm, resulting in a top speed of approximately 146mph. The chassis, fully crafted from aluminum, was supported by a tubular steel frame. Engineers were able to achieve a weight of just 1,984lbs in the berlinetta-style coupe. Servo-assisted ventilated disc brakes and independent wishbone suspension were used along with 185 VR 14 wheels in the front and rear.

Dino Models Included The 246GT And V8-Powered 308 GT4

Ferrari Dino 206 GT Vintage Classic Sports Car Racing Heritage Evolution History
via rmsothebys.com

Subsequent models of the Dino would include the 246 GT/GTS and the 308 GT4. The 246GT incorporated a more powerful V6 with 195hp, but due to its increased weight, its top speed was on par with the lightweight 206 model. The 308, produced in 1976, was the last to receive Dino badges. It retained most of the original styling, this time deriving power from a DOHC V8 with 4 Weber carburetors, bringing total output to 250hp.

The Dino 206 GT Is A Collector's Dream

Ferrari Dino 206 GT Vintage Classic Sports Car Racing Heritage Evolution History
via drive-my.com

The Dino 206 GT was produced for a period of just 9 months, resulting in only 150 being produced. Its relative rarity, along with classic and attractive styling, makes it a gem for sellers in today’s market. Recent sales have averaged around $571,339; One uniquely exquisite example sold at Pebble Beach for $770,000 in 2016.

SOURCES: Ferrari, Silodrome, Classic.com

NEXT: Here’s How Much A Classic Ferrari Lusso Is Worth Today