The London Concours has announced the first of its exceptional special features; a uniquely colorful celebration of one of the most iconic Ferraris of all-time: the Dino. Presented by the UK’s oldest independent Ferrari specialist, Foskers, this privately-owned collection of Dinos will be the headline feature of the capital’s finest automotive garden party.
Not initially badged as a Ferrari, the Dino was developed to honour the memory of Enzo Ferrari’s late son Alfredino, and has gone to become one of the most cherished models to have ever been produced at Maranello.
At the London Concours 2020, taking place from June 10-11, a unique line-up of eight Ferrari Dino models will gather – each one in a different factory-produced color. It’s the flagship feature in a show that will see the rarefied lawns of the Honourable Artillery Company HQ – just a stone’s throw from Bank and Moorgate in the City of London – transformed into motoring nirvana for just two days. Over 100 automotive icons will gather in classes, ranging from “The Pursuit of Speed” to “The Era of the Hypercar”.
First introduced in 1967, the Dino 206 GT was the first mid-engined car from Ferrari, and the first to use a V6 at a time when all of its cars were V12-powered. The 2.0-liter V6 engine itself was adapted from one of Alfredino’s racing car designs. And so, with the release of the new ‘Dino’ brand and the 206 GT, Ferrari stepped into the fray against the all-conquering Porsche 911.
With a lightweight aluminum body, a more compact footprint than existing Ferrari models, perfect weight distribution thanks to the transverse mid-engined layout and advanced independent double wishbone suspension all-round, the Dino was a handling revelation. And just two years after the 206 GT’s introduction came the Dino 246 GT to bolster its success.
With an increase in engine size to 2.4-liters – hence 246 GT – came more power and a slight increase in performance; it could have been more but Ferrari decided to switch back to heavier steel body panels, adding around 50kg to the overall weight. Nevertheless, the 246 GT was a runaway success, selling more than 3,500 between 1969 and 1974. In total around 3,700 Dino 206 and 246 GT/GTS were built, transforming Ferrari’s business and production numbers.
Showcasing the gamut of outlandish original colors offered to Dino customers, the London Concours will gather examples in Rosso Chiaro red, Grigio Ferro grey, Blu Dino, Nero black, Nuovo Giallo yellow and more. Among them is a rare ‘Chairs and Flares’ version of the Dino, just one-of-five UK-delivered examples with these sought-after additions; wide wheelarches and ‘Daytona’ seats.
Andrew Evans, London Concours Director, said: “Before the Dino, Ferrari was building enormously powerful V12-engined cars in exceedingly small numbers. It’s not an overstatement to say the business was transformed by the popularity of this nimble, beautifully balanced and lightweight sports car. The Dino set a template for a whole range of mid-engined Ferrari models that continues to this day, and includes legends like the 355, 430 and even the latest F8 Tributo. It’s hard to pick just one Maranello icon to honour at London Concours this year, but our car selection committee is in total agreement; the Dino deserves time in the spotlight, and we’re more than happy to oblige.”
The London Concours 2020 takes place from June 10-11. Tickets are available to buy now from www.londonconcours.co.uk/tickets
