The Ferrari Dino 246 GT, a celebrated classic, underwent subtle yet significant evolutions during its production run from 1969 to 1974. While no fundamental features experienced drastic alterations, numerous minor adjustments and refinements led to the categorization of these vehicles into three distinct series: “L,” “M,” and “E.” These series designations are independent of market-specific variations and the targa-roofed 246 GTS model, representing a chronological progression of enhancements to this legendary car.
Decoding the Dino Series: L, M, and E
The initial series, known as “L” series Dinos, were the first off the production line, manufactured in late 1969 and throughout 1970. These early examples are identifiable by several key characteristics. The road wheels featured a distinguished single knock-off spinner, a hallmark of classic sports car design. The front quarter bumpers were integrated into the grille opening, providing a unique frontal aesthetic. At the rear, the license plate lights were cleverly incorporated into the quarter bumper ends. Accessing the boot required the use of an external release button located on the boot lid. Inside the cabin, headrests were mounted directly onto the rear bulkhead, a characteristic of these initial models. In terms of construction, the body was primarily crafted from steel, with a lightweight aluminum front lid.
The “M” series cars represented the next phase of production, emerging for a brief period in early 1971. This series introduced a shift to a more conventional five-bolt fixing for the road wheels, a change from the knock-off spinners of the “L” series. A notable convenience upgrade was the relocation of the boot lid release to an internal catch, accessible from within the car. Seat-mounted headrests replaced the bulkhead-mounted versions, reflecting an evolution in interior design and potentially safety standards. Beyond visual and convenience updates, the “M” series also incorporated detail changes to both the engine and gearbox, indicating ongoing mechanical refinement. Furthermore, the chassis underwent modification, resulting in a 30mm increase in the rear track, potentially enhancing handling and stability.
The final iteration in this evolutionary journey was the “E” series, which spanned from early 1971 until the end of production in 1974. The “E” series Dinos encompassed all the modifications introduced in the “M” series, signifying a continuation of the improvements. Further refinements to the engine and gearbox were also implemented, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing performance optimization. A practical change for left-hand drive cars was the relocation of the windscreen wiper parking arrangement from a central position to the right side, improving driver visibility. Right-hand drive models, however, retained the central parking arrangement. Visually, the door lock barrel was repositioned from within the door scallop to a position below it. The front quarter bumpers were shortened, now finishing before the grille opening, altering the front-end styling. The cooling ducts situated below the front quarter bumpers transitioned from simple rectangular openings to more stylized circular inlets. Finally, the rear number plate light was redesigned as a chrome-plated rectangular unit, now mounted on the rear edge of the boot lid, completing the series of subtle but distinct visual and functional updates that characterized the Ferrari Dino 246 GT’s production evolution.
