Enzo Ferrari's Most Admired Ferrari Dino Prototype Design

Special ONES - The world of luxury automobiles has always been a captivating one, filled with stories of innovation, creativity, and cutting-edge engineering. Among the legendary brands, Ferrari consistently stands out as a symbol of speed, prestige, and impeccable design. One of its remarkable creations, the Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale, offers not only a glimpse into Ferrari's rich history but also highlights the evolution of mid-engined cars that would go on to shape the brand’s future. This car, with its unique origins and design, remains an enduring symbol of Ferrari’s pursuit of excellence.

The Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale Prototipo by Pininfarina is debuted at the 52nd Paris Motor Show, in October 1965. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

Introduced over 50 years ago at the 1965 Paris Motor Show, the Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale marked a significant chapter in Ferrari's history. It wasn’t just any car; this was a prototype designed by Aldo Brovarone under the watchful eyes of two legends: Battista Farina, the founder of Pininfarina, and his son Sergio Pininfarina. As a concept, it embodied a revolutionary vision that would lay the foundation for the future of Ferrari's mid-engined sports cars. More than just a stunning vehicle, it symbolized the transition from one generation of designers to another, capturing the innovation of the old guard while paving the way for modern automotive design.

The Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale Prototipo designed by Aldo Brovarone under the watchful eyes of two legends: Battista Farina, the founder of Pininfarina, and his son Sergio Pininfarina. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

The request for a new model came directly from Enzo Ferrari himself, pushing Sergio Pininfarina to create something that would stand apart from previous Ferrari models. Enzo Ferrari wasn’t interested in minor updates or subtle changes. He demanded a radical departure from the design language of the time. Sergio Pininfarina’s initial design, which resembled earlier models like the 330 P4 and 250 GTO, was rejected. But from that rejection came a new vision—a model with distinct bubbles at the front, housing four headlights, and a completely reimagined aesthetic that set the car apart from anything Ferrari had produced before.

The Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale Prototipo by Pininfarina features distinct bubbles at the front, housing four headlights, and a completely reimagined aesthetic that set the car apart from anything Ferrari had produced before. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

The Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale became an inspiration for future models, especially the 206 GT and the 246 Dino, cars that would go on to define an era for Ferrari. Built on a Type 585 tubular chassis and a 206 P competition chassis, the prototype was completed just in time for its debut at the 52nd Paris Motor Show in 1965. The speed of its development, paired with its innovative design, made it a showstopper, capturing the attention of car enthusiasts and critics alike.

The Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale prototype by Pininfarina also known as the first prototype of a new generation of Ferrari's mid-engined cars. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

One of the standout features of this car is its distinctive side air intake, which not only contributes to its aerodynamic styling but also serves a functional purpose by cooling the rear disc brakes. Much like the competition Dinos, these brakes were state-of-the-art at the time, providing the car with exceptional stopping power. The rear of the vehicle was equally impressive, with a curved rear window and vents strategically placed to release heat from the engine compartment, enhancing the car’s overall performance.

The Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale prototype by Pininfarina has right-sided steering wheel with black dash in the red-creme nuanced cabin. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

The design of the Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale wasn’t just about speed and aerodynamics; it was also about exclusivity and craftsmanship. The cabin was designed with a right-hand drive configuration, reflecting its racing heritage. The car was painted in Ferrari’s iconic red, a color synonymous with the brand, while the interior featured matching red tones, black accents on the dashboard, and cream-striped seats that could be adjusted for comfort. Every detail of the car’s design was a testament to Ferrari’s commitment to style and performance.

The Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale Prototipo by Pininfarina's interior featured matching red tones, black accents on the dashboard, and cream-striped seats that could be adjusted for comfort. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

At the heart of the Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale was its powerful 1,987 cc DOHC V6 engine, capable of producing 217 bhp. This engine was paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox that featured Ferrari's signature short lever with a polished aluminum cap. The car's instrument panel, too, was meticulously designed, with a centrally located engine speed counter, oil pressure gauge, and temperature gauges, all contributing to a cockpit that was as functional as it was beautiful.

The Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale prototype by Pininfarina  uses a 1,987 cc DOHC 121.3-cubic-inch V6 engine, which is capable of bursting up 217 bhp of power. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)

The Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale was more than just a one-off prototype. After its debut at the Paris Motor Show, it continued to impress at other prestigious events, including the Turin Motor Show in November 1965 and the New York Motor Show in April 1966. Its presence at these shows solidified its reputation as a groundbreaking car that set new standards for Ferrari and for the automotive world at large.

 

In the decades following its debut, the Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale remained a symbol of Ferrari’s innovative spirit. In 2017, it was auctioned off by Artcurial at the Rétromobile event, fetching an impressive €4.3 million, a reflection of its enduring value and iconic status. This sale not only highlighted the car's rarity but also its importance in Ferrari’s illustrious history.

The Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale prototype by Pininfarina was finally sold by Artcurial at the Rétromobile 2017 event, worth €4,3 million or around Rp. 70 billion. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

The legacy of the Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale continues to resonate with car enthusiasts and collectors alike. Its influence can still be seen in many of Ferrari's later models, and it remains a beloved piece of automotive history. The Dino name itself has grown to become synonymous with Ferrari’s mid-engined sports cars, with the 50th anniversary celebration of the Dino brand in 2018 serving as a testament to its lasting impact.

This extraordinary vehicle, born from the vision of both Enzo Ferrari and Sergio Pininfarina, is a reminder of the power of innovation and collaboration. The Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale will always be remembered not only for its design but also for the boldness of its creators, who weren’t afraid to take risks and push boundaries. It stands as a timeless example of what happens when art, design, and engineering come together in perfect harmony, creating a car that is still celebrated more than half a century after its debut. *** [EKA [27102020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARNOSTALGIA | CLASSICDRIVER | PETROLICIOUS ]

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