It doesn’t have quite the ring of Ford v Ferrari, but it is becoming a real rivalry. To understand how it got started, and why one currently has the upper hand, here is my encapsulated history of two very important cars from the same manufacturer and in approximately the same time period.
Disclaimer: Unlike you kids these days who need to continue to get off my lawn, I was there, as I worked for a dealership that sold “previously enjoyed” Daytonas and Dinos. I drove more than a few of them and, at 6’4″ and with a linebacker’s (read: big) build, the Dino and I don’t necessarily enjoy each other’s company on long drives. All to say, my view might be a bit skewed.
The Ferrari Daytona 365 GTB/4 is a front-engined V-12, rear-wheel drive, two-passenger sports car that was built from 1968 to 1973 as a coupe (1284 produced) and as a spider (365 GTS/4) from 1971 to 1973 (122 produced). Immensely popular as a performance sports car, they were also big in popular culture, with many appearing on contemporary television shows, such as Miami Vice (yeah, it was a fake, don’t care) and cinema, such as The Gumball Rally (“What’s behind me is not important”). It’s also important to note that the Daytona was built in significantly larger quantities than its front-engine, V-12 predecessors, such as the 330 GTC (598 coupes) and the 365 GTC (168 total built).
The 206 Dino GT (note that Dino was a sub-brand of Ferrari … until it wasn’t) was a mid/transverse-engined-V-6, two-passenger sports car. The 206 Dino started life in 1967 and was built as a 2.0-liter car until 1969 (152 produced). In 1969 the 2.4-liter version became available, known as the 246 Dino GT. Produced until 1974, the 246 was available first only as a coupe. Later in production, a targa-style spider was introduced, the 246 GTS. Production of 246s totaled 3569.
To recap: The Daytona is the bigger brother in almost every respect. Horsepower. Size. Sound. Rarity. So, the Daytona must be immensely more popular, and therefore, way more expensive, right?
Nope.
For all of their lives, these factory colleagues have been sought-after, desirable models. The Daytona was always more expensive than the Dino; however, in recent years, that rubric has changed. Late last year, the 12-month trailing-average auction price for the 1967–69 Dino 206 surpassed that of the 1968–73 Daytona GTB/4. The recent auctions at Amelia Island put an exclamation point on the trend, with several Dinos selling for considerably greater sums than Daytonas.
What, exactly, is going on here? I don’t know for certain, but I do have some theories.
The Daytona was the final front-engined V-12 car from Ferrari (until it wasn’t). The “full-sized” car that followed the Daytona was the BB—Berlinetta (Coupe), Boxer (horizontally-opposed motor), whose engine was placed well behind the driver’s seat. After that came the Testarossa. (Editorial aside: the “experts” hated the Testarossa ... until they didn’t. For reference, please check any and every car enthusiast magazine of the 1990s through about 2013.) The Testarossa also had an engine that followed the driver.
The Dino was unlike any other road-going Ferrari in lots of ways. Its styling was futuristic, it had a front and rear trunk, and, as noted, it was made in high (for Ferrari and at the time) numbers. If the Ferrari cognoscenti of the day thought 1400 Daytonas an affront to exclusivity, 3721 Dinos was downright traumatic—if, indeed, the Dino were considered a “real” Ferrari. (Not editorializing here—this is what many of the Ferrari folks of the day thought). The Dino was lithe and light, and although both the Daytona and Dino are “driver’s” cars, the size and tossability of the Dino makes it the clear winner for fun factor.
Did I mention that the heavier Daytona was not available with power steering? It’s worth noting that the successor to the Dino was the (until recently) largely unloved Dino 308 GT4 2+2, which was then succeeded by the very popular 308 GT and GTS. TV? Yeah, Magnum P.I.’s car.
In short, the Daytona was old-school, and the Dino was the new kid on the block.
Fifty years on, that old-school moniker now applies to both, yet the distinction still matters. Hagerty data show that interest in both cars skews toward baby boomers and older generations, but the Dino, in my observation, has an edge among younger, more technically-savvy enthusiasts. I have a number of appraisal clients as well as friends who own both high-end collector Porsche 911–based cars as well as a Dino.
In contrast, the Daytona may sit in the tween-world of not quite vintage enough, not quite new enough. I own a 2005 612 Scaglietti, and, frankly, for me it scratches the itch that might have only been sated by an earlier model had Ferrari really stopped building front-engined V-12 cars in the 1970s. That’s not to say the Daytona is going anywhere—I know two longtime Daytona owners who consider their cars an essential part of their collections.
Which would I buy as an investment? My crystal ball has an early Magneti Marelli starter on it, and the built-in voltage regulator is no longer available, so I will just have to take a guess. If you like rare, go for the less powerful but still awesome 206 Dino. If you have extra money left in your new and improved Silicon Valley Bank account, perhaps look at a Daytona spider—a factory-built car, not a later “cut” conversion.
The real answer is Dinos and Daytonas are apples and oranges. Chalk and cheese. The Dino is more fun to drive both slow and fast. The Daytona, even with added electric power steering, is better fast than slow. For personal reasons, including my XXL frame, I’d go for the Daytona. But remember, back in the same decade, I bought a Betamax. Ask your dad or grandad what that was. And stay off my lawn.
Excellent article and conclusion, but I would go with the Dino.
There’s a reason why the producers of Miami Vice chose the Daytona Spyder for Crockett to drive. It was the epidemy of cool then and now. Miles Davis drove one and he invented cool.
Won’t find the word “FIAT” anywhere on a Daytona. I rest my case.
While the Daytona has an impressive V12, that is a reminder of the classic Ferrari of the 40s, 50s, and 60s, it pales in comparison to the sleek uncluttered beauty of the Dino.
However, a true classic such as the GTBs or any of the earlier similar cars (Berlinetta Lusso, 250s, GTO etc), when compared to the Dino, will always be valued higher and are far more substantial and beautiful.
Fun article with a comparison not previously contemplated, at least by me. To me, the Dino has always always been that girl/woman you’ve known and seen for years, and you still can’t decide if she’s attractive. (Apologies for the overt chauvinism!).
I have a Daytona, and it’s one of my least favorite cars to drive, but it has other attributes that more than make up for that perception. (The E-Z power steering more than compensates for the Daytona’s poor slow maneuvering manners.)
In some ways, the comparison is like comparing a SB C2 ‘Vette to a Big Block C2. For driving, handling, and finesse it’s the 327 every time. However, there’s little doubt that the Big Block gets all the braggin’ rights and chest thumping.
The Daytona is a big, virile and brutal Ferrari. It has the macho panache and respect that the Dino has never had.
steve meltzer
Fun article with a comparison not previously contemplated, at least by me. To me, the Dino has always always been that girl/woman you’ve known and seen for years, and you still can’t decide if she’s attractive. (Apologies for the overt chauvinism!).
I have a Daytona, and it’s one of my least favorite cars to drive, but it has other attributes that more than make up for that perception. (The E-Z power steering more than compensates for the Daytona’s poor slow maneuvering manners.)
In some ways, the comparison is like comparing a SB C2 ‘Vette to a Big Block C2. For driving, handling, and finesse it’s the 327 every time. However, there’s little doubt that the Big Block gets all the braggin’ rights and chest thumping.
The Daytona is a big, virile and brutal Ferrari. It has the macho panache and respect that the Dino has never had.
steve meltzer
Fun article with a comparison not previously contemplated, at least by me. To me, the Dino has always always been that girl/woman you’ve known and seen for years, and you still can’t decide if she’s attractive. (Apologies for the overt chauvinism!).
I have a Daytona, and it’s one of my least favorite cars to drive, but it has other attributes that more than make up for that perception. (The E-Z power steering more than compensates for the Daytona’s poor slow maneuvering manners.)
In some ways, the comparison is like comparing a SB C2 ‘Vette to a Big Block C2. For driving, handling, and finesse it’s the 327 every time. However, there’s little doubt that the Big Block gets all the braggin’ rights and chest thumping.
The Daytona is a big, virile and brutal Ferrari. It has the macho panache and respect that the Dino has never had.
steve meltzer
@Drjon yeah! The Lusso is the most beautiful Ferrari ever built.
steve
A great article, fun to read! These two are among my favorite Ferraris (as a non-owner). I suppose the Daytona would take it on competition entries, but that said I would opt for the Dino 246 GTS as a driver. The Dino is likely much easier to maintain as well! I regret not buying one awhile back. I suspect the Fiat Dino Spider is going the same road.
Steve Meltzer when I was a kid I worked at a Ferrari/Jag/Austin Healy dealership and there was a Berlinetta lusso on the second floor that someone had taken the engine apart and did not have the interest or skill to put it back together again. The general manager told me I could have the car for 1600 dollars, but I was an 18 year old kid. Still kicking myself! The Lusso is the most beautiful production car of the modern era.
The price of either is at the point where most buyers almost never drive the cars. They are display pieces in large collections indoors. The Dino makes a prettier display piece compared to the macho Daytona. I’ve read many less than flattering driving reviews of the Dino and how uncomfortable it is and its fussy gearbox. The Daytona has heavy steering for parking and slow city driving — so what? I’d take the Daytona, thank you. With the original fixed headlights, please.
I’m certainly no Ferrari aficiando (sp?) but I prefer the Dino. While I should yield to your experience I do recall them asking Richard Petty what his favorite car was and, somewhat unexpectedly, the Dino was his answer. While that may seem like a contradiction we all know that ” just a good ol’ boy ” persona is a bit of playing to his base. He’s certainly more than smart enough to do that. I also recall seeing him on a show called ‘Dinner and a Movie’ The movie was ‘Days of Thunder’ and when asked during a break what he thought of it he responded – paraphrasing- “Well, from little I know about stock racing the only thing these two have in common is they both got cars in em’. ” – Fairly clever and too true. So who am I to argue with the king? I’m 5′ 10″ on a good day and the Dinos the smaller the better approach appeals to me. For me it’s a better looking car. I think the ” Magnum PI ” 388 has been done a disservice possibly in part because of that connection. It has great lines and, get ready to start screaming, in the world of ultra rare Ferrari exotica on appearance I’d take a the very similar looking 288 GTO over a F-40 any day of the week and twice on Sunday. The Dino has those same rolling smooth feminine curves more so than the Daytona. Even if you think other wise in a Ginger or Mary Ann comparison the Mary Ann Dino looks like she’d be more fun in her Daisey dukes. The cheese grater Testarossa I never liked and it still hasn’t grown on me. Besides the Dino is a Dino named after Dino who was from what I’ve heard was a great guy and his passing was universally mourned. The Enzo Is a Ferrari named after Enzo who from what I’ve heard, especially those who drove for him, could be a complete p***k and frequently was. His legacy lives on with snobby braggadocio, expressions like ” If it doesn’t win it’s not a Ferrari. ” Okay , if you say so. So, who caught today’s F-1 race?
I owned a Dino, beautiful lines, but limps until 3500 rpm. It never “did” it for me. Wish I never sold the 275GTB for $180k back in 2002. That ship has now sailed unfortunately forever. My pick would be the Daytona, but not without driving one first. I was tempted to raise the paddle on the orange Daytona on BAT that closed at $750k, but in Illinoy purchasing through a dealer adds another 7% to the tab and I just won’t do that out of principle.
Interesting comparison. Unlike Bring a Trailer, where the Boxer enthusiasts lament the value of their cars vs the values of the Dinos. As I drive my Dino, the car addresses the value difference to me. As Dave says, they’re fun to drive (yes, I’m also an Elise and Exige person). Others here have commented on the low speed steering of the Daytona. I also understand that as the owner of a C2. Corvette. But as also said, once up to speed, things improve. For me, I like and appreciate both the Daytona and the Dino. But for now, I’ll stick with my 246 GTS (built in smaller numbers than coupes).
I am the outcast, but I never understood the fascination with the Daytona. I’ve read the huge praise for styling but in my opinion, it was one of the most bland designs to come out of Maranello. It was mentioned that with current values, these cars aren’t driven much, if at all anymore. In the context of this discussion, what drives price once the car becomes “art”? Style! The dino has the “look”. Let’s go back to Corvette comparisons. I’ve owned several C2s – but even at age 11, I was dying for a C1, specifically a 1959. When I had the opportunity to buy one, things changed. C1s are easy 6-figure cars today, however, they are horrible driving cars. But cruise anywhere, you will turn heads everywhere. The price premium isn’t on performance or comfort, it’s on style… ergo why the Dino is outpacing the Daytona.
In full agreement with Robert W…I’ve never understood the love for the design of the Daytona (the front and hood lines let it down for me). But, look at the lines of the Dino and, WOW…it’s just sexy, from all angles. I’ve wanted one since seeing my first in person as a kid. Turns out I knew the owner, but never had the chance to get a ride. I’ve not driven either model, but do tend toward Boxsters and Lotus’, so I imagine I’d prefer the Dino as a driver as well.
Yeah, I bought a Betamax as well. Love the nimble little ones, just don’t fit in them anymore. The Dino is Malto Bella.
I drive a previously unloved 1971 Fiat Dino 2.4 Spider. All the 2.4 Fiat Dinos were actually built in the Ferrari plant. At the time I bought mine in 1996 , the “ferrari” Dino was another $ 18K. I couldn’t afford it. While the Ferrari dinos have achieved astronomical heights, Their Fiat brethren are only valued about 35-40%. Still some heady valuations. The production on my car was 424 examples, making it the rarest 2.4 platform. They are great to drive and are wonderful touring cars….sorry to segue but open top driving behind the marvelous 2.4 motor is a marvelous gift on a spring day !! Cheers !!
I think it is just the Dino has finally shed the “lesser” stigma. Also it was the lowest point of entry for a classic Ferrari so the points of entry have slowly been going upward.
Great job Dave.
When asked what is my favorite car, I reply, where am I going with it?
I’ve done a couple road trips in a Daytona. They are big, fast, and the opposite of agile. They are not particularly fun to drive but they are impressive. They were designed to go fast and they do so effortlessly with a sound track the few cars match.
I’ve spent a good amount of time in Dinos too. A Dino is a driver’s car. It’s the epitome of – it’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. The Dino demands input from the driver to make it perform but it rewards you with precise handling and a snarl unlike any other car. Plus, it is one of the most beautiful designs in the car world.
The Dino has some Fiat parts. but all Ferraris are assemblies of parts made by outside suppliers. Ferrari frames were made by Gilco, bodies were built by Scaglietti, Pininfarina, and a list of carrozzerias. Electrical parts came from Magneti Marelli, Bosch, and others. Tires, wheels, and brakes come from outside suppliers. Open the door of a Dino and the VIN plate say Manufactured by Ferrari. Dinos were designed, built, and marketed by Ferrari. That’s enough to make them Ferraris to me.
The Daytona and Dino both make my short list of favorite cars but for different reasons. You are correct, they aren’t comparable, but they both are extraordinary cars.
I never loved the Dino, especially the spider. I hate the wheel arches and the front louvers. I have never driven one. I have driven a Daytona, which is hard work. But I love its lines, its proportions, and its drivetrain. I doubt I will ever buy one but at least it’s going to be more affordable than the Dino.
Also, I never liked the 330 GTC, or the Fiat Dino spider; same ugly arches. But I really like the Fiat Dino coupe. A fine one went last year for $40k. 7% the price of the Ferrari Dino; 77% of the fun.
So everyone is basically in accord. It’s the Dino for those prefer a sports car and the Daytona for those who prefer a super car. And the similarities and differences come down to how often you like chomping on a bucket of the colonels finest. And the superleggeras for those who get a KFC bowl as well.
I have always felt that, of all the road cars Ferrari has built, the Dino is the one that has the most direct, unmistakable visual connection with a purpose-built Ferrari race car. In this case the 206S.
Back in the day I owned and raced a 246GT and a 275GTB (I regret on a daily basis selling them but their combined value at the time was around £30k so didn’t seem such a big deal). I was tempted to chop the 275 for a Daytona and got as far as going to Marenello Concessionaires to do the deal until I drove the Daytona. It felt such a heavy old beast I drove away in the 275 and was glad to do so.
Both are bad for the environment and should all either be crushed or converted to electric.
I’m joking!…it was almost painful to write that. Anyway, as a youngster, the Daytona was considered a “real” Ferrari and the Dino wasn’t…by the people I knew. I can’t quite get past that original thinking, but today I like them both for what they are. I like the Miami Vice spider better than the coupe. Great article…
I was 20 years old and had the chance to work for Bruno Borri at Modena Sport Cars in LA for about a year and my dream was to buy a Dino, well it’s been 37 years since then and I’m still dreaming about buying one. I watch many movies in Betamax but didn’t buy one 😎 and I’m enjoying driving a Boxster S.
Back in the day, I worked at a Ferrari dealership in SF. My BMW 02 Alpina Ti would beat the pants off of a Dino. Drove several Daytonas – my one favorite if i could have just one……..
I think the Dino is arguably the most beautiful car ever designed and built. It ushered in mid engine design for Ferrari which transformed the company and helped them establish performance and handling standards still revered today. I’ve owned front engine V12 Ferrari’s, including a 365GTC, but they didn’t do anything for me. Funny, I never considered even buying a Daytona. I do agree with the authors reference to older Porsches, especially the 1965-67 911. Without that car, we may never have had the Dino. I’m prejudiced to both, having 4 Dinos-a 68 206, 69 L Series, 74 C&F’s and a 72 GTS. Also have a couple 67 911s SWT’s. Regardless of your taste, that was the era when some of the greatest cars ever were built!!
Daytona any day of the week, and twice on Sundays. That car has been my hot button since I first laid eyes on it in R&T in the late 60’s. The Spyder takes my breath away. Don’t get me wrong, I’d happily take the Dino if someone would offer, but if I’m buying, it would be the Daytona.
AEZ -blame it all on HotWheels
ALAS, great classic cars (and many ho-hum cars) have now reached prices only favorable to museums and the top .2% of our society. Commoners like myself can only look on and shake our heads. Sad really.