Aluminum Bodied 246 Dino "L" | FerrariChat
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Aluminum Bodied 246 Dino "L"

Discussion in '206/246' started by ExcelsiorZ, Mar 1, 2005.

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  1. ExcelsiorZ

    ExcelsiorZ Formula 3
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    #1 ExcelsiorZ, Mar 1, 2005
    I've read that early 246 Dinos, from '69 to summer of 1970, or at least some of them, had aluminum body panels like the 206. Is this true? Any other differences between the 206/246 other than body material, gas filler cap, alloy 206 block and shorter wheelbase of 206? E.g., chassis differences? By the way, has anyone actually weighed a 206 or 246 on scales?
     
  2. dm_n_stuff

    dm_n_stuff Four Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 dm_n_stuff, Mar 1, 2005
    There's a member here who has an early 246 with some alum panels.

    Freeman, you out there???

    DM
     
  3. 4CamGT

    4CamGT F1 Rookie

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    #3 4CamGT, Mar 1, 2005
    Thanks Dave...L-Series Dinos have all their opening panels in aluminium(doors, hood and both decklids) as well as the thinner 206 bumpers. Early L-Series up to around chassis *00508*(I think as I am away from my records) have fully adjustable, hard bushing suspension as on the 206. These early cars I theorise had straight eared spinners and the later ones rotational although anything was possible. Also Ferrari wrote me and stated the wood wheel was standard on the early "L" cars. There were a few all aluminium "L" cars built accoding to a French Dino book I have. It does quote their chassis numbers. From the "Sail Panel/Door" forward a 206GT and a 246GT/L is identical in shape and dimensions as well as glass, the rear overhang and shape is also identical. The difference is the 246GT/L is over 2" longer in wheelbase which is taken up in the engine lid(7 slots vs. 6) and the side panel in front of the rear wheel. The height of the two cars are also identical. I have two friends with 206GT's. We will at some point weigh the cars to see the difference. If you have any questions in particular please ask and I'll see if I can research the answer.

    Freeman
     
  4. ExcelsiorZ

    ExcelsiorZ Formula 3
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    #4 ExcelsiorZ, Mar 1, 2005
    Thanks for all the great and useful information! It's truly amazing how much variation there seems to exist within a particular model range. It would be fascinating to learn the REAL weight of a 206, 246 coupe and GTS as well as an aluminum paneled 246. I have a set of scales for corner balancing and will weigh a 246 coupe in the next day or so and post the results. I'll keep an eye out for a 246. Finding an early, aluminum paneled 246 may be a bit harder though. Are the chassis really identical, aside for the aforementioned shorter chassis of the 206? Any guesses as to why the switch to the longer chassis? Particular reasons or just a desire to increase space behind the seats, e.g., for the stowing of the 246 targa top? Thanks again for the info!
     
  5. 4CamGT

    4CamGT F1 Rookie

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    #5 4CamGT, Mar 2, 2005
    When you weigh the 246 it would be important to note whether it has A/C(100lbs), electric windows(?lbs), full of fuel, spare tire, trunk and contents empty, steel or aluminium opening panels(later cars sometimes were all steel or a combo). The extra wheelbase was probably due to the heavier, more powerful motor combined with better aerodynamic stability(longer rear length) and ride stability. I haven't measured the inside cabin length with the seat all of the way back to see if the 246 gives more room.

    Freeman
     
  6. ExcelsiorZ

    ExcelsiorZ Formula 3
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    #6 ExcelsiorZ, Mar 3, 2005
    When I weigh the 246, hopefully this weekend, I'll note what it has and hasn't as far as weight issues. Thanks for the suggestions.
     
  7. synchro

    synchro F1 Veteran

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    #7 synchro, Mar 3, 2005
    At a weight of about 6 pounds per US Gallon, fuel would be a very important item to factor in.

    Freeman are you a Dino fan?

    Did anyone see the 365 GTS California Spyder that motoracr Gallery in Fort Laud has on their webite? ooooh!
     
  8. 4CamGT

    4CamGT F1 Rookie

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    #8 4CamGT, Mar 3, 2005
    Scott,

    Yes I'm a big Dino fan. I feel the Dino is one of Ferrari's and Pininfarina's most significant and beautiful creations as well as one of the most beautiful cars ever. I own a very early L-Series, Chassis *00474*.

    Freeman
     
  9. ExcelsiorZ

    ExcelsiorZ Formula 3
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    #9 ExcelsiorZ, Mar 7, 2005
    Some interesting, perhaps disappointing results. I weighed a 9-1972 Dino 246 Coupe (SN 04574). Wanting to know the weight of the car in real world use(for me anyway), I removed the spare and jack kit (I'll carry Fix-a-Flat) and all tools and anything else remaining in the trunk. With 1/4 tank of fuel the coupe weighed 2646. Broken down as follows: 570 LF, 768 LR, 507LF AND 801 RR. I was hoping a coupe, which should way less than a GTS, would itself way less with the heavy spare, jack kit and tools removed.

    Now my curiosity is peaked with a 246 "L" with aluminum panels and the aluminum 206. Has anybody weighed these cars?

    By the way, a 355 Spider w/ just under 1/2 a tank of gas weighed in at 3267 while my 308 GTS w/ a 355 drivetrain weighs in, so far, at a scant 2741.
     
  10. need4speed

    need4speed Formula 3

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    #10 need4speed, Mar 7, 2005
    That sounds interesting. Do you have any pics that you can post on another thread so that we don't hijack this one?
     
  11. synchro

    synchro F1 Veteran

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    #11 synchro, Mar 7, 2005
    Two Left fronts, eh?
     
  12. ExcelsiorZ

    ExcelsiorZ Formula 3
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    #12 ExcelsiorZ, Mar 7, 2005
    Oops. Second Front is right side, not driver's side.

    As for photos, someone, without my blessings, posted photos of the "358" on another thread already. I was a littled PO'd. I didn't want photos floating around the internet until the car was finished. When she's all done I'll post some good quality images. Waiting on brake pads for the 8 Piston Brembos then she goes to the shop for steel wheel arches to accomodate the 355 track.
     

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