Ferrari Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Dino

Over 150 units of the beautiful Dino sports car and over 300 customers throughout the world were at Maranello and Ferrari on Saturday 30th June 2018. They were there to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the road debut of the first production Dino. The Dino is one of the world’s best-loved and biggest selling Ferrari.

Ironically, it wasn't called a Ferrari in the first place, but a Dino as it was fitted with a six-cylinder engine designed by Enzo Ferrari's son, from whom it has taken its name. The sports car was first presented as a prototype at the Paris Motor Show in October 1965 and a year later it went on display at the Turin Motor Show but was only officially launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show the following year in November. 

But whatever the case, the Dino was super popular and has all the hallmarks of the classic Ferrari. It basically started the 'entry level' Ferrari...from this 246 Dino, then the V8 powered Dino 308 GT4 (pictured above & below) as well as the (no longer called the 'Dino') 308 GTB / GTS and onwards...

On thing was that the Dino's 50th anniversary should really have been celebrated in 2017 as the car was unveiled in 1967 at the above mentioned motor show. However, any commemorative event would have been overshadowed by the Ferrari 70th anniversary celebrations which happened last year. 

So Ferrari had basically decided to celebrate the half-century of another special event, the road debut of the first model in March 1968. But they have valid reasons as the 70th anniversary celebrations would take priority and would definitely overwhelm any celebration of one particular model, even if it were a Ferrari. But then again, this is a good excuse to throw another Ferrari party this year too.

So last Saturday, the cars arrived at the Maranello Museum and then headed to the Fiorano track, where they cars paraded all together. At midday, the Dinos then drove into the factory where the customers were given a special tour. Then at the end of the afternoon a memorable day closed with the traditional drive, one car at a time, under the arch of the historical entrance on Via Abetone Inferiore. The parade was witnessed by many fans of the Dino and Ferrari.