At first sight this car looks just like a slightly smaller version of the 250 Testa Rossa, but on closer inspection it becomes clear that the transparent air intake over the carburettors has six instead of 12 intake trumpets.
The body is of a style very much in vogue in between 1958 and 1960 and in fact, it pops up again on the other sports model with a Dino engine, the 246 S.
The two-litre version’s engine performed brilliantly and the car triumphed in its class over and over again before making way for the more powerful 246 model.
Ferrari Dino 196 S Technical Specifications
| ENGINE | ||
| type | front, longitudinal 65° V6 | |
| bore/stroke | 77 x 71 mm | |
| unitary displacement | 330.62 cc | |
| total displacement | 1983.72 cc | |
| compression ratio | 9.8 : 1 | |
| maximum power | 143 kW (195 hp) at 7200 rpm | |
| power per litre | 98 hp/l | |
| maximum torque | – | |
| valve actuation | twin overhead camshaft per bank, two valves per cylinder | |
| fuel feed | three Weber 42 DCN carburettors | |
| ignition | two spark plugs per cylinder, two magnetos | |
| lubrication | dry sump | |
| clutch | multi-plate | |
| CHASSIS | ||
| frame | tubular steel | |
| front suspension | independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs,hydraulic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar | |
| rear suspension | live axle, coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers | |
| brakes | drums | |
| transmission | 4-speed + reverse | |
| steering | worm and sector | |
| fuel tank | capacity 130 litres | |
| front tyres | 5.50 x 16 | |
| rear tyres | 6.50 x 16 | |
| BODYWORK | ||
| type | two-seater spider | |
| length | – | |
| width | – | |
| height | – | |
| wheelbase | 2220 mm | |
| front track | 1240 mm | |
| rear track | 1200 mm | |
| weight | – | |
| PERFORMANCE | ||
| top speed | 250 km/h | |
| acceleration 0-100 km/h | – | |
| 0-400 m | – | |
| 0-1000 m | – | |
Ferrari Dino 196 S Valuations
The Ferrari 196 S, introduced in 1959, is a rare and highly regarded sports prototype from Ferrari’s golden era of racing. Featuring a 2.0-liter V6 engine and sleek, lightweight bodywork by Fantuzzi, the 196 S was designed for agile performance in endurance events and hill climbs. Built in extremely limited numbers and often raced by top drivers of the time, surviving examples are prized for their historical significance and rarity. At auction, well-documented 196 S cars can fetch upwards of $3 million, with exceptional examples commanding even higher premiums.