Granted, as an aside, my understanding is the 250 GTO line of models were meant as an afterthought to fund the racing side of things, but to my eye, they are the most beautiful Ferrari models. The supercar/racing inspired models often look ugly to me.
The roadgoing 250 GT series was produced at the tail end of the "coachbuilt" era of automobiles, where the manufacturer sent the bare chassis and engine to a artisan shop specialized in the design and construction of the body. So you're correct that, from Ferrari's perspective, the design of these roadgoing models was secondary to the racing models. However, because it was not Ferrari's primary concern, it could be contracted out to coachbuilders such as Pininfarina. These firms were highly sophisticated designers and artisans and indeed produced some very beautiful work.
One of the most beautiful cars of all time. Ironic that it was produced under the budget Dino marque; it is far prettier than anything contemporaneous that was badged as a Ferrari.
And, today, fetching a boatload of money. They are very (very) high maintenance, and fragile, compared to many other Ferraris of that era.
In about 1985, I dated a woman who had one in her garage buried under a pile of clothing and fabric. I about fell over when I discovered it.
"Oh. THAT. I got it in the divorce."
I’ve worked on them, and they’re certainly not more fragile than say a 365BB. But show me any Ferrari from that era and I’ll show you a basket case.
But the 246 is tiny inside and annoying to drive for somebody six feet tall like me. I’m also the only one, it seems, who doesn’t think they’re as pretty as everyone makes out. I think the latter 308GTB is the best looking of that line. Even of the Dinos, I like the Fiat Dino spider better.
But I realize and accept that the whole world thinks I’m wrong on this.
Perhaps "fragile" was the wrong word. Although I never owned one, I have had a few friends who have and they have all said something along the lines of, "the car is not a daily driver." They all owned at least two, and in one case, more than 10 vintage Ferraris.
Eventually we decided on a house that doesn't have a garage.