1967 FIAT DINO SPIDER 2.0
--Giallo Fly Yellow with Black interior, Black carpeting, Black
top, 2.0 V-6 engine, 5-speed transmission, 85,000 Kilometers
(52,000 Miles) from new.
The Fiat Dino Spider was brought to life as a collaboration between Fiat and Ferrari to build a six-cylinder engine to meet the homologation requirements for Formula Two Racing, which called for the production of 500 engines. With a design penned by Pininfarina, emulating the 1965 Ferrari Dino 206 GT prototype.
Considering its relatively small 2.0 liter engine, its performance was exceptional, as it could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in seven seconds and continue on to a top speed of 130 mph. When production ceased in 1969, over 2,000 had been produced, but very few made their way stateside. Therefore, these Dino’s Spiders were a rare sight in the United States.
This Dino Spider’s history is known back to 2001 when it was acquired by Robert Willis, a chef living in Illinois. During his seven-year ownership, Willis drove the Dino nearly 14,000 kilometers. In 2008, he sent the car to Euro-Tec Motors in Livingston, New Jersey, for a full engine rebuild, which totaled to nearly $14,000. Willis sold the car shortly thereafter to Mr. D.Metzgar, of Portland, Oregon, who commissioned further mechanical and cosmetic work, including a refreshing of the original interior, completely restoring the wheels, and rebuilding the transmission. In 2010, the car was subject to a further engine-out service, when the transmission and clutch were rebuilt. One year later, the car was fully repainted and minor bodywork was completed.
While in the possession of its previous owner, located in Portland,
the car underwent a comprehensive cosmetic refresh, which included
the seats, re-dying the convertible top, re-chroming of trim and
detailing the engine bay and undercarriage. Accompanying the Dino
is a binder of documentation and service receipts dating back to
Willis’ purchase in 2001, showing all work completed. Recently, the
Dino has been owned by a meticulous collector and friend well-known
to Autosport Designs and has undergone regular maintenance.
It has been enjoyed during seasonal use, concours showing and
has been a vintage rally participant. In 2015, this Dino
Spider was shown at The Quail “A Motorsport Gathering.” In
2016, it participated incident-free in the 2016 Copperstate 1000
Road Rally. Having also been on this rally I can attest to having
enjoyed seeing the beautiful couple enjoying their Dino Spider on
the road.
This Fiat Dino Spider, with its fantastic V-6 Ferrari engine and
elegant Pininfarina styling, has been considered a cult classic for
many years, as it combines all the passion of a Ferrari with a
level of Fiat practicality, making for a perfect weekend driver or
Rally entrant.