Vehicle Description
Fans of the gorgeous Fiat Dino can thank the motorsports rule
makers at the Commission Sportive Internationale for its existence.
Usually when automotive anoraks like us start talking about of
homologation specials, the subject matter is usually that of a
thinly veiled racing car for the road � usually a rally car or
tin-top touring car. But the Fiat Dino was a different kind of
homologations special: A luxurious GT car built to help Ferrari get
their jewel-like 2.0 liter V6 engine legal for international
Formula 2 open-wheel racing. Ferrari had designed the engine but
did not have the production capacity to meet the minimum
requirement of 500 units in 12 months so they enlisted the help of
Fiat to make up the difference. The initial plan was for Fiat to
build the engines they would use in a new GT car of their own
design, while Ferrari would build the units for their new
mid-engine �Dino� entry level line. That agreement changed quickly
as Fiat essentially built all of the engines for both marques.
Fiat�s new Dino debuted in 1966 in 2.0 liter form. Interestingly,
the coupe and convertible did not share any styling and were
constructed by two different Carrozzeria. The understated coupe was
penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Ghia whilst the more flamboyant and
curvaceous Spider was designed and built by Pininfarina. Both cars
shared the same 2.0 liter, all alloy V6 engine with the Dino 206GT,
producing about 160 horsepower. A simple but proven live rear axle
with a limited slip differential, leaf springs and telescopic
dampers lent safe and predictable handling. Costs were kept under
control by Fiat by raiding the parts bin, but the interior still
felt special thanks to a full array of Veglia instruments, stylish
trim and a 5-speed manual gearbox. With its lighter weight and
slick bodywork, the Spider achieved a full 130mph top speed
compared to the coupe�s 124mph. In spite of the superior
performance, the coupe handily outsold the spider � with 3,670
coupes built to just 1,163 spiders before the 2.4 liter Dino 2400
was released in 1969. Only in recent years has the Fiat Dino become
a truly desirable collector car outside of niche circles.
Thankfully, there have been loyal enthusiasts and club stalwarts
who preserved these fine little cars and wrested them from the
hands of bargain hunters. This example, a 1967 2.0 liter Spider,
one of the earliest Dino Spiders known, has been with its last
owner for over thirty years, a dedicated Fiat Dino enthusiast who
also happened to head the Dino Registry for a time. As a result,
this is an honest, highly correct and very original car that has
been exceptionally well maintained. The body is straight and sound
with consistent gaps and panel fit. The older red paintwork
presents well, and while it shows some age in a few places in the
form of some light checking, it remains very attractive. The chrome
trim is intact and in very good order all around. Knock off wheels
are a signature of the early cars, and this car wears a nice set of
correct Campagnolo alloys with proper Michelin radial tires. The
black interior was restored some time ago, with correct black
basketweave upholstery, black door panels and trim. All of the
original Veglia Borletti instruments are in very good order, as
well as the switches knobs and controls. A black canvas top is in
great order and fits well. Thanks to the efforts of its passionate
owner, this Dino has received the utmost care from marque experts
for over three decades. The car was regularly maintained by Skip
McCabe, a trusted Ferrari and Dino specialist in Mundelein,
Illinois. The jewel-like 2-liter V6 engine was fully rebuilt by
Ferrari specialist Dennis McCann of Columbus Ohio. The engine
compartment is wonderfully detailed and highly correct; a rarity
among Fiat Dinos. Of course, everything works as it should and the
driving experience is outstanding. It is a true rarity to find such
an honest Fiat Dino that has been so comprehensively well
maintained as this example has. While it has never been fully
restored, it has been properly serviced and tended to for many
years and it is a wonderful choice for a driver-collector. With its
Pininfarina coachwork and the sonorous heart of a Ferrari, it is no
wonder that the Fiat Dino has become such a desirable collector
car. We are thrilled to offer this outstanding example and are
confident it will provide its next keeper plenty of enjoyment in
the future.
