1967 Fiat Dino 2000 Spider

The Dino

While Ferrari’s legendary engineering prowess enabled it to develop precisely tailored chassis and engine designs to suit the requirements of many sanctioning bodies and events, its limited production capacity became glaringly apparent by the 1960s. Intent on contesting the new FIA European Formula Two series beginning in 1967, which specified a 1.6-liter limit, Ferrari intended to utilize a derivation of its Vittorio Jano-engineered “Dino” V-6 of the mid-1950s. Having already powered Ferrari to the first of its many Formula One championships in 1958, the choice was easy.

However, since FIA homologation rules demanded at least 500 production-based engines, Ferrari eventually struck a deal with Fiat to jointly produce the Dino-badged road cars, in handsome Bertone Coupe and curvaceous short-wheelbase Pininfarina Spider forms. Development was led by former Ferrari engineer Aurelio Lampredi. Excluding the 25 prototypes and pre-production cars, just 1,133 Dino 2000 Spiders powered by a two-liter variant of the DOHC V-6 were built for 1967 and 1968. Simply beautiful, these highly capable and collectible performers feature all-alloy engines and an unforgettable drive.

This Car

According to its known history, this 1967 Dino 2000 Spider was in the possession of noted Ferrari restorer Chuck Wray of Sterling, Virginia’s Gran Turismo Motors during the late 1980s. At that time, it was still an unrestored original car and was finished in blue. By 2000, the Fiat Dino was owned by a highly respected East Coast collector. Upon viewing, it is abundantly clear that the Fiat Dino continues to benefit from an older complete restoration that was performed to a very good standard and has been well-maintained since completion, with the interior compartment remaining largely original, proper, and unaltered. The two-liter DOHC V-6 engine has been fitted with a more-effective MSD electronic ignition system to replace the factory-original system, providing greater reliability and ease of operation. An approximate 83,200 km were registered on the odometer at the time of cataloguing.

Equipped with preferred early-style knock-off wheels, the Fiat Dino is also accompanied at auction by numerous NOS parts and spares. The prior owner was obviously a serious collector and enthusiast, with the Fiat Dino further complete with an owner’s manual, workshop manual and parts book, plus an impressive collection of valuable Fiat Dino brochures and color catalogues providing a wealth of information on this increasingly collectible automobile. The consignor reports that the Fiat Dino provides a wonderful open-air driving experience, one that is quite similar in character to that delivered by its Ferrari counterpart, with excellent driving dynamics and performance, accompanied by the unmistakably ferocious sound of its competition-derived “Dino” V-6 engine.