(Submitted by Filippo R.) Most people are familiar with the mid-engine “Dino” 206/246 GT versions but not so many know the sister convertible Fiat Dino Spider. Long neglected and obscure, the Spider lived the shadows of the more famous “Ferrari” Dino variety.
The Spider retains basically the same engine as her famous cousin Dino 246. It also has wonderful curves penned by Pininfarina and to my mind, has aged quite well. I can remember when (just ten years ago?) these cars were not worth very much. They were expensive to maintain (never mind restore). Now things are different. The general uplift in the classic car market as well as the stratospheric rise of the Dino 246 have taken the Dino Spider up with them. We are now seeing fully restored vehicles on the roads and the neglected basket case is indeed very rare.
There were essentially two versions of the Spider – although as with many Italian cars, the lines were blurred with overlapping parts and details. The V6 2.0L version was launched in 1966 and the 2.4L in 1969 and was produced until 1973. The latter version benefited from an improved suspension and more power. There was even a coupé version designed by Bertone (CC here).
Dinos were developed in order to homologate the Formula 2 racing car engine for Ferrari (you needed a minimum of 500 commercial units) and were an attempt by Ferrari to move into more mass-market cars. Ultimately 1583 Dino Spiders were built (over 70% were the 2.0L version). For the record, the 206/246 Dinos were never branded “Ferrari” so as not to dilute the brand.
The Fiat Dino Spider is no-doubt a fun car. Top down or top up, the engine sounds great, is reliable if well maintained and not so sophisticated to discourage the DYI type – except perhaps the Dinoplex. I find it funny that the factory built in a redundancy switch that can activate a separate ignition system in case the Dinoplex breaks! (There are “Normale” or “Emergenza” modes). A bit loose in terms of handling (this was improved with the 2.4L version and the independent rear suspension) but it does not really matter in the end.
I have owned my 2.0L Dino Spider for five years now. It is a “second-version” production from 1967 which has lovely knock-off wheels. It has a simple interior with vinyl seats, wood steering wheel and Becker radio. One quirky feature is the two-tone horn. It makes one sound when in “city” mode and another louder sound when on “autostrada” mode. The soft top is a breeze to open or close and can be done in less than a minute.
I found it as a “black plate” California car in decent shape that needed a “light” restoration – or so I thought. In the end – and after a two-year “refurbishment” – it is now in great shape and is my go-to car on sunny days.
One of the most valuable features for me is the 2+2 configuration. Granted they are not full-sized adult seats but are perfect for my two young daughters who thoroughly enjoy riding in the back with the top down and the music blaring. Eventually, they will outgrow those seats but I will have passed on my classic-car passion and they will have created their own memories of that experience.
This car was photographed in the hills behind Padova, Italy and looks perfectly at home there, patiently waiting for me to finish my caffé and continue the adventure.
Related: CC 1970 Fiat Dino Coupe
I never liked the Fiat Dino Spider or the Dino 206/246.
The “Ferrari” Dino was not an impressive car, besides it engine, and would never have amounted to much if one could not get away with sticking a Prancing Horse on if.
The Fiat Dino Spider had a good chassis in series two format, and OMG the engine. But it’s too butch for an Italian car, and looks sort of like what I thought the C3 Corvette should have. It works on a Corvette, but not an elegant Italian.
The Fiat Dino Coupe, however, is among my favorite cars ever, in terms of style, after Pininfarinas Origami cars: The Ferrari 400 (and relatives), Fiat 130 coupe, Lancia Gamma. And it’s ultimate evolution, the underrated Lancia Kappa in both Coupe and Sedan forms.
I find your appraisal of the GT curious. I’m not beholden to it either (I actually prefer the looks of the angular 308 GT4), but to say it would never have amounted to much is a bit of a stretch. Though it never wore the prancing horse, it quite literally redefined Ferrari and its lineage can be traced through to today on their most popular model.
Lovely looking machine
What a delight! Thank you for restoring and sharing this wonderful example of Italian design at its peak. To my taste these sensuous curves are far more attractive than the straight lines of the seventies. The interior is so inviting and yet functional. That small six must make sweet music. Bella!
Pininfarina Dino is gorgeous. Giugiaro coupe is… Not.
I respect your opinion regarding the coupe, as it may not be to everyone’s taste. I will now show you Pininfarina’s coupe proposal, which I personally feel to be inferior and somewhat awkward:
Interesting; haven’t seen that. I do like the idea of two such utterly distinct designs for the coupe and the spider, much like with the Alfas of yore. We can only dream about that much design variety nowadays.
There were a few attempts by pf, including the nicer short cabin.
Fantastic car and setting. Funny, when I think of Dino I think of the spider, must leave now to refresh my memory what the coupe looks like…
Oh yes of course. I like the spider better anyway. Yes I remember a time when I was thinking that a Dino was in reach, that and the 330 America 2+2 coupe. Not even close now, but that’s Ok. Lots of choice in this hobby.
Thanks for sharing, enjoy the caffe and the adventure!
The Dino Spyder is beautiful (I actually think it is just as good as the 246) but like Gml I prefer the Dino coupe, one of the best designs ever.
Therr was an absolutely incredible blue example at the 2017 Melbourne Autoclassica.
Interestingly I’ve read reports that the 1st series Dinos with their leaf rear spring rear end were considered very good handling cars when new, although my personal preference would be for the later 2.4 with the Fiat 130 type independent rear.
It’s just stunning, and these are some gorgeous photographs. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
I really love these . I saw one only once, in Mallorca in 1988. I like the Fiat Dino Coupe too, but I am totally smitten by the Spyder.
Gorgeous Car!!!!! The dash looks very similar to the Fiat 124 Spyder.
Absolutely stunning. Those surroundings make these shots looks like original publicity material. The Spider is my favourite Dino. There was one that lived in South Melbourne many years ago; street parked and patinated just like Lew Harper’s 356. Can’t remember if it had been swapped to RHD but to me it was the coolest car on Melbourne’s roads. Thank you for sharing this one with us Filippo.
Paul Newman movie Harper is a favourite…except for the demise of the Speedster!
I remember vividly the first time I saw pictures of this and the Dino coupe when they first came out: what a handsome and diverse pair. Right then I struggled to decide which one I like more. I still can’t really say, but there’s no doubt the coupe is a bit easier to digest for many folks. This spider is a bit challenging, in its front end. But I quickly came to appreciate and love it, for just that.
Thanks for sharing your delightful car with us.
Beautiful car. Had the nicest sound at idle too- just the right mix of purr and growl.
So cool to see this! Congratulations of the choice and the adventure it has taken you on. Inspiring – this is how CC ownership is meant to be.
Always loved the coupe and have seen 2 up close in Melbourne, Beautifully scaled and detailed, but never built RHD 🙁
Thankyou indeed for sharing what has rapidly become a seriously valuable car. I remember reading about these Dinos in the English mag Classic and Sportscar some time back, with the coupe on test being hotted-up during it’s engine rebuild. The owner said 9,000 rpm was the limit he used…daily. As you do.
I must admit that I cannot unsee a small Triumph Stag face squeezed onto a swoopy if unfinished ’60’s racer on a too-short wheelbase, and though the total is very far from ugly, it’s not quite my cuppa char. The coupe is more conventionally elegant.
Is the iron-blocked 2.4 the same basic engine as in the Fiat 130, I wonder?
Thanks for sharing your lovely little car. I really like the interior.
Lovely looking and unusual car. I’ve long thought these were great looking and your photos just prove that. Great that the car is getting the attention and use it deserves!
Is it me or is there a hint of the Dino in the front profile of the current Mazda MX-5?