1969 FIAT Dino Spider 2.4

Vehicle Overview

Named after Enzo Ferrari’s son, Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari, Fiat introduced the Dino to help Scuderia Ferrari homologate a V6 engine for Formula 2 racing cars.

The FIA regulations stated that a carmaker must produce at least 500 units from an engine in at least 500 units and install them in a production vehicle to receive the homologation as a racing engine. Ferrari and Fiat signed an agreement in 1965, and a new car was born: the Dino.

Fiat employed Pininfarina to create the convertible version of the 1967 Coupe, which was designed by Bertone. The 1969 Dino might be recognized by its front fascia. Unlike the 1967 version, which featured a metallic grille covering the entire area between the headlights, the 1969 version was fitted with a black grille and only two horizontal chromed slats.

The interior featured two bucket seats covered in leather, and the wood trim on the dash inspired more of a GT vehicle than light and nimble roadster. An instrument panel with six dials and gauges was placed in front of the driver. On the center stack, the carmaker installed a radio and a clock. Pininfarina managed to hide the soft-top behind the rear seats and covered it with a vinyl material.

More modifications came under the bodywork. Fiat introduced a rear independent suspension, which improved both comfort and the handling of the little roadster. Under the hood, it planted a 2.4-liter engine that offered 180 hp.