Fiat Dino

Introduction

The Fiat Dino, introduced in 1966, was a collaboration between Fiat and Ferrari, created to homologate Ferrari’s V6 engine for Formula 2 racing. Offered as both a coupe and spider, it combined elegant Italian design with Ferrari-derived performance. Styled by Bertone (Coupe) and Pininfarina (Spider), the Dino gave Fiat a prestigious sports car that blended accessibility with exotic character. Production continued until 1973, making it one of Fiat’s most iconic classics.

Exterior

The Fiat Dino featured timeless Italian styling, with clean lines and balanced proportions. The Pininfarina-designed Spider had a graceful, open-top roadster look, while the Bertone-styled Coupe was more angular and aggressive. Chrome detailing, pop-up headlights (on later models), and flowing bodywork gave it an unmistakable presence. Its design successfully merged Fiat practicality with Ferrari-inspired elegance.

Interior

Inside, the Dino combined comfort with sporting cues. The cabin featured wood-trimmed dashboards, round instruments, and high-quality upholstery. Bucket seats provided support for spirited driving, while rear seating in the Coupe offered extra practicality. The Spider emphasized open-air enjoyment with a driver-focused cockpit. Though not overly luxurious, the Dino’s interior balanced refinement with the raw appeal of an Italian sports car.

Safety Features

For its time, the Fiat Dino offered basic but adequate safety features. Seatbelts, a reinforced passenger cell, and disc brakes on all four wheels contributed to driver confidence. The strong chassis and responsive handling improved active safety. While it lacked modern equipment like airbags or electronic aids, the Dino’s engineering and balance made it safer than many contemporaries in spirited driving.

Engine Trims

The Fiat Dino was powered by Ferrari-designed V6 engines. Early models used a 2.0-liter V6 producing 158 hp, while later versions received a 2.4-liter V6 with 178 hp, shared with the Ferrari Dino 246 GT. Power was delivered through a five-speed manual gearbox, with rear-wheel drive. Performance was lively, with strong acceleration and a top speed exceeding 200 km/h, making it one of Fiat’s most powerful offerings of its era.

Maintenance

The Dino required attentive maintenance, particularly for its Ferrari-derived engines. Regular servicing of the timing chain, carburetors, and cooling system was critical for reliability. Bodywork was prone to rust, and restoring one could be costly. However, well-maintained examples became highly collectible due to their heritage and rarity. Enthusiasts consider the Dino a rewarding classic for its blend of Fiat usability and Ferrari pedigree.

Competitors

The Fiat Dino competed with sports cars such as the Alfa Romeo Spider, Porsche 911, and Lancia Fulvia Coupe. The Alfa emphasized affordability and Italian charm, the Porsche 911 offered precision and durability, and the Lancia highlighted rally-bred engineering. Fiat distinguished the Dino with its Ferrari-powered heart and unique position as a bridge between mass-market practicality and exotic performance.