This 1967 Fiat Dino Spider looks like an extremely nice example and is available for a fully priced $67,500 from The San Diego Collection in, logically enough, San Diego. Powered by the Ferrari 2.0 liter V6 that would be used in the Ferrari Dino and the Lancia Stratos, these are elegant cars styled by Pininfarina. The elegance of the cars means that yellow is perhaps not the best choice for the car, but it is difficult to argue with this car’s condition. Until quite recently, these cars were not worth very much, which means that many examples are incomplete, have had their engines pillaged, or have been tastelessly modified.
Being Italian products of the 1960’s, the interiors are on the fragile side, so oftentimes the wearing components (steering wheel, shifter, seats) are replaced with distasteful more modern items. Some owners, drawing on the obvious Ferrari connection, add cavallini rampanti (prancing horses), Ferrari badging, or even going as far to grind the “FIAT” castings off the alloy wheels. This example has escaped that fate and has been well and correctly restored, which helps explain its price.
The styling of these cars is an acquired taste for some, but they certainly push all the right 60’s Italian buttons with the slim chrome bumpers, curvaceous fenders, eggcrate grille, triple eared knock-offs, and Vitaloni side mirror, not to mention the glorious exhaust note. The car has correct details to satisfy the pickiest of enthusiasts, right down to the Michelin X tires.
The interior is pleasingly correct with slotted wood steering wheel and full complement of Veglia instruments. Some early examples do not have wood interiors, which is a nice touch that helps lighten what might otherwise be a too sombre interior.
The engine compartment is also very correct. For some reason, these cars tend to end up with incorrectly finished airboxes but this one has escaped that fate. It also looks nicely detailed and very correct, with the original FIAAM air horns still in place even!
As Ferrari values have skyrocketed, Fiat Dino Spider values have come up as well. Ten years ago these cars could be had for $25k-30k all day long, and now entry for presentable cars with minor needs starts around $35k. Nevertheless, at half the price of a Ferrari Dino in comparable condition, this car is certainly an appealing proposition, particuarly given the thoroughness and quality of the restoration.