Description
The Fiat Dino is a very special car, and one with a very interesting background. Essentially this car was built due to competition requirements for Ferrari, and the model was named after Enzo Ferrari’s son, Dino. An agreement was made between Ferrari and Fiat to produce a Spider and Coupe that would be designed and assembled by the two Turin coachbuilders. In the mid 1960’s Ferrari needed to homologate an engine for its Formula 2 racing cars so around the incredible and sophisticated V6 engine, Pininfarina were commissioned to create the Spider, and the following year Bertone presented the Coupe version.
In 1969 both Ferrari and Fiat introduced the new 2. 4 Dino models and adding to the larger sized engine were further improvements to include independent rear suspension. The new V6 engine had increased performance and used a cast iron instead of the earlier light alloy block. The same engine was in the Ferrari 246GT. The engine also had more torque therefore giving better pick up, and further modifications included a larger clutch, new dogleg 5 speed gearbox with revised ratios and upsized brake discs and calipers ensuring this was a much improved, advanced version of this very special car. OFL 44J is a stunning example and one we know very well, this 1971 car came to the U. K. in 1988 and led a very sheltered life. The car eventually came into the hands of a local owner in 2020 having being used sparingly for a number of years. The Fiat was inspected on initial purchase and the engineer reported that he strongly believed the mileage of 58000 km's to be genuine, in fact convinced it was genuine based on the good original condition of the original components. He also commented this was an honest example offering great potential and then confirmed a list of recommendations. Whilst the body was structurally sound and very original, the paintwork was suffering from micro blistering so the Fiat came to us for a full bare metal re-paint. As part of the program of work the car was built up with many new trims and rubbers, and fitted with a set of re-furnished Cromodora wheels. Some interior improvements were carried out the very original upholstery and a program of mechanical work was carried out. In total around £25, 000 was spent on the car during 2020 and the Fiat has had limited use since, staying in the local area.
As result of the work the Fiat Dino presents in top class condition and is now a car we know incredibly well. The bodywork is first class with stunning gaps, the paint finish gleams and the car retains beautiful straight panels. Having being bare metalled by us, we can confirm with full confidence the exceptional quality of the bodyshell. The interior has a beautiful patina, the car has the feel of a high quality original car and on the road it does not disappoint. The 2. 4 engine has that wonderful V6 howl, probably the most gorgeous V6 engine noise in automotive history ! With very good oil pressure, strong syncro's in the 5 speed dogleg gearbox, the Dino offers an amazing driving experience and is certainly a collectors car that will always have its place in Italian automotive history.
