Rare and desirable 2.4litre version, one of just 420
Sparing recent use, just needs light mechanical recommissioning
Good history file back to first owner
Pininfarina design with Ferrari Dino engine and built at Maranello
The Appeal
Fiat’s knack for spotting an opportunity gifted the world surely one of its most beautiful cars. When Ferrari lacked capacity to build its new Dino V6 engine it turned to the conglomerate for help. To make the deal viable Fiat said it needed to increase capacity by offering its own Dino-powered sports car.
A quick reminder: the Dino engine is one of the greatest motors to ever have emerged from Italy and powered Ferraris from the 1950s to 2000s.
The result was the Dino coupe and the sinuous Spider. The latter is one of Pininfarina’s boldest and most beautiful designs. The Dino engine was available in 2litre and subsequently 2.4litre, these later cars equipped with different rear axle and suspension. From 1969 the Spider was built right alongside the 246 on Ferrari’s own production lines.
This 1972 Spider has that desirable later engine and is one of just 420 2.4litre models. Classically finished in red – a correct Dino colour, but not original to this car – it is structurally in very good condition. There are some minor paintwork issues and it would benefit from a mechanical check due to limited recent use. With those simple tasks completed this car offers the buyer a very rare gateway to one of Italy’s greatest motoring works of art.
The History and Paperwork
Factory supplied in 1972 to first owner in Modena
As a 1972 car it would have been built by Ferrari on the Maranello production line alongside the 246
The car was acquired from the first owner in 1988 and moved to Venice
It has remained in the same family since 1991 when it relocated to Treviso
We are told that it was used regularly in the early 1990s but latterly only used rarely
For these reasons, the vendor recommends a full vehicle check before driving
He suggests this should include cleaning the carburettors, changing oil, hoses and coolant
New battery recently fitted and water and oil levels checked but no further work done
Only 420 2.4litre Spiders were built, making it the rarest of the Fiat Dino variants
2.4litre cars received different suspension and rear axle for a more sporting feel
The Condition
Attractive mix of originality and partial, older restoration
Factory supplied in Grey Metallic
Engine, passenger compartment and boot retain factory black finish
Resprayed in red – a Dino colour – in 1988 to a good standard
Bodywork free of corrosion or bubbles, indicating the quality of the restoration
This also indicates that the structure is solid and free of issues
There are some light cracks in the paint on the bonnet
The bodywork displays some other very minor signs of use and parking marks
Floors, boot, sills and spare wheel well are solid with no issues to report
Smart Cromodora factory alloys present well and show only light kerbing
They are shod with quality Michelin tyres showing good tread
Very attractive, original interior finished in red leather with wood veneers
Trim, seats and veneers present well with no significant deterioration
The interior appears to be original and therefore has some light patina fading
There are some light marks to the edges of the veneer console trim
Headrests appears to have been retrimmed as there is no factory hot stamping
Original dashboard displaying no cracks or damage
Carpets are original and show good colour and no wear
We are told that all the lights and instruments work correctly
The glovebox lid is missing, apparently stolen within the last 30 years
Rear boot trim is original and presents well
Black fabric roof with deep colour and clear rear screen
The Spider is surely one of the most evocative Italian motoring designs of the last 50 years, a sinuous, sculptural shape that looks particularly good in the classic sports car red of this vehicle. It is not the car’s original colour – it left the factory painted metallic grey.
That is really the only deviation from standard with this car, which otherwise presents as a very original and well kept car. There are some areas worthy of attention but they would be relatively minor, easy fixes and a useful way to add further value to this very rare car with its exotic engine.
The Mechanics
2.4litre V6 Dino engine built by Fiat for Ferrari
Assembled by Ferrari alongside the 246 at Maranello
5spd manual gearbox
Sportier factory suspension set up of these 2.4litre cars
We are told that the engine runs well, likewise the gearbox and axle
The engine compartment presents well, indicating careful owners
The vendor recommends a general check over before using
This could include cleaning the carburettors, replacing fluids and checking hoses
New battery fitted and levels recently checked but no further work
We are told that the car is factory standard and original
Beyond the gorgeous Pininfarina bodywork lies a further gem of the Italian motoring industry: Ferrari’s sonorous Dino V6. This engine was conceived by Enzo Ferrari’s son Dino – hence the name – and originally developed for racing use. It then transferred to the road cars, most notably in the 246 Dino. It continued to power Ferrari road cars right into the ‘00s.
The engine was initially available in the Fiat as a 2litre, then 2.4litre. The larger engine cars gained revised suspension and rear axle to improve the sporting feel, a change that is particularly revered by enthusiasts.
This car was used regularly by its few owners into the 1990s before being ‘retired’ and used very sparingly for mainly short journeys. Consequently a good check over and light mechanical recommissioning would be recommended on purchase. The vendor tells us that the engine, gearbox and axle work and run correctly, but advises checking the fluids, hoses and carburettors.
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1970 Fiat Dino Spider 2400
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