One to Buy: Lecoq-restored 1968 Fiat Dino 2000 Spider
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The Dino-badged Fiats and Ferraris of the late 1960s were created in order to homologate a V6 Formula 2 engine. As Ferrari did not have the capacity to build the 500 engines required, a production agreement was signed with Fiat that yielded a trio of handsome new sports cars.
Ferrari’s offering was the mid-engined Dino 206 GT while Fiat came up with the Dino 2000 Spider and Coupe.
Whereas Fiat’s long wheelbase Coupe was styled by Bertone, the short wheelbase Spider (like Ferrari’s Dino 206 GT) emerged from the studios of Pininfarina.
Visually the stunning Fiat Dino Spider was inspired by Pininfarina’s Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale, a design concept displayed at the Paris Motor Show in October 1965. Most notably, both cars shared a nose configuration that housed dual headlights per side within a full width aperture.
Unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in November 1966, the Fiat Dino Spider was arguably the most exciting car to emerge from Italy’s largest car manufacturer since the spectacular 8V of the mid 1950s. Thanks to its handsome looks and spirited performance, Fiat showrooms were sprinkled with a little rarely seen stardust.
Just 1163 examples of the original two-litre Dino 2000 Spider were produced between late 1966 and late 1968, a particularly fine example of which is currently on offer at the L’Art de l’Automobile showroom in Paris.
Finished in arguably the most desirable colour scheme of Bianco over Nero upholstery, it was subject to a complete restoration by the famed Carrosserie Lecoq costing €80,000 and is accordingly presented in superb condition throughout.
