Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Fiat Dino 2400 Spider - classic looks and sound

Between 1967 and 1972 two Fiat Dino Spider models were built - the Fiat Dino Spider 2000 and the Fiat Dino Spider 2400.
In total 1'163 Spider 2000 and 420 Spider 2400 (1969-1972) left the factory. Designed by Pininfarina it shared the engine with the (Ferrari) Dino 206/246 GT. It was built parallel to the Fiat Dino Coupé designed by Bertone.
The two versions Spider 2000 and 2400 were quite different. The later car was heavier, but also had 20 HP more and an independent rear suspension. It was the much better usable every day car than the 2000 model, but at the same time also felt a bit less sporty. The body was very similar, but the 2400 had a ZF transmission that was much better for precise gear changes. The car could seat 2+2 people, weighted 1'240 kg and was able to reach approximately 210 km/h. Four disc brakes provided good stopping power. With 4'134 mm length, 1'710 mm width and 1'270 mm height it was still a fairly compact car. Mine was the 14th. last car built and it was a great car to cruise. The engine sound was unbelievable and I got many thumbs up by people passing me on the road. Compared to a 246 GT the car was much less of a sportscar and very far away from being a competition car, but for a convertible that was okay. In direct comparison the Fiat felt much older than the 246 GT. From a value point of view the Fiat is probably half what the mini Ferrari is, while maintenance cost are almost at the same level. This is one reason why so few Fiat Dino Spiders have survived, besides the fact that at Fiat less Spiders were built than 206/246 GT/GTS at Ferrari.

2 comments:

John L said...

Very nice.

Jinawi said...

Ferrari Dino 246 GT seen its approach into a quantity of other German performance autos after it is application in the 246, especially the Lancia Stratos rally car.


There were minimal differences in lean for several markets, raising being distinctive marker lighting on US market Dinos. Group 4-style flare leg wheelarches had been optional, mainly because were seating from the 365 GTB/4 Daytona, the match often bought in conjunction with extensive, sand-cast Campagnolo alloy rims