| Author | Message | ||
| Steven J. Solomon (Solly)
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The Fiat Dino was built in order to homologate the engine for Ferrari. 500 engines had to be installed in cars sold to the public to get the engine accepted for racing, and Ferrari was just beginning Ferrari Dino production (at a rate of 2-3 per day, which never changed much), so they turned to Fiat to find enough bodies that would accept the engine, and, since they needed the engines quickly, to manufacture the engine itself. The engine was designed by Ferrari (by Vittorio Jano, probably the greatest engine designer of his time), and is extremely strong and reliable if well maintained. Fiat produced the Fiat Dino, but then Ferrari decided that the Fiat Dino had to have less performance than the Ferrari Dino, so Fiat detuned their version to make only 175 bhp, as opposed to the Ferrari's 195 bhp, this in a car a good bit heavier than the Ferrari Dino. The Fiat Dino did not get the technology that went into the Ferrari-it was given a live rear axle during a time when most sports cars had independent rear suspensions, and suffered from other technological drawbacks. However,it is a very pretty car, but don't expect Ferrari Dino performance. Still, for that price you can't really go wrong. I would buy one. | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
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OK, I'm officially jumping on the GT4 bandwagon. I've never been a fan of this car but Peter's has absolutely changed my mind. Peter, that thing is a gem! Next time you take your profile pic, stand behind the darn thing so we can see more of the car! | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
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I agree, I like the 308GT4 but that's technically a Ferrari not a Fiat. I've seen several GT4's going for mid 20's Canadian. That's in my price range but but my wife doesn't like the look, and I've got to admit I haven't always been a fan of the Bertone design, but the more I look at it in person the more I start to appreciate it's lines. The GT4 has got to be the most affordible Ferrari out right now. I'm now torn between a Bertone GT4 or dino coupe or a Pininfarina Dino sider. Damn I need more garage space! | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
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I tend to agree with Steve but it's an interesting car.  | ||
| Steve Magnusson (91tr)
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Jay G. -- I think Sports Car Market recently did a brief article on the pros/cons of the Fiat Dinos -- bottom line is/was that if you can buy a restored one cheap, then as you say, enjoyment of a "Ferrari engine with a Fiat price tag"; however, since service/parts costs are Dino-like, it's difficult to come out above water if the car needs even a modest amount of work/restoration. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
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Year have it checked on the basics, other wise you end up with something like that:   In my book still Ferraris as well. | ||
| '75 308 GT4 (Peter)
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I think the Fiat Dino Spyder is to die for. Gorgeous car. Although I've seen the Coupes for as low as $8000 in good shape. For that kind of money, you can't go wrong with a practical coupe that has a Dino engine in it (better make sure that engine has been well looked after....$$$$). Thanks Mike!  | ||
| Michael A. Niles (Man90tr)
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Hey Jay, I spoke to quickly. The one Dino that I really like is the 308 GT4. When done well it is just gorgeous. Have you seen Peter's car on this site? That says it all. | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
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I love the Dino, the 206 and 246 each have their strong points and drawbacks, it's a true Ferrari in my book. Not many cars can give you that Ferrari feeling better. | ||
| Michael A. Niles (Man90tr)
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Get the real ferrari -- much more satisfying in the end. | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
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Hi everyone, I've been here for awhile but never actually registered until the other day. I've been looking for a fixer upper 308 or Mondial coupe for some time now that is in need of a new home. Don't mind doing the repairs myself, I've got lots of time and eager to learn. My question though is how do you all rate the Fiat Dino, either coupe or sider? After all, Ferrari engine with a Fiat price tag...is there a draw back? The price is right on the coupe's but most have the 2.0 engine rather than the 2.4 Anyone have experience with them? |