The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The Fiat Dino Spider by Pininfarina: the Ferrari from Turin.
The Fiat Dino Spider, designed by Pininfarina, made its debut at the Turin Motor Show in October 1966 as a stylish 2-seater sports car. Shortly thereafter, a 2+2 Coupé variant, built on a 270 mm (10.6 in) longer wheelbase, was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1967. These two models exhibited distinct design philosophies, reflecting the different coachbuilders involved: the Spider was crafted by Pininfarina, while the Coupé was designed by Bertone under the guidance of Giorgetto Giugiaro. A curious aspect of the Spider’s type approval is its designation as a 2+1 seater, despite its layout accommodating only two passengers. Initially, the Spider’s interior fell short of the class standards, featuring vinyl dashboard covering, a metal-spoke steering wheel with a plastic rim, and switchgear borrowed from lower-spec Fiat models. This was rectified in early 1967, with subsequent Spiders receiving a wood-rimmed steering wheel and wood trim on the dashboard, aligning it with the Coupé’s more luxurious interior. The Fiat Dino Spider offered a limited range of options, including a radio, metallic paint, and leather upholstery. Additionally, buyers could opt for a vinyl-covered hardtop with a roll-bar style stainless steel trim. Under the hood, the Spider was equipped with an all-aluminium DOHC 2.0 L V6 engine, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. This same 2.0-liter engine was also used in the mid-engined Ferrari Dino 206 GT, which was introduced in pre-production form at the 1967 Turin Motor Show and went on sale in 1968. Fiat claimed a power output of 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp) for the Dino Spider, while Ferrari, presenting the first prototype of the Dino 206 GT, cited 180 hp (130 kW). Despite both engines being produced on the same Turin production line, Ferrari’s higher power claim lacked technical foundation, as noted by Jean-Pierre Gabriel in “Les Ferraris de Turin,” highlighting a discrepancy due to different power measurement standards, SAE versus DIN.
Chassis
What do you do when you’ve got a brilliant V6 race engine, big dreams for Formula 2, and no way to build 500 road cars fast enough to satisfy the FIA? If you’re Enzo Ferrari, you knock on Fiat’s door, flash a charming smile, and ask for a favor that ends up creating one of the most unexpected—and glorious—partnerships in Italian automotive history.
Discover the fascinating journey of Pininfarina, a name synonymous with luxury automotive design and innovation. From its inception in 1930 to its status as a leader in the industry, this article explores the milestones, iconic vehicles, and visionary designers who shaped the brand’s legacy. Delve into the evolution of Pininfarina, highlighting notable achievements such as the Ferrari 550 Barchetta, the Cambiano concept, and the introduction of Automobili Pininfarina. Join us as we celebrate the artistry and engineering excellence that has defined Pininfarina through the decades.
