Unveiling the Affordable Side of Ferrari Classics
If you’re a classic car enthusiast eyeing a Ferrari for your collection, you might assume it comes with a hefty price tag. However, there are hidden gems in the world of classic Ferraris that won’t drain your bank account.
Forget the notion that all classic Ferraris are million-dollar machines. The 308, powered by a V8 engine, offers a more budget-friendly entry into the Ferrari world. In 2023, some well-maintained 308 models went under the hammer for as low as $50,000, making them a feasible option compared to their pricier counterparts.
1970s Dino: V8 Power on a Budget
For those with a penchant for the 1970s, the V8-powered GT4 versions of the Dino present an affordable Ferrari option. Unlike the sought-after original Dino with a V6 engine, these GT4s can be acquired for less than $100,000, providing an attractive alternative for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
Delving into Ferrari’s history, you’ll find an intriguing alternative to the Dino—the Fiat Dino. Sporting the same V6 engine, this model, produced by Fiat from 1966 to 1973, offers a rare and more affordable option compared to its Ferrari counterpart.
Recently, a 1967 Fiat Dino Spider, long tucked away in storage, resurfaced. This rare drop-top, found in the US, adds a unique flavor to the Ferrari-powered classics scene in North America.
The car’s journey began when a US military vet, stationed in Europe, purchased it in Italy in 1974. After minimal use and a repaint in the late 1990s, the car spent years in storage until the owner decided to part with it. A complete makeover by AMMO NYC brought this garage-kept Dino back to life, showcasing its timeless appeal.
FAQs: The Fiat Dino and Its Intriguing History
### Q1: Why did Fiat produce a Ferrari-powered car?
Fiat produced the Dino to help Ferrari homologate the Dino engine for Formula 2 racing. The 1967 racing regulations required engines to be derived from a production unit found in road-legal cars, prompting Ferrari to collaborate with Fiat. Approximately 7,800 Fiat Dino cars were produced as a result.
### Q2: What were the engine specifications of the Fiat Dino?
The Dino initially featured a 2.0-liter V6 engine until 1969 when the displacement increased to 2.4 liters. These engines, similar to those in the Ferrari Dino, were rated at 158 and 178 horsepower, respectively. The 2.4-liter version, especially in the Spider model, stands out as the rarest iteration, with only 420 examples ever made.
### Q3: How many Fiat Dino Spider models were produced?
Out of the total production, just 1,163 Fiat Dino Spider models were manufactured. The 2.4-liter Spider version, as seen in the recently uncovered 1967 model, holds a special place in the history of this unique Ferrari-powered classic.
For a glimpse into the resurrection of the 1967 Fiat Dino Spider, hit the play button below and witness this affordable yet captivating piece of automotive history spring back to life.
