Fiat Dino Coupes - any advice?

[anonymous-user]

Going to look at a restored (though don’t know how long ago) 2000 Dino with a view to buying. Does anybody have any experience with them? I know nothing other than check for rust, then check again as even the rust can have rust.

[heisthegaffer]

Beautiful. Good luck and post some snaps if you go for it.

[arguti]

Alex Jupe (alex jupe motorsport) has restored a number of them and has one himself - suggest you call him 01243 575 760. He may well know the car or I would suggest getting him to inspect it if serious.

[anonymous-user]

arguti said:

Alex Jupe (alex jupe motorsport) has restored a number of them and has one himself - suggest you call him 01243 575 760. He may well know the car or I would suggest getting him to inspect it if serious.

I owe you. I was initially hesitant to call but so glad I did. What a worthwhile conversation that was, it saved me from a world of expensive Italian pain.

Thanks so much for the help.

[arguti]

No problem mate.

As I am sure Alex would have told you, many of these have been bodged over the years and I have repeatedly said, when interested in purchasing an expensive classic, send or take somebody who knows what they are doing and knows the cars - no rose coloured spectacles.

[P5BNij]

Do let us know how you get on OP and best of luck .

Not in a position to offer any meaningful advice but by coincidence I have with me Alexandra Sannia’s lovely book on the Dinos, the text is all in Italian but the original brochure and press photos within are just beautiful. I bought it fairly cheaply on Amazon a few days ago.

[Pereldh]

Obviously the Dino 2400 Coupe is a very different (and hugely uprated) car, but as long as you're aware I don't have much to add.

[anonymous-user]

Today's lesson; exercise caution and restraint.

Long story short, I was given some wise words as to how to approach buying something of this age and type (ie. old and Italian). I'm still after a 2000 Dino Coupe but it will do me the world of good not rushing into getting one.

I'll post any pictures here after/if a purchase has happened.

[bbob]

A good one is lovely but weren't these worth very little for a long time so I'd be very sceptical of an older restoration.

[anonymous-user]

bbob said:

....I'd be very sceptical of an older restoration.

It would appear the one I was interested in may have been one where the restoration was less than perfect. As the chap Alex Jupe (mentioned in the posts above) pointed out "For starters, the rear wheel arches are different on either side..."

[Jake899]

If you can buy one then buy one Dingus. Skateboards!

[anonymous-user]

Jake899 said:

If you can buy one then buy one Dingus. Skateboards!

For your health!

After consideration I've decided against it. 50 year old Italian exotica needs more TLC than I am able to lavish on it and I would genuinely be fretting about the ownership prospect.

I have something else Italian in my sights but I'll wait until it's a done deal before posting.

[Scalino]

It seems I’m (too) late to the party, but for future reference, there is tons of knowledge here: http://www.fiatdinoforum.org/

One disadvantage is that parts have Ferrari prizes and some parts can be very difficult to source, but if you can do most of the work yourself, running costs are reasonable.

There are great cars though and that engine

[Jake899]

DrBrule said:

For your health!

After consideration I've decided against it. 50 year old Italian exotica needs more TLC than I am able to lavish on it and I would genuinely be fretting about the ownership prospect.

I have something else Italian in my sights but I'll wait until it's a done deal before posting.

I should have added a bit more comment but I got over excited at your user name. Consider looking at the Fiat 124 BC, it has the same front end as the Dino so is without doubt a beautiful car. And it comes with a Lampredi DOHC so while a lot cheaper to run and maintain, its not exactly lacking in the engine department either. But please, tell us what you're thinking.

[anonymous-user]

Jake899 said:

I should have added a bit more comment but I got over excited at your user name. Consider looking at the Fiat 124 BC, it has the same front end as the Dino so is without doubt a beautiful car. And it comes with a Lampredi DOHC so while a lot cheaper to run and maintain, its not exactly lacking in the engine department either. But please, tell us what you're thinking.

Funnily enough... Alex (Jupe) had his stunning and immaculate 124 BC listed for sale and as you say, the coupe stylings are apparent. After I'd discounted the Dino I was smitten and called to say 'I'll take it!' but.... he's decided to keep it. I can't blame him. Apparently he could have sold it several times over.

All being well, next Tuesday should see an Alfa SZ sat in the driveway. A car I've lusted over since the early 90s.

[Jake899]

Oh man an SZ is a great choice Steven. Look forward to a thread on that.
For your health!