The first time I noticed the Fiat Dino Coupé, it was while watching The Italian Job. In it the sharply-styled two-door model cuts a menacing dash in black as the Mafia’s company car of choice. The Dino’s starring role would have had a lot to do with Gianni Agnelli, who was head of Fiat at the time. He couldn’t persuade the director in charge of the film to change the Minis to Fiats, but he did get plenty of additional product placement in the film because almost every car you see on screen is a Fiat (save for the odd Volkswagen). The transporter that rams the doors is liveried up in Fiat branding as well, but, I digress. Let’s get back to the car in question...
Now, there was a programme on the Discovery channel called Wheeler Dealers - you may have heard of it - and in it, one Mike Brewer bought a very low mileage metallic blue 1970 Fiat Dino for the measly sum of £12,500. It had so few miles on it because it had been impounded by the Italian police since 1970, which is why the then 42-year-old example hadn’t travelled very far. Now, the advert doesn’t say any of this, but it does allude to an interesting past with the line ‘this Ferrari engined legend comes with a truly incredible story to tell’. So, while I can’t prove that this is the same car, it certainly does seem like it could be.
Now, after Ed China waved his magic hands over their metallic blue Dino it was sold on for a small profit at just £15,500. Only six years after that show went out, the Fiat Dino Coupé (especially the 2400 versions with the larger 2.4-litre cast iron engine) has rocketed in value. The average price of one these days is around £72,300, which makes this 8000- mile example a steal at only £59,995. Where else are you going to find a near 50-year-old car with so few miles on it?
There are a few reasons why these cars have increased in value. The first is that it shares the same Ferrari designed engine as the Ferrari Dino, but later cars like this one have an enlarged V6 engine that produces more power, a tougher five-speed gearbox and upgraded independent rear suspension.
It’s not all good though. The valves need adjustment every 6000 miles, so make sure there are records of this. Considering the low mileage of this example, it’ll only have been done once. You’d also hope that this car will be relatively rust free. They apparently go on the wings, floor, the base of the A-pillars, wheel arches, doors and also the jacking points, so take a magnet and a pointy stick with you if you go to view this one just to check for solid metal. Also, check the electrics and make sure everything works. This is an old car after all, and electrical wiring doesn’t last forever.
But, in the end, this is a wonderful old car with a glorious V6 soundtrack and beautiful Italian styling. It’s much less ‘in your face’ than most Italian classics and it’s big enough and comfortable enough (just check out those seats) for touring holidays. Buy one, before they eventually reach the heady values of most Ferrari-engined Ferraris.
SPECIFICATION: FIAT DINO COUPE 2400
Engine: 2400cc V6
Power (bhp): 178@ 6600rpm
Torque (lb ft): 159@ 4600rpm
MPG: Drinks like most Italians
CO2: Smokes like em’ too
First registered: 1970
Recorded mileage: 8,000
Yours for: £59,995
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