Fiat Dino Coupe: Buying guide and review (1966-1973)
A full buyer's guide for the Fiat Dino Coupe (1966-1973) including specs, common problems and model history...

There are very few cars that give off quite the same air of understated class as the Fiat Dino Coupe. Produced from 1966, the Dino’s handsome Giorgetto Giugiaro styling clothed a four-seat GT car, which houses a very special engine.
While there have been several examples of Ferrari supplying engines and expertise to more mainstream Italian manufacturers (think Lancia Thema 8.32 and 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia QV) the Fiat Dino was the first example of this type of agreement occurring on such a large scale.
Contrary to the subsequent tie-ins with Lancia and Alfa Romeo, the Dino Coupe’s Ferrari unit was offered to Fiat for the Maranello brand's benefit. In order to be homologated for use in the Formula 2 championship, the 65-degree 12-valve V6 would need to be sold in over 500 road cars within a 12 month period – numbers which Ferrari couldn't manage on its own. So, while Ferrari produced the Dino 206 (and later 246) it was Fiat’s GT car which would provide the volume required.
Speaking of volume, the unusual angle of the vee and triple Weber carburettors give the Dino a wonderful – and unmistakably Ferrari – soundtrack. Performance is strong too, with later models covering the 0-60mph sprint in around 8.7 seconds.
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Beyond its reputation for being ever so slightly spiky in the wet, the Fiat Dino is fairly pleasant to drive most of the time. Servo-assisted discs all round give good stopping power, while the front wishbone suspension, complete with anti roll bars, helps body control – a quality improved further on 2400 models, which replaces the original’s rear leaf springs for a more advanced coil arrangement.
Modern niceties like electric windows are fitted as standard, and interior space in the back is pretty reasonable. The rear bench even splits and folds, so it’s surprisingly practical.
Which Fiat Dino Coupe to buy?
The Dino Coupe was produced in two distinct versions during its seven year production run. The original was produced for three years until 1969, at which point the 2400 introduced several changes.
The major difference between the two was the engine. While both featured the Alfredo Ferrari-inspired V6, both its displacement and construction changed. The original used a 2.0-litre unit with an aluminium block. Fiat said it produced 158bhp (though curiously Ferrari claimed the identical unit produced 180bhp when slotted into the Dino 206) and from 1968 it featured electronic ignition – the first production car to use such a system.
Its replacement was both more powerful and more reliable. Now displacing 2418cc, and with a cast iron block, it weighed more than the old aluminium lump, but countered this with significantly more torque – the additional 39lb ft peaked 1400rpm lower than before which improved low speed driveability considerably – further helped by the introduction of a larger diameter clutch and revised gear ratios.
Beyond the engine upgrade, the 2400 gained both mechanical and styling revisions. Wider tyres increased grip, larger disc brakes and calipers helped reduce stopping distances, and fully independent rear suspension – replacing a live axle and leaf springs – improved body control.
The exterior of the 2400 can be distinguished from the original by the loss of much of the chrome trim, which made way for matte black pieces. The honeycomb grille was replaced with a black grille, while the Fiat badge relocated to the bonnet. The tail lamp cluster was also revised.
Early models were criticised for poor build quality, a fault that was rectified before the 2400 was introduced. Inside, the dashboard was updated, with all of the dials moved into a single panel ahead of the driver. Front seats gained headrests. Beyond that, options were fairly limited, with a radio, metallic paint and leather upholstery the only available extras.
Fiat Dino Coupe performance and specs
Engine | 2418cc V6 |
Power | 178bhp @ 6600rpm |
Torque | 159lb ft @ 4600rpm |
Top speed | 127mph |
0-60mph | 8.7 seconds |
Fuel consumption | 19mpg |
Gearbox | Five-speed manual |
Dimensions and weight | |
Wheelbase | 2550mm |
Length | 4514mm |
Width | 1709mm |
Height | 1318mm |
Weight | 1400kg |
Fiat Dino Coupe common problems
Fiat Dino Coupe model history
Oct 1966: Fiat Dino Coupe revealed at Turin Motor Show. 3629 2.0-litre models produced
1968: Electronic ignition introduced to all subsequent models
Oct 1969: Dino 2400 revealed at Turin Motor show. Changes included the 2418cc engine, styling tweaks inside and out, and coil spring rear suspension. 2414 examples of the 2400 were produced
Dec 1969: Assembly moved from Fiat’s factory in Turin to Ferrari’s Maranello production line
1973: Fiat Dino Coupe production run ceases
Fiat Dino Coupe key clubs and websites
• www.dinouk.com – Ferrari and Fiat Dino specialist • www.dinoitalia.com – a vast resource for all things Dino, including a breakdown of the number of cars which still remain by country, and forum • superperformance.co.uk – parts supplier • www.rosneathengineering.co.uk – Ferrari specialist who are highly recommended by Dino owners’ clubs
Fiat Dino Coupe summary and prices
The more desirable, more powerful and better-driving 2400 is generally worth more than the MkI. Very smart examples of the earlier car are offered in Europe for around £25,000.
Clean UK examples of the 2400 currently change hands for around £40-£60,000. As all versions of the Dino were left-hand drive, heading abroad to find one might make sense, particularly as values on continental Europe are slightly lower. It may be necessary to search further afield anyway – 44 examples of the MkI and 65 2400s remain in the UK. Worldwide numbers currently stand at approximately 1100.
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