In the mid-1960s, Ferrari needed a 2.0-litre production-based engine for the new Formula 2, conceiving the mid-engined Dino to provide the necessary basis. Faced with the daunting task of building 500 units per annum to meet the homologation requirements, Ferrari turned to FIAT for assistance, the resulting agreement for the latter to build the Dino's four-cam V6 engine leading to a spin-off model for FIAT. Launched in Pininfarina-bodied Spider form at the 1966 Turin Show, the FIAT Dino carried its 2.0-litre, 160bhp engine ahead of the driver in conventional manner and was notable as the first FIAT to employ four overhead camshafts and a limited-slip differential as standard.

Steel bodied, the newcomer employed a FIAT five-speed gearbox and featured independent front suspension by means of wishbones and coil springs, a live rear axle and disc brakes all round. A longer-wheelbase Coupé model with Bertone coachwork appeared the following year. In 1969 the V6 engine's capacity was increased to 2,418cc for the '2400' model and a ZF gearbox and FIAT 130-type trailing-arm independent rear suspension adopted. Power went up to 180bhp (DIN) at 6,600rpm. Styling changes were few, in the Spider's case being confined to a new front grille, rubber centre strips in the bumpers and different wheel centres, while the interior benefited from improved switch gear and a carpeted boot. A stylish conveyance for four, the FIAT Dino raced to 60mph in around 8 seconds and could reach 130mph while making all the right Ferrari-esque noises. Production ceased in 1972.

Finished in red with black interior and matching hood, this lovely Dino Spider with the rare and desirable all-aluminium 2.0-litre engine was first registered in 1968 to its first owner in Valenza in the province of Alessandria in Northern Italy. He obviously enjoyed the car as he kept it for the next 40 years until 2008, when he decided to sell it to his dentist. The latter kept the Dino until earlier this year when he sold it to the current vendor.

The car has been conserved in remarkably original condition and is described as largely un-restored apart from the seats, which were professionally re-upholstered in the correct black vinyl approximately six years ago, as was the hood.

Accompanying documentation consists of a Certificato di Proprieta and the original Italian libretto, recording the aforementioned three owners from new.

Peinte en rouge avec intérieur noir et capote assortie, cette jolie Dino Spider équipée du rare et recherché moteur deux litres en aluminium a été immatriculée pour la première fois en 1968 par son premier propriétaire résidant à Valenza dans la province d'Alessandria en Italie du nord. Celui-ci apprécia visiblement la voiture car il la conserva pendant 40 ans, jusqu'en 2008, date à laquelle il décida de la vendre à son dentiste. Ce dernier garda la Dino jusqu'au début de cette année avant de la céder au vendeur actuel.

La voiture, conservée dans un remarquable état d'origine, est décrite comme étant pratiquement non restaurée à l'exception des sièges, regarnis professionnellement il y a environ six ans de vinyle noir comme à l'origine tandis que la capote était refaite. La documentation jointe comprend un Certificato di Proprieta et le libretto italien d'origine qui répertorie les trois propriétaires mentionnés précédemment.