Fiat introduced the Dino Spider a year before the coupe version, which was an unusual way to launch a new model range, but it was a success story.
When Ferrari needed a production vehicle to install their 2.0-liter V6 units in 500 vehicles, it turned its eyes toward the Italian carmaker Fiat. The latter agreed and started to build a car around that engine, and that’s how the Dino was born. Ferrari got its FIA approval to install the engine in race cars, and Fiat got the golden egg.

Following Ferrari’s expertise, Fiat asked Pininfarina to design the coupe’s open-top version, which was done by Bertone Studios. The car featured four round headlamps and a chromed metallic grille at the front. Its wave-like sideline was raised above the wheel arches. Pininfarina managed to make a well for the hood behind the seats and covered it with a vinyl cover.

Inside, Fiat installed an unusual-looking instrument panel with two large dials for the tachometer and speedometer in individual casings and five additional gauges for various engine systems such as fuel, coolant temperature, oil pressure, charging, and a clock. The 2+2 seating position was offered with two bucket-seats at the front and two individual seats in the rear, separated by a center armrest.

Fiat installed a 2.0-liter V6 engine designed by Aurelio Lampredi, who previously made other Ferrari engines. Its flaw was the rear suspension, which was not suitable for a sports car, but it was good enough for those times.