Lot 112: Fiat Dino Coupe

The Fiat Dino is a front-engined, rear-drive sports car manufactured between 1967 and 1973. The Fiat Dino allowed Ferrari to achieve the necessary production numbers to homologate Alfredo Ferrari's V6 engine for Formula 2 racing. Ferrari went on to produce a mid-engined Dino of its own, the 206 and 246. The Fiat Dino was first offered with a 2.0-litre, 160 horsepower V-6, with a 5-speed manual transmission. It was the first Fiat engine equipped with dual overhead camshafts. This engine was later enlarged to a 2.4-liter, 180 horsepower unit in 1969. Performance was impressive, with a 0-60 MPH time of less than 8 seconds. Fuel was delivered via three Weber 40DCNF carburettors. The coupe and Spyder were designed by tow Italian houses. Pininfarina for the spider and a Bertone for the coupe. This 1969 example of the 2.4 litre coupe was once owned by the son of Peter Sellers and is complete with a letter from Fiat to Mr Sellers confirming a build date of October 1969 and supply to a German dealer. There is also a photograph of the car outside the Sellers Swiss home and an old registration document showing Michael Sellers as the registered keeper. The car is offered complete with three boxes of history, which not only substantiates its earlier history but also demonstrates that there has been considerable expenditure in recent times and great attention to detail. This is further demonstrated by the sourcing of the correct Michelin XWX 205 x 70 x 14 tyres as originally fitted. Said to be in good condition and to drive very well, the car is offered complete with MoT and historic tax through to May 2008.