Miguel Sánchez
As we have already told you on other occasions, Benzin is the ideal platform for buying and selling classics and “youngtimers" thanks, among other things, to a huge variety of auctions. An example of this is this exclusive Fiat Dino 2400; a striking coupe bodied by Bertone with a Ferrari V6 engine under the hood. A delight for those who are passionate about the golden years of Italian motorsport.
But let's go in parts. And, in order to understand the genesis of this unit with 85.000 km produced in 1972, we have to go back to 1965. Year in which the FIA announced new regulations for the F2 season to celebrate two years later. Focused on the engine homologation conditions, these required mechanics already previously applied in a production car with six cylinders and a maximum of two liters.
In short, a very complex situation for Ferrari, which did not present enough productive possibilities to assemble at least 500 units required by the FIA in a period not exceeding 12 months.
Thus, FIAT acted as a safeguard for the Maranello house - with the purchase still a few years away after the attempt made by Ford - agreeing with the horse house to produce a model that, being the most exclusive of all those from the Turin manufacturer, would be powered by the V6 block with which Ferrari planned to compete in F2.
ONE MOTOR, SEVERAL WAYS TO APPLY IT
Since the schematic design of that V6 engine was awarded to Alfredo Ferrari - deceased son of Enzo Ferrari - it was decided to use the affectionate diminutive of Dino for each and every one of the vehicles equipped with said engine. However, the truth is that it was Victor Janus who ended up outlining the design of the engine, giving it a curious 65º opening.
Likewise, once the collaboration with FIAT was decided, the adaptation of that engine - originally created for competition - to the field of street GTs was the work of Aurelio Lampredi who, not in vain, had accumulated great experience in Maranello developing small four-cylinder engines compared to the everlasting V12 Colombo.
At this point, FIAT manufactured the Ferrari design in its own facilities; something that, it seems, was a point of friction and discord with the Maranello management. However, whatever that V6 was, it ended up satisfactorily in the bowels of the Fiat Dino Spider –bodied by Pininfarina under the recognizable style of Aldo Brovarone - and, a year later - in 1967 - inside the engine bay of the Fiat Dino Coupé designed in the form of an elegant GT by Bertone.
FIAT DINO 2400, THE EVOLUTION OF 1969
Just as Ferrari had intended, the construction pace imposed by FIAT for its Dino Spider was able to satisfy the 500 units required to compete in F2. In fact he far surpassed them, thus interpreting a bestseller to which was added the appearance not only of the Coupé Bertone, but also that of the Dino 206 GT also in 1967.
Thanks to this, the two-liter V6 was present not only in the most performance-oriented FIAT range, but also in the one presented by Ferrari as a “access option” under the trade name Dino. Anyway, a technical and commercial operation very complete, which still had a more than notable chapter left since this same engine was also the one installed in the Lancia Stratos of the seventies.
At this point, in 1969 it was decided to increase the displacement up to 2,4 liters with the intention of renewing the commercial commitment of the FIAT Dino and Dino-Ferrari. Thanks to this, the power remained at about 180 HP, however, it was forged in iron instead of the previous one in light alloy.
HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE
Without being a Ferrari, the fact that the FIAT Dino 2400 uses the same engine as the legendary 246 GT is an element to take into account. Likewise, its history is already an attraction in itself, being a model capable of uniting in its biography the names of FIAT, Ferrari and Bertone in the form of a stylish GT with all the charm of the sixties.
Likewise, although we are not talking about a simple or economical classic, we do have to pay attention to its originality and crossroads. And while it stops a Ferrari fan This may be an accessible option when it comes to accessing a mechanic with the Maranello brand, for another, FIAT may be the possibility of having one of the most exquisite examples in the entire history of the generalist manufacturer.
Whatever is decided, this unit of 1972 in good condition It is available at Benzin until eight days from now. It could be a stroke of luck!
