Description
1971 Fiat Dino 2400 coupe
First registered in the UK 19/ 07/ 2016 to its first owner. 2 UK owners.
Build sheet confirmation from Fiat denotes a build date of 01/ 05/ 1971
Italian paperwork includes the Certificate di Proprieta and registration document.
VIN:135BC0004830
Engine: the details below
This Rare colour (163) Rosso Ossido Dino is still in it’s factory paint and has had recent expenditure totalling approximately £12, 500 since its arrival into the UK in 2016. Mechanically sound, this is a very drivable classic that’s had money spent making it a reliable drivers car.
To some, the bodywork let’s it down but I really like its honesty and it’s a car you can park anywhere and not feel overly precious about. Its been my go to summer drive and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the experience but the time has come to make way for something else.
I have left the paint relatively flat on purpose (its only been waxed in my ownership and not polished) and there are signs of filler in lower wing sections and no doubt elsewhere. It presents well from a distance but wears its heart on its sleeve, showing off it’s 50 years of patina.
Underneath is generally solid, chassis, cills and floors all appear ok and its been treated with waxoyl since its been here in the UK.
Mechanically it’s had many common wear parts renewed such as suspension, shocks, ball joints, anti roll bar links and both exhausts have all been replaced. Lots and lots of bills from specialists Superformance and Dino parts.
The history……
The car was rescued by the previous UK owner after being spotted dry stored for 17 years in the Po Valley region of Italy after the owner died.
A deal was struck and it was then transported back to the UK on a trailer.
Back in the UK, the brake callipers were finally released and all of the callipers were sent off and reconditioned by renowned brake specialists Classic Automotive.
The petrol tank was removed and refurbished as it was leaking.
Various other tasks were completed such as wheel refurbishment (although not great) and 5 new Falken 205/ 70R14 tyres.
It was then taken by trailer to the late Bernie Bowden’s workshop in Slough.
Bernie was a well known race mechanic who worked at Novatech where he began work on the engine.
The work included
Replacing the engine mounts, manifolds and all belts, hoses and gaskets.
Cam chain tensioner and guides
Complete strip down and rebuild of the Webber carburettors with carb rebuild kits
Complete thermostat housing
The petrol lines and all the various filters were replaced
The water pump was also replaced, new hoses and the system flushed
The alternator was rebuilt
All fluids were flushed and renewed
All new brake lines
Ball joints, upper and lower
Coil, condensors, points
Oil pressure light switch
Facet fuel pump
After compression tests were found to be within specification the engine was finally started.
The tappets were adjusted after some careful static running and test driving
Additional work thats been completed to date includes:
Re-foam all cloth seats and new covers
New IMASAF exhaust system both sides and stainless 3 into 1
Front screen surround painted and new front screen rubber
Stainless round wing mirror
Boot and bonnet badges
Cam cover gasket set
Distributor gasket
Wiper arms
Boot lid springs
Steering drag ball links and covers
Anti roll bar bushes
New rear shocks
New cylinder head cooling pipes and weld repair to the sump
Electric window switches as well as new badges
Re cored radiator
Inside is relatively tidy, all seats are in really good order having being re foamed and are comfy for long journeys.
The dash is all good, although at some point the Bertone badge has been inserted back to front, slightly annoying. Electric windows work well with new switches. Fuel gauge is temperamental but all other gauges work. Carpets are tatty and and the old window rubbers are beginning to perish. They are ok but will be a job to do along the way or during a repaint.
The Dino V6 engine fires into life easily with the unmistakable Ferrari soundtrack being a joy to listen to and watch the needle on the rev counter bend round. Driving dynamics of the Dino coupe are of course not close to the Dino 246 but it’s such a free revving engine that gathers pace quickly and efficiently. Being the 2. 4 it has decent urgency and the additional independent rear suspensions helps with road manners for a more spirited drive. Steering is solid at speed and the car handles UK roads and bends well. It drives straight and brakes in a straight line and feels compliant on the road.
With a bit of patience and once warmed up, gear changes are good and all gears engage correctly and it’s a nice feel changing through the 5 speed box from the dog leg first gear. I doubt its ever had a gearbox rebuild.
This has been one of my own cars and has been a joy to own and a lot of fun to drive over the summer months. It’s not going to win any cosmetic beauty contest prizes but it will put a smile on your face and onlookers will always wonder what the hell it is that just passed them! It’s a beautiful car to look at, lovely proportions and has aged amazingly well which is a total credit to Bertone and Giorgetto Giugiaro. Prices hold firm and these V6 beauties are a rare sight on the UK roads.
It is a car that can used and enjoyed as is but ideally to add future value it will be a fun ongoing restoration journey at some point down the line.
Will be sold with a fresh UK MOT and a pre delivery check.
Full photo file and video walk around available upon request.
UK and International delivery can be arranged.
