Debuted at the 1965 Paris Salon, the Dino 206S Speciale Coupe was Enzo Ferrari’s tribute to his late son, Dino. More practically, it was a way of making the new, all-alloy, Ferrari-built V-6 eligible for Formula Two competition by building 500 production cars equipped with it. Given Ferrari’s limited production, the design of the engine was used by Fiat in a new, sporty model that also carried the Dino name, and it would be built in larger numbers.

Although labeled as a Fiat, even the sound of the triple Weber-carbureted V-6 engine was pure Ferrari, but the larger Italian automaker made several improvements to the Ferrari engine design for series production, ensuring durability and “normal” performance during day-to-day use. Performance was exceptional for a two-liter car, with the open spider capable of 0–60 mph in only 7 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. The coachwork was designed and built by Pininfarina.

Production of the open Fiat Dino Spider continued until 1969, the year that Fiat took over a large share of the Ferrari Company. Over 2,000 had been produced, very few of which were brought to the United States. Accordingly, they are considerably rare on these shores today.

The example offered here was fully restored prior to the present owner’s acquisition several years ago, and it has simply been well-maintained with gentle mechanical work; it has been driven and enjoyed since. Appropriately finished in a shade of red that will make enthusiasts of the more famous Dino feel right at home, it features a supple tan interior and has achieved an Award of Recognition when displayed at the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d’Elegance. It will be a thrill to drive and enjoy, with that familiar exhaust note ringing in one’s ears, and it is certainly a worthy pony in the corral of stallions.