The brainchild of a collaboration between Fiat and Ferrari, Fiat’s Dino Spider, was brought to life due to an agreement between the two companies to build a six-cylinder engine to meet the homologation requirements for Formula Two, which called for the production of 500 engines. With a design penned by Pininfarina, which recalled the 1965 Ferrari Dino 206 GT prototype, the Dino was certainly just as exciting to drive as it was to look at, and it could stand tall when compared to the production Ferrari 206 and 246 Dinos in terms of looks.

Considering its relatively small engine, its performance was exceptional, as it could sprint to 60 mph in seven seconds and continue on to a top speed of 130 mph. When production ceased in 1969, over 2,000 had been produced, but very few made their way stateside. As these cars were rare in their native Europe, it goes without saying that Dino Spiders were seldom seen in the United States.

This 1967 Dino Spider, finished in attractive fly yellow over a black interior, is a compelling example of the breed. Its history is known only back to 2001, when it was acquired by Robert Willis, a New York-based chef living in Illinois. During his seven-year ownership, Willis, who was also a keen Italian car enthusiast, drove the Dino nearly 14,000 kilometers. In 2008, he sent the car to Euro-Tec Motors in Livingston, New Jersey, for a full engine rebuild, which totaled to nearly $14,000. Willis sold the car shortly thereafter to Doug Metzgar, of Portland, Oregon, who commissioned further mechanical and cosmetic work, which included refreshing the original interior, completely restoring the wheels, and rebuilding the transmission. In 2010, the car was subject to a further engine-out service, when the transmission and clutch were rebuilt. One year later, the car was fully repainted and minor bodywork was completed.

While in the possession of its current owner, who is also located in Portland, the car has just undergone a comprehensive cosmetic refreshening, which included refreshing the leather seats, re-dying the convertible top, rechroming trim pieces, and detailing the engine bay and undercarriage, to ensure that the car’s aesthetics match its mechanical readiness. Furthermore, accompanying the Dino is a binder of documentation and service receipts dating back to Willis’ purchase in 2001, showing all work completed on the car.

The Fiat Dino Spider, blessed with a Ferrari engine and gorgeous Pininfarina styling, has been considered a cult classic for many years, as it combines all the passion of a Ferrari with some additional practicality, making for a perfect weekend driver. In recent years, Fiat Dino Spiders have become highly sought after for their rarity, collectability, and driving dynamics, following in the footsteps of their mid-engined cousins. With its next owner, this Dino Spider will undoubtedly be a conversation starter wherever it goes.