It’s good news if you’re after polo-neck-type sophistication and pininfarina lines

The Fiat Dino Spider is a car that falls between two stools. It isn’t merely a forgotten Fiat, it’s also a forgotten Ferrari. All of which is good news if you’re after polo-neck-type sophistication and Pininfarina lines in a 130mph convertible that’s far less obvious than a Ferrari. Frankly, they’re overlooked and undervalued.

The quad-cam V6, first in 2.0-litre form, then 2.4 in the last cars, is the Ferrari Dino unit and production numbers are also Ferrari-like. Just 1163 2-litre Spiders were built, and 424 2.4-litre Spiders; both versions were equipped with all-round disc brakes and a five-speed gearbox; all were left-hand drive. They sounded great, looked good and on the road delivered what the sight and sound promised. You’d expect the extra 20bhp of the 2.4 to make it the favourite but that’s not necessarily the case for all aficionados.

They were faster and more flexible, but the block was a heavier iron lump. But there’s one other thing in these sparkling cars’ favour. They can be had for round about or not much more than a Mercedes-Benz 190SL with drum brakes, four cylinders, 100mph eventually and not nearly so much fun getting there. I know which I’d prefer.