Mebetoys Model #A-52, Fiat Dino Weekend

The front engine, rear wheel drive Fiat Dino was manufactured between 1967 and 1973 by Fiat and used a Ferrari engine. The Fiat Dino enabled Ferrari to achive the production numbers required to qualify its engine for Formula II racing. Ferrari later produced a mid-engined Dino of its own (the 206 and 246) and the Fiat and Ferrari Dinos are sometimes mistaken for each other. The Mebatoys Fiat Dino Weekend is also known and the Fiat Dino con Barca (with Boat) or the Fiat Dino Dino-Vacanza Mare (vacation by the sea). This model first appeard in the 1972 Mebetoys catalog, and the 1972 Mattel Italian Dealer Catalog. This model used the Mebetoys Fiat Dino, Model #A-14, as its "base model". Four holes were drilled into the top of the Model #A-14 casting to mount the roof rack that held the boat. This model was packaged under the Gran Toros name after the Hot Wheels Gran Toros series (Series Sputafuoco) was discontinued.