From Compy to Raptor: David Lee's Upgraded Dino
If you’re a fan of Ferraris, you’re probably not going to have many kind words to say about the Dino. They’re generally regarded as some of the worst cars produced by the company. When they were first released in 1968, they were thought of as a weak, cheap, poor handling, and cramped car. Age has done even worse things to them. However, thanks to a good amount of cash and a talented team, one has been turned into the car it should have been from the start.
The owner is one David Lee, owner of Hing Wa Lee Jewellers, who has previously appeared on Jay Leno’s Garage. It’s fair to say that Lee is something of a Ferrari fanatic, having a collection of them worth $50 million. A year ago, Lee bought himself a 1972 Dino for $260,000, and has since spent over $1 million on having the guys at Moto Technique in Surrey, England, bring it up to speed.
So, what upgrades do you get for $1 million? Well, firstly, the disappointing 192 HP V6 you’d find in the original has been removed, replaced with a brand new 3.6L V8 outputting over 400 horsepower. Other upgrades can be found in the form of a new transmission, a transparent carbon fiber engine cover, and disc brakes. The steering and braking have been modernized too, now featuring semi-automatic power systems.
The Dino’s been improved on the aesthetic front as well. The fenders have been flared, the headlights covered, there’s a set of new rims, and the interior has been done up in oxblood leather. For the sake of utility, you’ll also find an iPhone holder inside.
You’ll be able to find the Dino at The Quail, part of Monterey Car Week, this August. Lee also plans to build more of these, hoping to sell them to customers in Europe, Asia, and Saudi Arabia at a rate of five per year.
