Italian car makers have a knack for clothing the most basic of vehicles in charming sheet metal. The 850 coupé was launched in 1965, an addition to the growing stable of 850 offerings. It was designed in-house by Fiat, and its engine was a larger version of the rear-mounted, water-cooled four-cylinder used in the 600. Euro-delivery cars enjoyed an 843 cc displacement, but in order to duck US regulations, the same engine was downgraded to 817 ccs for our shores. Compression was increased, and the little monster sipped high-test gasoline only. The first year of sales to the US was 1967, and though today’s example is a ’67, this one was actually delivered to Europe and imported at some point. Find it here on eBay, advertised for $6950 or best offer. It’s located in Elyria, Ohio, and we have Araknid78 to thank for the tip!
The engine does not run, but it does turn by hand. The car still wears its Italian license plate; the seller notes that the last registration was in 1987. The motor will generate about 47 hp once it runs; gear changes are handled by a slightly recalcitrant four-speed manual. The coupé and the spider benefited from front disc brakes, while the sedan was fitted with drums all around. Considerable work awaits the new buyer, including sourcing whatever parts can’t be found in the trunk and rebuilding components – but that’s not all. This guy has suffered an attack of the tin worm. Looks like someone has attempted to fix the driver’s side floor, but the passenger’s side floor and sill are crumbling. Meanwhile, the dealer might have been surprised by the rust, because a previous listing for the same car claims “solid undercarriage” in the title, and the price back then was $8950.
The coupé was considered a “sporty” variant, so it received bucket seats. I like the cream-over-blue color scheme here; it’s a little unusual. This upholstery might actually clean up, and the headliner is in great shape. The dash is intact, and all the interior bits appear to be present. The door seals need to be replaced, and the floor mat is missing.
Not many 850s of any variety are seen in the US today. The coupés seem particularly rare. Too bad about the rust here, because if it weren’t for that, the right buyer might just be able to bring this little guy up to running order and call it good. Otherwise, if you have your heart set on a coupé, you might wait a while for a nice one.
Is it 4 am yet? Hey, this laptop(#4) cost $200 bucks( free delivery) so I’m gonna yap.
Some may remember my reference to “Johnny” across the alley from my folks,, he was the guy that had the 4 speed Barracuda coupe, this is the car he traded for it. His was red, natch, and initially, we all thought it was a fun little car. 4 speed, big tach, made all the right noises,,,then the not so right noises. The car didn’t have many miles, after couple months, 2nd gear began to grind. The dealer, I forget who sold Fiats in Milwaukee then, repaired the transmission, was good for a couple months, and it all broke loose. Window regular, gauges, glove box lock, seat adjust stripped, on and on, and,,,,it began to grind in 2nd gear again. He took it back, they had the car a long time, remember, this was mid-70s, gas mileage was the hot button, Fiats too? Who knew? Muscle cars were dime a dozen. He traded the car on the Barracuda that some poor schmoe must have traded on a Fiat, and Johnny was happy. I think the dealer was too.
That 48hp, I think, is actually 47.8 hp ( it’s that .8 that gets you over the hill), and is horribly inept for our roads, I think it would do 65,,,laboriously. I read, in ’68, they upped the cc to 903( oh boy), to 52 hp, with little fanfare. It’s an amazing find for someone that collects these. Not so sure about AutoPlace on this one.