In 1963, after Fiat’s wildly popular 600 series had sold more than 1.5 million copies, Dante Giacosa – the company’s chief engineer – was ready to introduce its encore, the 850. The first body style was the sedan, designed in-house. One year later, the pretty Spider arrived – styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Bertone – along with a Sport Coupe by Boano. While mechanically not far off the 600, the 850 convertible was a looker, while the sedans were … cute. Here on eBay is a 1970 Fiat 850 Sport Spider with an asking price of $8000 or best offer. The car is located in Glendale, California.
Maintaining the rear-mount configuration of the 600, Fiat gave its new 850 a variety of engines, beginning with an 817 cc four-cylinder designed to dodge emissions controls in the US, and culminating in the 52 hp, 903 cc four installed after 1968 in both the spider and the coupe. Fiat designated these slightly more powerful models by appending “Sport” to their names; thus, the Spider became the Sport Spider. This example has had a complete engine rebuild aimed at goosing performance, with high-compression pistons, a high-torque starter, a rebuilt radiator, and several new parts. The engine runs well. The gearbox is a four-speed manual, and the car’s independent suspension does wonders for handling. The Spider and Coupe received front disc brakes, though the sedan made do with drums all around. With a curb weight of 1600 lbs, the Sport Spider is lively and fun.
This photo is very dark, but the interior appears decent. The car does have its original wood-rimmed steering wheel – these can be expensive if a replacement is needed. The dash should have woodgrain trim and Veglia instrumentation. No photos of the underside are posted in the listing, but from the few shots of the body, the panels appear to be in good nick. The front bumper is dented slightly.
When the Spider first arrived in the US, it wore faired-in headlamps shared by the Lamborghini Miura, but US regulators soon passed height requirements and deemed glassed-over units unsafe. Consequently, Fiat had to “frogeye” the headlamps, ruining Giugiaro’s sleek frontal styling. Those early examples enjoy a value premium. But later cars with their larger engines are fun and good-looking enough. Given the narrow dollar gap between good and poor condition, and given the various mechanical quirks that a Fiat can throw your way, it pays to buy the best. The “best” will cost low five figures, while slightly needy early Spiders can be had for mid-teens. Today’s example shows promise; is it worth a call?
Unfortunately, a close look at some of the photos show rust spots bubbling their little heads up on various panels. That was one of the curses of the 850 Spider, and, in fact, all too many Fiats.
The Spider was a wonderful design. Giugiaro got it just right, and even the raised headlamps of the later cars don’t do all that much harm to the looks. I admit to preferring the earlier lights.
Like so many Italian powerplants, the tiny lump in the Spider thrives on hop-ups. The result won’t challenge Corvettes, but it doesn’t have to. The Spider is quite nice to drive even when dead-stock, and a few extra ponies make it feel even faster.
A shame about the corrosion. That may be only the tip of the brown iceberg, or can be remedied fairly easily. I suggest an in-person look.
These are so doggone cute as to be almost irresistible in good condition.