Based on the popular (on its home turf in Italy) Fiat 850, the Idromatic was Fiat’s alternative to the VW Beetle and others who dabbled with semi-automatic transmissions. While engineeringly interesting, the little cars were sluggish and only suited for urban use in the U.S. This 1968 edition has been sitting since 1976 and both time and Mother Nature have taken their toll. Located in Takoma, Washington (DC), this non-running project is available here on craigslist and is nearly free ($1.00!). So, the seller just wants it gone. And you thank T.J. for another wild tip!

In the late 1960s, Fiat wasn’t the biggest selling imported car in the U.S. So, they decided to boost sales by peddling a version of the 850 sedan to compete with the Automatic Stick-Shift transmission you could get with a VW Bug. The hardware the two used was somewhat similar, akin to a real automatic transmission without a valve body. You still had four forward gears with a torque converter and clutch that you pressed into service with the shifter knob. But it was too easy to skip the clutch which could result in some damage.

At the time, some magazines tested the little car and they averaged about 25 seconds to get from a standing start to 60 mph. And doing the quarter-mile was equally time-consuming. So, you were taking your chances by venturing out onto the freeway or interstate. The Idromatic used the same 817-cc engine as the Fiat 850 and it put out a whopping 42 hp.

The seller came upon this car when he/she purchased a piece of property where the auto had been sitting for 40 years. It went along with the deal but without a title. It does have a bill of sale that was prepared by an attorney, however. It doesn’t run and the seller doesn’t know what’s wrong with it, so it may only be good for salvage. But for being practically free of charge, why not take a chance?