1967 Fiat 850

The Fiat 850 was introduced in May of 1964 as a replacement for the 600. During its eight year production lifespan, more than two million examples were sold. It was a development of the Fiat 600 and its engine had a displacement size of 843cc. It was available in two versions that included the 'normale' (standard) with 34 horsepower and the 'super' with 37 horsepower. It had its predecessor's rear-engine layout, fitted into a unitary bodyshell with fully independent suspension at both ends. The engine was mated to a fully synchromesh gearbox. In 1966 a semi-automatic gearbox named the Idroconvert was introduced.

The original two-door berlina (saloon) 850 was soon joined by a vast array of body styles and variants that included coupes, convertibles, wagons, and even a MPV named the Familiare, which replaced the 600 Multipla. The Special arrived in 1968, and came with a five-speed gearbox, bigger brakes and tires, and a 47 horsepower engine.

The Fiat 850 Spider was a sporty two-seater Spider powered by the original 843cc that had been tuned to production 49 horsepower. The design and construction was courtesy of Bertone in its Grugliasco, Turin plant. When the fabric roof was lowered, it could be folded and stored under a rear metal body panel. The exterior design featured recessed headlamps with plexiglass covers and smooth lines throughout. The chassis was based on the Chevrolet Corvair. By 1968, the Spider and Coupe had been given an upgraded 903cc engine with 52 horsepower. It was now called the Sport Spider and Sport Coupe. The Sport Spider had revised front styling with the remainder of the body remaining unchanged.

Production did continue for a few years in Spain under the name of Seat 850, as a four-door bodystyle.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2019