Fiat 850 Sport Coupé

They were once an everyday appearance, but nowadays the Fiat 850 models are quite rare! In particular this variant: the 850 Sport Coupe. The compact 2-door owes the addition ‘Sport’ to its engine capacity, which grew from 843 to 903 cc with an output of 52 and 57 hp respectively. Not an earth-shattering change, but enough to adapt the design and give the sales a new boost. Talking about a boost: our car has recently been overhauled thoroughly. From dynamo to battery, but also front suspension, brakes, drive shaft, ignition, cables, water pump, pressure group and wheel bearings were overhauled or replaced. Furthermore, the valves have been adjusted and the carburetion has new parts. This is a little car with a huge potential!

History
In 1964 Fiat introduced the 850 to fill the gap between the 600 and 1100. The Fiat 850 is closely related to the 600 and was ultimately seen as the successor to this model. Important difference was the number of body variants: while the Fiat 600 was always a hatchback (the Multipla excluded), the 850 appeared on the market as a 2-door sedan, Coupe, Spider and even a small MPV was added to the line-up. Our Fiat 850 Sport Coupe is another development of the ‘standard’ Coupe and, together with the so-called Sport Spider, was produced for almost 4.5 years, from 1968 to 1972 to be exact. Just like the 600, each 850 had the engine in the back in combination with rear-wheel drive.

Exterior
Unlike the Berlina, the 850 Coupe has a dynamic roofline ending in a short back. It is also characterized by 4 round rear light units, the same number as at the front. And exactly those lights are specifically designed for the Sport Coupe. Furthermore, the air vents under the rear window are striking and refer to the heart of the Fiat that could use some cooling every now and then. In red, the bodywork of the Sport Coupe – which is partly designed by Centro Stile Fiat, actually looks sporty. As often happened in the past, the other variants were designed by different coachbuilders.

Interior
Just like the red exterior lacquer, the black Skai leather interior looks quite sleek. Thanks to its compact dimensions, the Fiat 850 Sport Coupe cockpit is incredibly cozy. The wooden steering wheel has only 2 spokes and the wood-finished instruments are very minimalistic. Who needs more than two gauges anyway? A chrome detail here and there matches the exterior finish, with its shiny chromed bumpers. Check out the headroom in the back too: not bad for a small 2-door sports coupe!

Technique
Now that the so-called ‘frunk’ is really becoming a thing with all those battery-powered cars these days, this Fiat 850 seems to be way ahead of its time. There’s no room for luggage in the back at all, only for 903 cc of 4-cylinder power. The engine is linked to 4 manual gears and drives the rear wheels. A fairly sporty basis, although even after the upgrade the output of 57 hp is quite modest. How different is the condition of the technique! The following have recently been done: the alternator (overhauled), battery, front suspension, brakes (fully overhauled including new brake lining) and drive shaft blocks (also new on the outside). Ignition and cables were replaced with new ones. The same applies to the shock absorbers + wheel bearings at the front, the pressure group and plate. Furthermore, the water pump was overhauled, the carburetion received new parts, the valves were adjusted and the Sport Coupe got new oil. Yes, this classic Fiat is totally ready for a new adventure with a new owner!

Kind regards,
team Prins.