Fiat 850 classic car spare parts

The Fiat 850 is a small car that was produced between 1964 and 1973 and is now one of the most sought-after classic cars in the Fiat range. The 850 was intended as a further development of the Fiat 600 and positioned itself in the product range between this and the larger models such as the Fiat 1100. Its design, technical features and versatility made the Fiat 850 a popular car in the 1960s and 1970s, suitable for both urban traffic and longer journeys. Over the course of its production period, various derivatives were introduced which gave the model additional popularity.

The history of the Fiat 850

The Fiat 850 was introduced in 1964 as a direct response to the success of the Fiat 600. The 850 was larger, had a more powerful engine and offered better comfort than its predecessor. The aim was to create a vehicle that was affordable but also versatile enough to appeal to a wide range of buyers.

The vehicle was based on a modified version of the Fiat 600 chassis, but with a completely redesigned body and a more powerful engine. With its water-cooled four-cylinder engine, which initially had a displacement of 843 cm³ and an output of 34 hp, the 850 could reach a top speed of around 120 km/h. This made it suitable not only for city traffic, but also for cross-country journeys.

Variants of the Fiat 850

During its production period, Fiat brought several variants of the 850 onto the market, which further expanded the model's success:

1. Fiat 850 Berlina (saloon)

The saloon was the basic model of the Fiat 850 and was developed for the mass market. It offered space for four people and had a comfortable interior for the time. Despite its compact size, the saloon was considered spacious and versatile.

2. Fiat 850 Coupé (1965)

The Fiat 850 Coupé was introduced in 1965 and was aimed at a sporty customer base. The coupé had a sportier design with sharper lines and a lower front end. It was equipped with a more powerful engine, which had an output of 47 hp and enabled a top speed of 145 km/h. The coupé enjoyed great popularity in Europe. The coupé enjoyed great popularity in Europe and beyond as it combined sporty performance and Italian design in an affordable vehicle.

3. Fiat 850 Spider (1965)

The Fiat 850 Spider, also launched in 1965, was designed by the renowned Italian design company Bertone. The Spider was a two-seater convertible and quickly became a favourite among lovers of small, sporty convertibles. The combination of elegant design, good performance and driving pleasure made the 850 Spider one of the most sought-after Fiat models of its time. The Spider's engine produced 49 hp, making it even more lively and agile than the saloon version.

4. Fiat 850 Special

The Fiat 850 Special was a more powerful version of the saloon that was introduced in the late 1960s. The Special had an improved engine with an output of 47 hp and offered enhanced driving dynamics. It was visually distinguished by sportier details and was perceived as a kind of ‘hot hatch’ of its time.

Fiat 850 T and 850 Familiare

In addition to the passenger car variants, Fiat also launched commercial vehicles based on the 850. The Fiat 850 T was a small van developed primarily for commercial use, while the Fiat 850 Familiare was a seven-seater estate version of the Fiat 850. These models were mainly used by tradesmen and larger families and demonstrated the versatility of the 850 as a platform for different needs.

The role of the Fiat 850 on the international market

The Fiat 850 was not only a success in Italy, but was also sold and produced under licence in many other countries. In Spain, for example, it was produced as the SEAT 850, and in Yugoslavia there was a version under the name Zastava 850. The 850 was also sold in the USA, where the Coupé and the Spider were particularly popular with buyers who appreciated the sporty charm of the vehicle.

Technical innovations and driving behaviour

The Fiat 850 was characterised by a number of technical innovations that made it particularly attractive for its time. These included the wheel suspension with wishbones at the front and an independent semi-trailing arm axle at the rear, which gave the vehicle stable and comfortable handling. The rear engine was a trademark of the Fiat 850, which, like the VW Beetle, gave it special roadholding and a unique driving experience.

The handling of the Fiat 850 was considered to be good-natured, the steering precise, and the short wheelbase ensured high manoeuvrability, which made it particularly attractive for city traffic. At the same time, the vehicle was surprisingly spacious for its size and offered plenty of room for passengers and luggage.

The end of production and the legacy of the Fiat 850

Production of the Fiat 850 was discontinued in 1973 to make way for its successor, the Fiat 127, which was more modern in many respects and embraced the trend towards front-engined, front-wheel drive vehicles. Nevertheless, the Fiat 850 remains a popular collector's vehicle to this day, with the coupé and spider versions in particular being prized by classic car enthusiasts.

The Fiat 850 left an important legacy, not only as a vehicle that provided mobility for millions of people, but also as a symbol of Italian design and engineering. Today, well-preserved examples can be found at classic car meetings and in collections worldwide, and demand for spare parts and accessories remains high, demonstrating its enduring popularity among classic car enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The Fiat 850 is more than just a small car from the 1960s. It represents an era of Italian design and engineering and offers a perfect blend of style, performance and affordability. As a classic car, it has a special status today and is a sought-after vehicle that perfectly captures the charm and nostalgia of the era.