Basic sports cars are truly about the most bang for the buck – Midgets, Sprites, 700s, Spitfires and 850s all share enthusiastic (if not powerful) engines, sharp and often Italian styling, commonly have a removable top, and will do quite a bit of what the big-boy Bs, TR6s, Spiders and more will do on a fraction of the fuel. With attrition over the last 40 years, it’s not so common to find a running example for a low price of entry, which means you should take a look at this 1970 Fiat 850 Spider for sale for $900 in Sebastopol, CA.
Evidently, someone who forgot his glasses at home mistook this car for a Ferrari, which leads to the seller’s hyperbolic opener. Nonetheless, it’s a nice-looking roadster that looks even better thanks to its very early-1970s-Fiat look – a red body on white steel wheels with chrome hubcaps. Said to only show 52K on the odometer – again, a 5-digit item, so it’s probably rolled over at least once – it’s certainly had at least one repaint in its 46 years. The rear window is cloudy and will need replacement, and it’s quite possible that will be the case for the entire top.
The seller is realistic about the condition of the car, though, recognizing it is less than perfect and will need some minor work, but still suggesting that its good potential is pretty easy to reach. Things in back look pretty good, including new-looking stock headers and a clean, white radiator overflow tank. The Ford blue engine is a little odd, but at this price it beats a thick coating of grease. No detail is given on mechanical condition, so you’ll have to ask questions there.
My, is that your shift lever or are you happy to see me? The interior seems to have incorrect aftermarket seat covers, but at least they’re intact. The dash has significant cracking, but at least it’s covered with a dash mat, and is not uncommon on these inexpensive cars. Floor mats look factory, and this car has escaped the all-too-common Kraco AM/FM unit hacked into the glovebox door.
For having such a sizeable lid, the frunk looks to be of limited use – most of it seems to be occupied by the spare tire and what is likely the fuel tank. Things look pretty clean in here, but it seems like the seller hit the engine compartment and frunk with some flat black paint. Nonetheless, for not even three figures this car seems to be a deal – good luck reaching the seller!
Tags: 850, convertible, Feature, Fiat, italian, spider, under $2000
Rusty But Trusty 
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