Inspired by a Fiat 128 SL I saw street-parked in San Francisco Friday night, I decided to look for one of the more unusual Fiats we got here in the US market. In fact, I’ve never featured a Fiat 850 of any type, even though the spiders are still pretty available, because they mostly come in restored (and pricey) or basket-case form. While these might not be the best daily-driver vintage car (unlike their bigger brothers in the 124 series), they are certainly a fine choice for the multi-marque vintage car rallies gaining in popularity recently.
The 850 coupe, with its 843cc engine putting out 47hp, will not tear up the tarmac, but if you consider some comparable cars (engine-size-wise), making it slightly less powerful (but not necessarily slower) than a Spitfire or a Midget, and much more powerful than a bugeye Sprite. In spite of its elegant styling and sporty engine, the 850 is valued lower by the market than its British competitors, so you’re getting more car for the money. As you can see on this 850 coupe, listed in Deforest, WI (near Madison) for $2500, the Italians designed some of the best-looking small cars of their time.
Rusty But Trusty 