Lot 502: 1971 FIAT 850 Sport Coupe

Introduced in 1964, the FIAT 850 would prove an immense success for the Italian firm, with over 1.75 million sold by the time production ceased in 1972. A unitary construction design powered by a 843cc four-cylinder water-cooled engine, the 850 demonstrated that a rear-engined saloon really could be made to handle. Coup� and Bertone-built Spider versions were introduced in 1965 boasting more powerful engines and disc front brakes. With these two models FIAT reintroduced the circular, laurel-surrounded badge used on its competition cars of the 1920s. Early in 1968 the duo were revised as the �Sport� models with 903cc engine, alternator electrics and a number of external styling changes, the most obvious of which was the adoption of four-lamp lighting at both ends on the Coup�. Now with 52bhp (DIN) on tap, the latter was a genuine 90mph car that nevertheless could still return in excess of 40 miles per gallon if driven with restraint.
This 850 Sport Coup� has been in the current, lady owner�s hands from new and comes with the original bill of sale issued by Bell Street Motors (Henley) Ltd. Garaged throughout its life, the car has been off the road in recent years undergoing restoration. The latter has included a total body renovation and bare-metal re-spray in original Positano Yellow livery by Italian car specialists Auto Rossa, of Ringwood, Hants in 1998 and a full engine rebuild, complete braking system overhaul, refit of window glass and supply of four new tyres by L & C Motors, of Cobham, Surrey in April 2006 (invoices on file). Classed an historic vehicle and thus tax-exempt in the UK, the car is presented in excellent condition throughout and offered with MoT to June 2009 and Swansea V5. An ideal introduction to the pleasures of Italian sports car ownership at a most affordable price.