1971 FIAT 850 SPORT SIDER - BONHAMS 07/12/14

"CROSSING THE BLOCK"

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1971 FIAT 850 SPORT SIDER

Coachwork by Carrozzeria Bertone

Chassis no. 100GBS1 0094446
Engine no. 388503

Footnotes

• 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. Coupé 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 Coupé. Now with 52bhp (DIN) on tap, the 850 Sport was a genuine 90mph car that nevertheless could still return in excess of 40 miles per gallon if driven with restraint.
  
  This 850 Sport Spider was purchased in the USA in 1990 and is currently unregistered. The car has been kept in dry storage since acquisition, being re-sprayed in red (from yellow) and is in running order, albeit requiring re-commissioning following this extended period of inactivity. An ideal introduction to the pleasures of Italian sports car ownership at a most affordable price.

Saleroom notices

We are pleased to report that the Irish Registration document has been applied for and the car has been granted the Irish Registration number ZV 92010

ALL TEXT & IMAGES 2014 BONHAMS AUCTIONS