Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 108
1965 Fiat 850 'Abarth 1000 OT' Spider Coachwork by Bertone Chassis no. 100GS 007300
Sold for US$28,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 108
1965 Fiat 850 'Abarth 1000 OT' Spider
1965 Fiat 850 'Abarth 1000 OT' Spider
Coachwork by Bertone
Chassis no. 100GS 007300
Coachwork by Bertone
Chassis no. 100GS 007300
843cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine (See Text)
Single Carburetor
52bhp at 6,150rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
Front Disc, Rear Drum Brakes
*A beautifully example of Fiat's sporty runabout roadster
*Period Abarth badging and performance enhancements
*Magnesium Campagnolo alloy wheels
*A rare and eminently delightful slice of La Dolce Vita
THE CAR OFFERED
The 850 coupe and spider were introduced to the U.S. market for 1967. The American version was rated at 52 bhp, and had a 100-mph speedometer, tachometer, front disc brakes and vinyl leatherette upholstery. At $1,795 for the coupe and $1,998 for the gorgeous little Bertone-penned spider, the 850 was comparable to the Austin Mini and Austin-Healey Sprite, and less expensive than the Mini Cooper. "Driving the 850 coupe around town is sheer pleasure," proclaimed Sports Car Graphic, while the late British motoring historian Michael Sedgwick called the 850 "almost the perfect 'personal car' for the congested roads of the 1960s." In 1968, the engine was enlarged to 903cc, which made 90 mph possible, putting it on par with the tuned high-performance Abarth versions.
The Fiat 850 Bertone Spider offered here is an attractive example of the rear-engine Italian runabout. According to the consignor, this car has been updated to Abarth 1000 OT Spider specifications, and reportedly as the larger 982cc engine, which has not been confirmed as of cataloguing. It was acquired by the vendor, a passionate Fiat and Abarth enthusiast, in 2020 to replace a similar car he had regrettably sold.
The subject of an older restoration, it is crisp and attractive in its classic red paint with authentic black upholstery and a black top. Despite its tiny outward dimensions, the 850's cockpit is remarkably comfortable even for taller drivers, thanks in large part to the rear-mounted engine. The cockpit is tidy, and an array of Veglia Borletti dials faces the driver ahead of a period Ferrero sports steering wheel. Additionally, this car features Abarth cosmetic and performance enhancements, including 1000 OT badging, lightweight Campagnolo magnesium wheels, tubular exhaust header, and a free-flowing Abarth muffler. An honest and well-tended car, it was reportedly a delight to drive on its last outing, with ample grunt from the rear-mounted Fiat engine and a wonderfully gutsy soundtrack that simply begs for you to point and shoot this handsome little barchetta down your favorite twisting back road.
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