HIGHLIGHTS
never restored 850 coupé 1st series from 1965
one of the very first examples that rolled out from the factory
only 2 owners from new
Original "Vicenza" black numberplate
Blue medio over tan vynil interior
Fiat 850 Coupé of 1965: the people's Porsche
The Fiat 850 Coupé is one of the most iconic Italian cars of the 1960s, a symbol of elegance and sportiness accessible to many. Produced starting in 1965, the 850 Coupé was an evolution of the Fiat 850 sedan, but with a sportier and more refined design. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Fiat 850 Coupé, its technical specifications, the work of the designer behind its lines, and some interesting facts related to this model.
History of the Fiat 850
The Fiat 850 debuted as a sedan in 1964, intended to replace the Fiat 600, one of the Turin-based brand's most successful models. The 850 was positioned in Fiat's lineup as a compact car but with more interior space compared to the 600. However, the project didn't stop at just a simple sedan version: Fiat envisioned a family of models, including a sporty version aimed at attracting a younger, more enthusiastic clientele.
The Fiat 850 Coupé, introduced in 1965, was a natural extension of the range, designed for those who wanted an agile, small-sized car with a captivating appearance and better performance than the sedan. The official presentation took place in March 1965 at the Geneva Motor Show, where the public could admire this elegant car for the first time.
The Designer: Felice Mario Boano
The design of the Fiat 850 Coupé was entrusted to Felice Mario Boano, a talented designer who had already collaborated with prestigious brands like Ferrari and Lancia. Boano was known for his ability to create elegant and well-proportioned shapes, and the design of the 850 Coupé was no exception. The car featured smooth and dynamic lines, with a body that expressed movement even while stationary.
The silhouette of the 850 Coupé was characterized by a sloping roof, a high waistline, and a sharp front end with circular headlights that gave it an assertive look. The proportions were harmonious, with compact dimensions that contributed to the vehicle's agility. Boano's attention to detail was also evident in the interior, with a simple yet functional dashboard, faux leather upholstery, and a two-spoke wooden steering wheel that enhanced the car’s sporty feel.
Technical Specifications
The Fiat 850 Coupé was equipped with an 843 cc inline four-cylinder engine, water-cooled, capable of producing 47 horsepower at 6,200 rpm. The engine was rear-mounted, a typical configuration for many Fiat models of that era. This choice allowed for keeping the vehicle's size compact and offered a good weight balance. The declared top speed was 135 km/h (about 84 mph), a noteworthy performance for a car of this displacement in the 1960s.
The transmission was a 4-speed manual, with a well-positioned floor-mounted gear lever that allowed for quick and precise gear changes. The car had rear-wheel drive, with an independent front suspension featuring a transverse leaf spring, while the rear suspension used swing arms. This setup provided good road holding and excellent maneuverability, making the 850 Coupé very enjoyable to drive, especially on winding roads.
The braking system was mixed, with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, a solution that improved braking power compared to the sedan. The car's dimensions were compact: 3.810 mm in length, 1.430 mm in width, and 1.265 mm in height. The curb weight was about 720 kg (1.587 lbs), which contributed to the engine's liveliness and the overall agility of the car.
This chassis number
The present chassis number is one of the earliest models produced in 1965: this vehicle was registered in November of the same year, just a few months after its presentation at the Geneva Motor Show, an event that marked the official debut of the 850 Coupé on the market.
This particular model stands out for being "matching numbers" and "matching colours," meaning it retains both the original engine and the same body and interior colors as when it first rolled off the line. The car features a refined "medium blue" exterior, paired with leather-colored interior trim—an elegant and highly sought-after combination among enthusiasts.
The history of this chassis is closely tied to only two owners. The first, born in 1899, witnessed a century of changes and innovations in the world of automobiles. This long connection with just a few owners has helped preserve the vehicle's authenticity and integrity. To this day, the Fiat 850 retains its original paper registration document, a rare and valuable detail for collectors.
Mechanically speaking, the vehicle is in perfect condition. Over the past four years, it has been regularly serviced at MG Autofficina in Treviso, a specialized workshop that has carefully handled every aspect of its routine maintenance. This meticulous care has allowed the Fiat 850 to remain efficient and reliable, just as it was in its early days.
Production and Commercial Success
The Fiat 850 Coupé was produced until 1971, with a total of about 343.000 units, a number that attests to the model's success in the market. The launch price of about 1.000.000 Italian lire made it accessible to a large part of the public, especially those looking for a small sports car without having to invest a significant amount. This price positioning and the attractive design made it popular both in Italy and abroad, where it found a fair market, especially in Europe.
In 1968, a more powerful version was introduced, the 850 Sport Coupé, equipped with a 903 cc engine producing 52 horsepower. This variant allowed the car to reach a top speed of 145 km/h (about 90 mph), further enhancing the model’s sporty appeal.
Curiosities and Famous Owners
Among the famous individuals who owned a Fiat 850 Coupé was actor Marcello Mastroianni, one of the iconic faces of Italian cinema in the 1960s. Mastroianni was a car enthusiast and chose the 850 Coupé for its stylish design and lively performance, which perfectly suited his dynamic lifestyle. It is said that he often enjoyed driving his 850 Coupé on the hills around Rome, savoring the joy of driving and the beauty of the scenery.
Another well-known name associated with the Fiat 850 Coupé was Gianni Agnelli, the iconic businessman and president of Fiat. Agnelli, although famous for owning luxury cars such as Ferrari and Maserati, also appreciated smaller and more symbolic Fiat models. It is said that he had an 850 Coupé as a personal car for quickly getting around Turin, appreciating its handling and sporty character.
Perhaps not everyone knows that Steve Jobs was a great car enthusiast.
In his biography, it is mentioned that when he was young, he also owned a Fiat 850 Coupé: it had an Abarth engine and a red body.
Jobs used it for a couple of years until the engine of the small Fiat, which was popular among young Californians in the 1960s, caught fire.
Cultural Impact and Popularity
The Fiat 850 Coupé soon became a symbol of an era in which Italy was experiencing a period of strong economic and social growth, known as the "economic boom." The car represented the desire for freedom and movement that characterized the 1960s, a time when owning a car became a symbol of social advancement and economic stability for many Italian families.
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