Fiat 850 (1964 – 1972) Review

The Fiat 850 was directly based upon the successful rear-engined 600 – and as a result, retained many of that car’s mechanical components. Apart from the new and more spacious bodywork, a fresh 843cc four-cylinder water-cooled engine powered the 850. Two versions of the saloon were produced, the ‘Normale’, with 34bhp, and the ‘Super’, with 37bhp.

A Familiare model was also offered, replacing the old 600 Multipla, again using three rows of seats. This variant stayed in production until 1976, using a 903cc engine from 1970 onwards. The 850’s appeal was improved considerably with the launch of the pretty Coupé and Spider versions in 1965. Revised for 1968, an 850 Special went on sale, and was a saloon with the coupé's engine and disc brakes. The arrival of the Fiat 127 rendered the 850 obsolete.