Full Description
FOR SALE
A magnifico matching numbers Fiat 850 Sport Coupé in breath-taking condition.
EQUIPMENT
Aerodynamic fastback body with four headlights and four rear lights, air intakes on bonnet, opening front quarter lights, swivelling rear side panes, reversing lamp, chromium mouldings, chromium front and rear bumpers with overriders, carpeted floor, sculptured bench rear seat, console between front seats, tachometer, heater fan and demister, Cigarillo lighter. Accessories: Bird-shaped mascot bonnet lifter, chromium exhaust tip, red resin gear knob, custom-made Palm Fibre Coco Mats, twin air horns, Italia engine lid badge.
EXTERIOR
A gorgeous Italian rarity, this Fiat 850 Sport Coupé is finished in the original colour of Blu Scuro, (Code 456). Subject to a very expensive bare metal repaint over ten years ago, the stunning paintwork boasts a mirror shine and uniform finish throughout. Incredibly for a Fiat of this era, all body panels are factory fitment and the bodywork is remarkably straight and free from damage. Stunning original chrome has been professionally polished to a stunning sparkle with just a few minor imperfections, barely worthy of mention. The headlight and ornate rear lights are original Carello and Altissimo fitment and all glass panes bar one is factory, including the front screen complete with running-in sticker! The underside is fabulously clean and free from excess applied underseal to reveal just how structurally exceptional this car is. Belissimo!
INTERIOR
The level of originality on display is astonishing with the carpets, seat vinyl, door trim, headlining and fascia totally as it came out the Fiat Mirafiori plant in Turin. The beautiful blood red seats are immaculate and fully intact, as is the headlining. The door cards are in excellent condition with a small repair to the top corner on each side. Based on the condition of the interior, it is quite probable the car has been stored inside as there is no sign of UV and heat fatigue you would expect to have occurred in its native Italy where the car has spent most of its life. The original carpets retain full colour and are protected by a custom-made set of Palm Fibre Coco Mats sourced from the US at great expense! The beautiful fascia with padded dash top and wood trim shows no cracks or notable wear and the ultra-stylish thin steering wheel has been professionally refurbished. The spotless front luggage space houses the spare wheel, original windscreen washer bag and protective rubber mat. Remember the twin air horns to remind other Turin motorists to spostati (move over)! Utter delightful in every respect.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Fitted with the most powerful engine, this 850 Sport Coupé has the 903cc four-cylinder engine developing 52bhp. Rear mounted with rear wheel drive, this lightweight Fiat is a lot of fun! The engine number confirms this is the original unit fitted to the car when new and both the engine number, VIN plate and VIN stamp to the bulkhead are clearly visible. The engine is superbly detailed and factory stickers remain. The car performs brilliantly with the standard manual choke and the four-speed constant mesh gearbox with Porsche-type synchroniser rings operates perfectly.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Original steel disc type wheels have been professionally refurbished and the pristine chromed centre caps are like mirrors. Very expensive period Michelin XAS FF tyres of size 155 HR13 have been fitted to all five wheels with the spare unused and the road wheels covering approximately 200 miles. The hydraulic braking system with discs to front and drums to rear operate well and slow the car straight and steady.
HISTORY FILE
A delightful car with history to match! This example had just two family owners in the Udine area of North-Eastern Italy. The original Carta di Circolazione (vehicle log book) lists the first owner as Fermo Comino and date of registration the 5th April 1968. Mr Comino, a Tailor by trade, owned the car for an incredible 39 years until in 2007 upon his passing, his daughter Gabriella Comin, inherited the car. Two further keepers in Italy, father and son, Antonino and Daniele Venchiarutti owned the car between them from 2011 until permanent export to the UK in July 2015. There has been just one UK owner, Mr Lambourne, who is a connoisseur of Italian marques who searched extensively for a Fiat 850 Coupe and was fastidious in finding a low owner, low mileage example in as original condition as possible. With the help of his Broker in Italy, he hit the jackpot with this example and the Broker report along with photos is included in the history file. A Vehicle Dating Letter from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles UK confirms that Fiat Central Records Archive confirm the vehicle identity corresponds to a Fiat 850 Coupe, built at the Fiat Mirafiori Plant in Turin in April 1968. Photographs of the car when sourced reveal the remarkable condition, and in preparation for the repaint it was found that there were only three tiny spots of rust that have been cut out and re-metaled. Following this was a professional bare metal respray with invoice in 2015 costing in excess of £9,000.
The history file is wonderfully presented with all import and UK registration documentation as well as the original log book and handbook. Numerous Italian vehicle specialist invoices are in the file including one for almost £1,000 in June 2026 for full service and tune up. The no expense spared mentality from Mr Lambourne to preserve and fine-tune this astonishing example is truly admirable and to the huge benefit of the next lucky owner.
MOT July 2027, HPI Clear.
