Lot details
Registration No: PHJ114E
Chassis No: 100GS0019613
Mot Expiry: June 2009

Introduced at the 1965 Geneva Salon, the Fiat 850 Spider was designed and built by Bertone. The work of Giorgetto Giugiaro - then the Italian carrozzeria's chief stylist - its stunning shape was punctuated by raked-back flush-set headlights and a Kamm tail. Sharing the same rear-engined, rear-wheel drive floorpan layout as the 850 saloon, the diminutive convertible was equipped with all-round independent suspension (wishbone transverse-leaf front / semi-trailing arm coil rear), worm and sector steering and disc / drum brakes. Specially tuned, the Spider's 843cc OHV four-cylinder engine developed some 49bhp and 43lbft of torque. Allied to four-speed manual transmission, it reputedly endowed the two-seater with a 90mph top speed. Weighing just 725kg, the drop-top Fiat made up in agility and roadholding what it lost in performance (while, most period road testers found it surprisingly economical too). Arriving in 1968, the Series 2 (or Sport) Spider boasted a larger 903cc engine and three extra 'horses' but had lost the original's purity of line.
Finished in Dark Green with black vinyl upholstery, this particular left-hand drive example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (electrical equipment, manual gearbox, interior trim) or "excellent" (engine, bodywork, paintwork) condition. Reportedly "a former RAC concours winner" that was treated to an extensive restoration in the past including the fitting of a later 903cc unit, the Fiat is further understood to "look and sound amazing". Indeed, the seller believes but does not warrant 'PHJ 114L' to be "one of just fourteen in Europe still on the road". Apparently "only used on sunny days", this gorgeous 850 Bertone Spider is offered for sale with "lots of history" (including numerous old MOTs to partially substantiate its odometer reading of 68,500km), historic class (free) road tax and current MOT certificate valid until June 2009.