Fiat 850 coupe dreams

[carl]

When we all bought our first 850 coupe (me in 1967), this is what we really saw in our driveway.

 

[Tom Ginefra]

Can't imagine what it would be like to drive an original, with 185hp!

 

[Jeff Stich]

That's a 124 twin-cam, not an Abarth 2 liter.

 

[carl]

Who cares, it looks like a hoot either way.

 

[lanciahf]

That is perfect! Great stance and attitude

 

[ArtBasement]

That's a 124 twin-cam, not an Abarth 2 liter.

The whole thing is a replica. But the lady says the only thing not accurately replicated is the motor.

 

[Lowtechprime]

It's very cool, except for the spare tire hanging out of the front facia? What's that about? Plus, that owner doesn't seem to drive very well... Very squirrelly and all over the road...

 

[carl]

You would have to ask the Abarth factory, that's the way it came brand new. Kind of cool actually.

 

[Jeff Stich]

It's very cool, except for the spare tire hanging out of the front facia? What's that about?

On the Fiat 850 Coupe, the radiator is in the engine bay in the rear & the spare tire is stowed vertically at the very front of the trunk, just behind the nose panel. The Abarth OT2000 Coupe has a front-mounted radiator, so the spare tire is mounted horizontally below it, instead. This also helps to balance the front-rear weight ratio & keep the center of gravity low.

 

[Lowtechprime]

It's not worth it... I'd rather throw some ballast in the front, that looks ridiculous...

 

[Jeff Stich]

I think the spare tire setup was likely influenced by what was used on the Renault Dauphine, Florida & Caravelle, which (in my opinion) pulled it off much better using a front concealment panel/tire tray arrangement.

 

[carl]

I love it. Very much race car function over style look.
Considering the bumpers Fiat put on the later Xs and 124 spiders, it's not like design houses can do much better.