1970 Fiat 850 Spider - Head turner with upgrades!
By Midwest-Bayless Italian Auto
Up for sale is a solid, well running 1970 Fiat 850 Spider with 903cc engine.
The Fiat 850 family of cars was introduced to the world in 1965, and to America in 1967. Three versions were available: The 850 Sedan, the 850 Sport Spider, and the 850 Sport Coupe.
The 850 Sport Spider was introduced with 843cc engine, 2-barrel 30 DIC series carburetor, and "covered headlights".
In 1968, the 850 Spider was redesigned to offer "frog eye" style headlights.
In 1969, the car was updated again with changed tail lights and larger 903cc motor.
This car is titled as a 1970 Fiat 850, and has been fitted with several earlier Series 1 appearance items. It looks great and is ready for summer fun!
This car is titled by a private owner and is an individual (not dealer) transaction. Midwest-Bayless has possession of the vehicle and can answer all questions regarding its condition and recent services.
This car has received extensive preventative maintenances in the last 18 months. It is highly reliable and ready to drive.
This car was refurbished in Italy and imported by the current owner in 2002. It has been fitted with Series 1 metric register instruments, Series 1 seats, and Series 1 tail lights. Odometer shows 58,000 KM.
The 903cc carbureted engine runs great. It cold and hot starts just as expected with one try. Idles nicely and mechanical choke works well.
Note: This car is not a comfortable driver on USA multi-lane highways. It is great on secondary roads and city streets, but is challenged when trying to maintain freeway speeds approaching 70MPH.
Body and Exterior
The car was painted in Italy in 2001, with a mix of chrome bumpers and trims.
The paint is thick, with cracks and blemishes in spots, but from 5-feet, is relatively uniform and eye catching.
It has some scratches and blemishes, but is overall solid and rust-free. It has had spot repairs to the floors and front trunk. It has an 80 point finish, with new black vinyl top.
This car has a few cosmetic flaws, but does not have any deep corrosive rust to the unibody or suspension pick-ups.
The main structural areas such as front and rear shock towers, rear cross members, and floor pans are good.
Floorpans and under-car cross member are solid, with minor repairs.
It is the kind of car you can drive to a car show, and not worry too badly about eager admirers or the occasional drive in the rain.
The car is solid and accurate enough to warrant the investment of professional repair to the minor cosmetic blemishes shown and repaint for a show level car.
The front and rear bumpers are a mix of model years, but complete and in above-average condition.
They do have some minor weathering and dings.
Some rubber trims on the door glass and quarter windows are missing.
The convertible top cover panel has been modified with a cut-out as shown.
The doors and engine cover /decklid are in great condition with no visible surface rust or structural repairs. The rear decklid does have blemishes to its paint from a previously installed luggage rack.
The hood has been previously repaired and has an aftermarket cowl grille as shown.
Engine, Fuel, Ignition, Exhaust and Cooling System
The car is fitted with later 903cc motor, 30 DIC1 carburetor, and 4-Spd manual transmission.
Engine bay is clean and relatively original.
Mechanical fuel pump, with new filter, and fuel hoses.
Original style exhaust with 4-1 long header.
The cooling system has been serviced with new water pump, fan, radiator shroud, and expansion tank. It offers rock-solid temperatures. Heater is currently bypassed and needs to be serviced.
Electricals
The motor has been retrofit with an internally-regulated alternator and has good voltages. Exterior lights and turn signals work. Headlights have been replaced with L.E.D. H4-style bulbs for exceptional brightness and low current consumption.
Battery positive terminal and ground straps have been cleanly replaced.
Transmission / Clutch / Driveline
The 4-Spd manual transmission is in good condition, shifting correctly into all gears with no synchronizer issues, no grinding, reverse works as expected. Shifter linkage serviced.
Clutch feels good and operates as expected.
Axle boots and seals have been recently replaced.
Steering / Suspension / Tires / Wheels / Brakes
Control arm bushings and king pins are in good condition with no issues. Front wheel bearings have been serviced are solid with no hum or play.
Braking system has been recently serviced with new Series 2 type calipers, hoses, pads and rotors in front, and checks out with good feel.
Stock springs at all four corners. Clean 13x5, 4x98 bolt pattern OE style steel wheels, with older but nearly unused 155/80-13 tires.
Spare tire and wheel included.
Interior / Top
The interior on the car is very good, with black Series 1 style seats, wrapped, uncracked dashboard and black carpets.
Color matched instrument cluster and passenger side dash panel, with bronze bezel Series 1 gauges.
Seats are re-upholstered and in generally good condition. Driver side seat has a small tear on the bottom, and damage on the upper rear, which really cannot be seen when the seat is in standard position.
Cushion on the bottom is getting brittle and leaves some dust after use. Passenger seat is in very good condition. Rear parcel tray is good.
Doors are rust free with excellent condition bottoms. Door cards are in very good condition. Doors have manual lifts and work correctly.
New black vinyl top. Top frame and latches are in good shape, with good condition rubber weatherstrips.
New visors.
Front Trunk
The battery cover and box are solid and intact. Brake fluid reservoir is excellent and uncracked.
Repairs are evident in the front trunk, but not extensive. Factory trunk jack and tool kit included.
This car is currently available for $10,300 or highest offer.
614-784-8870 or email to mad.matt@midwest-bayless.com
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Our knowledge, experience and reputation with Fiat and Lancia cars is unparalleled.
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Additional photos or details are available upon request. Buyer pays all shipping costs.
Midwest-Bayless Italian Auto is located in Columbus, Ohio, and are a continuation of Bayless Fiat Lancia World, founded in 1971. We specialize in Fiat and Lancia parts, restoration and racing. We support most Fiat and Lancia models sold in North America including the Fiat 124 Spider, Coupe and Wagon, Fiat X19, Fiat 850, Fiat 128, Fiat 131/Brava, Lancia Scorpion and Beta (Coupe, Sedan and Zagato) and Yugo.