The 500 “Cinquecento” set in motion a roadmap for small cars from Fiat for the next several decades. From the 500, a larger 600 model was developed with a rear mounted four cylinder engine. The 600 begat the car you see here, the 850. Launched in 1964, it was available in a number of variants, including a coupe, roadster, station wagon and the two door sedan like we see here. This 850 is for sale in California, having recently been imported from the Netherlands, seemingly a hotbed for classic cars. The seller had issues registering the car in California, so is seeking to offload the vehicle to someone out of state, given that jurisdiction’s tough emissions laws.

Year: 1971
Model: 850 Special
Engine: 843cc inline-4
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 20,882 mi
Price: No reserve auction

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1971 Fiat 850 Special

If you require the best for your collection, this award winning 1971 FIAT 850 Special may be for you. Only a handful have come to this country. I am selling this car only because California DMV will not register it. It came from the Netherlands last July (2013). Went through customs, no problem. USEPA exempt. I thought I registered it in California because the DMV issued me license plates but after 10 months California said no to the registration because of emissions. They have not tested the car and only looked at it at the DMV to check the VIN number. Due to the fact that I cannot register this car in California, it is being marketed to out of state buyers.

This FIAT won BEST FIAT at the French-Italian car show last November (2013) in Van Nuys, California out of over 50 FIATs. This a 4 cylinder, 843cc (51.9ci) 52hp water cooled engine with an 4 speed ALL syncro transmission. Disc brakes on front wheels. The speedometer is a little SLOW. Tires are Very Good. Very low original miles for a 43 year old car. Less than 21,000 miles. Beautiful colors. Yellow with brown seats and door panels. The paint is beautiful as is the interior. Very clean and comfortable. Always garaged, cared for and maintained to the highest standards. The engine is strong, tight and pulls very good and not a bit tired. The complete undercarriage, floors and trunk are all factory original metal and in excellent condition. Runs and drives strong on the road. I live near sea level and have gone over 8500 feet in the mountains and on the freeway in 110 degree heat, no problems. It will cruise at 75 MPH, no problems. The longest trip I have taken is 400 miles, still no problems. Condition is 9.9 out of 10. Extraordinary car.

2 Minuses: The temperature gauge does not work. I replaced the sensor, still not working. Turn signal lever does not return after left turn.

The new owner can enjoy this car from day one. VIN 100GB1618153

Thank you for your interest. Any questions please call Paul at (760) 360-7573 between 9am-9pm PDT

CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS: https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#A2GWZuqDGWCgU6

The 850 was one of those in between models for Fiat. Not quite as popular as the original Cinquecento or the front-wheel drive 124 that followed it, but it went on to be licensed by a number of other companies, including SEAT. These 850s are uncommon on these shores and given the level of originality with this one, it will surely command a premium amongst aficianados. With the reserve off, we'll see where this one goes...

-Paul