Launched in 1964, the Fiat 850 was designed to replace the successful Fiat 600. Dante Giacosa, a legendary Italian automotive engineer, spearheaded the development of the 850. The car’s name was derived from its 843 cc engine displacement, which distinguished it as a bigger and more powerful model.
The car boasted a water-cooled inline-four engine with an aluminum cylinder head, overhead valves, and a cast-iron block. This design enhanced the engine’s durability and power output, with a top speed of around 90 mph (145 km/h).
It is remarkably comfortable and roomy interior despite its compact size. The rear-engine layout maximized space, allowing for a surprisingly spacious cabin that could accommodate four adults with ease.
Heater core issues , solved , radman is very very good at what it says they specialize in, regardless of that just come down in etobicoke and they will take care of it
I'm really happy I discovered Radman in Etobicoke, my personal mechanic diagnosed my heating issue and confirmed that I most likely had a blocked heater core. I explained it to Levio (hope his name is spelled right) and am glad he took my word that i already got it diagnosed and needed to backflush my heater core. Levio was very knowledgeable and I learned a lot about my cooling system and issues I could look out for, they were able to flush my heater core and restore heat in my car. I drove off warm and happy, most shops would tell you that you need to replace the heater core that could go for almost $2000, as most shops do not have the specific tools to complete the flush job. If you want the job done right, go to the professionals that have the right tools. Thanks Levio and the techs at Radman!
After some research, I found Livio on-line and he restored the heat in my car with an explanation. Will be returning to Radman for my routine servicing. Thank you Livio and Alex.
The mechanics at Radman are professional, courteous, efficient and provide topnotch service at a fair price. They go above and beyond and provide exceptional value with every interaction. I will be recommending them to everyone who is in search of a knowledgeable and reliable mechanic.
I was told a heater core flush was my last resort before getting the heater core replacement. The drive from Mississauga was well worth it, these guys are specialized and know their stuff.
Livio is the best and most experienced mechanic I ever seen. Nice and professional service with very reasonable prices.I highly recommend Radman Radtech Auto Repair.
Best mechanic in my 50 yrs of driving and caring for my car. I could not do that without the service of Livio and his team at Radtech. Best experts/ knowledge, and kind people. I trust my safety at the hands of Radtech Auto Repair. Nadia Browning
I recently had the pleasure of entrusting my Volvo XC60 to this remarkable shop, and I must say, it was an experience beyond compare. From start to finish, every aspect of their service exuded excellence, leaving me thoroughly impressed and immensely satisfied.First and foremost, the attention to detail and commitment to perfection displayed by the team is truly unparalleled. It's evident that they approach each job with a meticulous eye, ensuring that every task is completed to the highest standard. Whether it's a minor repair or a major overhaul, you can rest assured that your vehicle is in capable hands.Moreover, what truly sets this shop apart is their dedication to fairness when it comes to pricing. In a world where inflated costs and hidden fees are all too common, encountering a business that prioritizes honesty and transparency is a rare gem indeed. With this shop, you can trust that you'll receive exceptional service without breaking the bank.In an era where mediocrity often reigns supreme, this shop stands out as a beacon of excellence. They have mastered the art of delivering top-notch service with a personal touch, making each customer feel valued and appreciated. It's a true testament to their commitment to customer satisfaction.In conclusion, I can't recommend this shop highly enough. If you're in need of automotive services that are second to none, look no further. Thank you to the entire team for their outstanding work on my Volvo XC60. You've earned every bit of this glowing review.Warm regards,Uros
My family and I have been coming here for years! I live in Oakville and still make the travel, because I trust them with my cars. Great service, gets the job done and helps me with preventative options before a problem arises.
Radman Repair shop has been my trusted go-to for years, and I couldn't be happier with the service. Their team of skilled technicians consistently delivers top-notch repairs and maintenance, keeping my car running smoothly. From minor fixes to major overhauls, they handle it all with professionalism and expertise. With their friendly staff and reliable service, Radman Repair has earned my loyalty and trust. Highly recommend to anyone seeking quality automotive care.
It was odd that the dealership referred me to an independent mechanic for no heat. I’m sold now, these guys are not only helpful and friendly, but they saved me A LOT of money. Highly recommended.
I cannot say enough good things about this shop. They go out of their way to make sure you are well informed and are very honest. I recently had an issue with brakes which could have cost several hundreds of dollars. They troubleshot and found that it only was a small problem. They even charged me only for the parts and brake fluid actually used, other shops always charge full bottle and would have suggested unneeded additional parts/services.When I picked up the vehicle, they gave me a complete run down of what happened and why and then identified potential future issues and recommendations for the vehicle.The most professional repair shop I have ever been to. Would not hesitate to recommend this shop to family and friends!
Very experienced and highly qualified mechanics they fixed my driveshaft problem I had on going for a long time . They were very pleasant and I’m happy with the service
I have been coming to this shop for over 30 years. I have always had professional service from the entire staff. They don’t fix anything but what needs fixing. A rare find these days. Well worth the visit.😊
Very Honest. My sister took her Civic a which had no ac working. Inspected and informed her that there is a likely recall with Honda for the AC Condensor and will be fully covered by them for repair.
After owning numerous vehicles in over 30 years and taking those vehicles to a lot of different repair shops including the dealer, I finally was fortunate to get referred by a friend to these guys. WOW, they are amazing! First of all, they are by far the most honest shop I have ever taken my vehicle to in my entire life. The work was spot on and the price was fair. I had some other things I needed to do the car that were not urgent and they were kind enough to recommend waiting until spring time to do it (which would save me money), Wow, most shops try to milk every penny out of you any time they see you, not these guys. Honest and great work, Highly recommend.
Giacosa utilized a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, which offered numerous advantages for the Fiat 850 over the traditional front-engine layout. This design facilitated better weight distribution, improved handling, and created more interior space.
Giacosa implemented an advanced suspension system, which contributed to the car’s superior ride comfort and handling. The front suspension featured a transverse leaf spring and double-wishbone configuration, while the rear suspension used a semi-trailing arm design with coil springs. This setup provided an ideal balance of comfort and performance.
Fiat 850 Variants
Throughout its production run, it was offered in a variety of body styles, each with its own unique features and strengths. The Fiat 850 Berlina was the initial sedan version, followed by the 850 Coupé, 850 Spider, and 850 Familiare.
Berlina
The Berlina was the first version to debut in 1964. It featured a two-door sedan body style and was lauded for its impressive fuel economy. The 850 Berlina delivered 37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km) thanks to its lightweight construction and efficient engine.
Coupé
Introduced in 1965, the Coupé boasted an elegant design by Giovanni Michelotti. This model offered improved performance over the Berlina, with a top speed of 94 mph (151 km/h). The Coupé’s sleek body and sporty nature made it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Spider
Designed by Bertone, the Spider was a two-seater convertible that debuted in 1965. Its attractive styling and open-top design made it an instant classic. The Spider featured a revised engine with higher compression, allowing it to reach a top speed of 97 mph (156 km/h).
Familiare
The Fiat 850 Familiare was a practical, four-door station wagon released in 1965. It was designed to provide additional cargo capacity while maintaining the 850’s compact dimensions. With its folding rear seats and flat load floor, the Familiare became a popular choice for families and small businesses alike.
Abarth 850
The Abarth 850 was a high-performance version developed by renowned Italian tuner Carlo Abarth. With a modified engine, sporty suspension, and performance-focused styling, the Abarth 850 offered impressive performance, reaching a top speed of 106 mph (171 km/h).
Special
Introduced in 1968, the Special was an upgraded version of the Berlina. It featured a more powerful engine, front disc brakes, and an enhanced suspension system for improved handling. The Special was visually distinguished by its unique exterior trim and badging.
Performance
The performance varied based on the model and configuration. Below are the performance statistics for the most popular versions:
Berlina
Top speed: 90 mph (145 km/h)
0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): 18.3 seconds
Coupé
Top speed: 94 mph (151 km/h)
0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): 16.3 seconds
Spider
Top speed: 97 mph (156 km/h)
0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): 15.7 seconds
Abarth 850
Top speed: 106 mph (171 km/h)
0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): 12.5 seconds
Sales
The Fiat 850 enjoyed significant commercial success during its production run. Between 1964 and 1973, approximately 2.3 million units were sold worldwide. The various models and configurations contributed to the car’s widespread appeal, ensuring that the Fiat 850 remains a beloved classic in automotive history.
In the United States, the 850 lineup was imported under the name “Fiat 850 Spider America” and sold through dealerships. The exact sales figures for the United States are not available, but the 850 Spider America did achieve a level of popularity in the country, where it was appreciated for its stylish design and fuel efficiency.
Fiat 850 Legacy
The Fiat 850’s combination of innovative design, engineering prowess, and practicality made it a standout vehicle in the automotive world. Its impact can still be felt today, as the 850’s rear-engine layout, compact size, and efficient use of space have become hallmarks of successful small cars.
Additionally, the 850’s impressive performance and variety of body styles have left a lasting impression on car enthusiasts. Many Fiat 850 models, particularly the Coupé and Spider, have become sought-after classics due to their timeless design and engaging driving experience.
Final Thoughts
the Fiat 850’s enduring strengths and innovations have solidified its position as an automotive icon. The car’s combination of performance, style, and practicality made it a trailblazer in its time, and its legacy continues to inspire automotive design and engineering today.
