Vehicle model
Abarth 850
The Abarth 850 represents one of Carlo Abarth's most iconic creations during the 1960s, a prosperous era when the Turin-based tuner transformed modest Fiats into true racing weapons. Based on the popular Fiat 850, this sporty variant embodied Abarth's philosophy: extracting maximum performance from an accessible platform. Launched in the early 1960s, the Abarth 850 continued the lineage of Abarth's preparations on the Fiat 600 base, expanding the offering toward slightly larger displacement to conquer new competition categories and attract customers seeking thrilling driving experiences. The genesis of the Abarth 850 relied on close collaboration between Abarth and Fiat. Carlo Abarth, a former driver and visionary engineer of Austrian origin, had founded his company in 1949 in Turin with the goal of preparing competition automobiles. The Fiat 850, introduced in 1964 as a compact sedan with rear-mounted engine, offered an ideal foundation for the Scorpion's interventions. Abarth quickly proposed several variants, including the Abarth 850 TC (Turismo Competizione) and the Abarth 850 Scorpione, each targeting different segments of the sports market. The TC version, launched around 1965-1966, stood out for its spirited temperament and pronounced competitive vocation. Aesthetically, the Abarth 850 retained the general lines of the Fiat 850 while adopting distinctive elements characteristic of the Turin tuner. Discreet fender flares, a bulging engine cover to accommodate twin-choke Weber carburetors, lightweight alloy wheels, and especially the iconic Scorpion logo differentiated these models from their Fiat cousins. The interior received bucket seats, a three-spoke sport steering wheel, and instrumentation supplemented with additional gauges to monitor the highly-tuned mechanics. The heart of the Abarth 850 resided in its air-cooled inline four-cylinder engine, increased from the original 843 cc to approximately 847-903 cc depending on preparations. Through substantial modifications including displacement increases via modified bore and stroke, twin-choke Weber carburetors, a sportier camshaft, enlarged valves, and a free-flowing exhaust, power climbed from the original 37 horsepower to approximately 52-55 horsepower on TC versions. More radical variants destined for pure competition reached 60 horsepower or more, offering spectacular performance given the featherweight mass of less than 600 kilograms. The Abarth 850 underwent various evolutions over the years, with special series and dedicated racing versions for touring car and rally championships of the era. Production extended approximately until the early 1970s, a period during which Abarth was progressively integrated within the Fiat group. The legacy of the Abarth 850 remains considerable: it symbolizes the golden age of accessible Italian small sports cars, combining lightness, agility, and artisanal engine preparation. Today prized by collectors, the Abarth 850 embodies the pure spirit of amateur motor sport, where ingenuity and passion took precedence over raw power.
History
History of the Abarth 850
The Abarth 850 represents one of Carlo Abarth's most iconic creations during the 1960s, a prosperous era when the Turin-based tuner transformed modest Fiats into true racing weapons. Based on the popular Fiat 850, this sporty variant embodied Abarth's philosophy: extracting maximum performance from an accessible platform. Launched in the early 1960s, the Abarth 850 continued the lineage of Abarth's preparations on the Fiat 600 base, expanding the offering toward slightly larger displacement to conquer new competition categories and attract customers seeking thrilling driving experiences. The genesis of the Abarth 850 relied on close collaboration between Abarth and Fiat. Carlo Abarth, a former driver and visionary engineer of Austrian origin, had founded his company in 1949 in Turin with the goal of preparing competition automobiles. The Fiat 850, introduced in 1964 as a compact sedan with rear-mounted engine, offered an ideal foundation for the Scorpion's interventions. Abarth quickly proposed several variants, including the Abarth 850 TC (Turismo Competizione) and the Abarth 850 Scorpione, each targeting different segments of the sports market. The TC version, launched around 1965-1966, stood out for its spirited temperament and pronounced competitive vocation. Aesthetically, the Abarth 850 retained the general lines of the Fiat 850 while adopting distinctive elements characteristic of the Turin tuner. Discreet fender flares, a bulging engine cover to accommodate twin-choke Weber carburetors, lightweight alloy wheels, and especially the iconic Scorpion logo differentiated these models from their Fiat cousins. The interior received bucket seats, a three-spoke sport steering wheel, and instrumentation supplemented with additional gauges to monitor the highly-tuned mechanics. The heart of the Abarth 850 resided in its air-cooled inline four-cylinder engine, increased from the original 843 cc to approximately 847-903 cc depending on preparations. Through substantial modifications including displacement increases via modified bore and stroke, twin-choke Weber carburetors, a sportier camshaft, enlarged valves, and a free-flowing exhaust, power climbed from the original 37 horsepower to approximately 52-55 horsepower on TC versions. More radical variants destined for pure competition reached 60 horsepower or more, offering spectacular performance given the featherweight mass of less than 600 kilograms. The Abarth 850 underwent various evolutions over the years, with special series and dedicated racing versions for touring car and rally championships of the era. Production extended approximately until the early 1970s, a period during which Abarth was progressively integrated within the Fiat group. The legacy of the Abarth 850 remains considerable: it symbolizes the golden age of accessible Italian small sports cars, combining lightness, agility, and artisanal engine preparation. Today prized by collectors, the Abarth 850 embodies the pure spirit of amateur motor sport, where ingenuity and passion took precedence over raw power.
Technology
Technologies, engines and platforms
The Abarth 850 relied on an air-cooled inline four-cylinder engine, typical of compact Fiats from that era. Displacement ranged from 847 to 903 cc depending on preparations, with profound modifications: twin-choke Weber carburetors, sport camshafts, enlarged valves, and optimized exhaust. Power varied from 52 to over 60 horsepower on racing versions. A four-speed manual transmission sent power to the rear wheels. The reinforced tubular chassis, independent suspension on all four wheels, and front disc brakes (on certain versions) improved dynamic handling. No electrification or electronic driver aids: the experience remained pure and mechanical.
Tires and wheels
Tire and wheel compatibility
Exact tire and wheel dimensions for the Abarth 850 vary depending on the year, version (TC, Scorpione, racing), and original specifications. It is essential to verify the vehicle manual or consult a specialist to identify the appropriate fitment for your specific model.
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