Fiat 850 Bertone Racer 1971

History and background

The Fiat 850 Bertone Racer belongs to the compact sports coupes that became popular in the 1960s and early 1970s as an alternative to larger and more expensive GT models. The Fiat 850 itself came in several variants as a base, with Bertone further developing the lines of the 850 into a compact model with its own place within Italian offerings. The Fiat 850 Bertone Racer is a recognizable version of this, with bodywork that differs greatly from the standard Fiat 850, underscoring the collaboration between Fiat and Bertone.

A striking feature of the Fiat 850 Bertone Racer is that this coupe is based on the Fiat 850 Spider. Thus, the design deviates from the usual development sequence, in which an open model often emerges from a coupe base. The car was delivered new in America and came to the Netherlands via a Belgian collector. 2,890 examples of the Fiat 850 Bertone Berlinetta Racer were built, making this version a rare appearance within the type.

The Fiat 850 Bertone Racer was produced in 1971 at a time when compact sports cars still played a clear role within the European market. Within that segment, Bertone offered with the Berlinetta Racer a model with a distinct Italian signature, in a format that remained practical in urban and recreational use, but at the same time was distinctive in its design and provenance.

Characteristics and features

This Fiat 850 Bertone Berlinetta Racer is finished in Arancio Miura. The interior features the Miura theme and original Miura upholstery. Even the wheels are executed as Miura lookalikes and painted in gold, clearly linking the car's character to Bertone's design world of the same period.

The car is equipped with updated bumpers, windshield, headlights with rings, door handles, locks and all window and door rubbers. In addition, the brakes were overhauled, replacing the master cylinder, brake pads and brake hoses. Four new tires were also installed. On the underbody, the wishbone bushings and wheel bearings were replaced and the gas tank was treated for rust. The gearbox received attention with replacement of the shaft sleeves and clutch.

The engine was also thoroughly addressed. This included replacing the head gasket, valve seals, timing chain and all retaining rings and gaskets. The bearings and pistons were inspected and the carburetor was overhauled. In the cooling and heating system, the engine radiator, heater radiator, water pump and all water hoses have been renewed. The Fiat 850 Bertone Racer thus combines the compact dimensions of the model with a version that is technically and visually clearly in tune with the period in which Bertone applied multiple related parts and details within different models.

Summary

The Fiat 850 Bertone Racer is a rare Italian coupe with a limited production run, a special genesis and a version that refers to the design world of Bertone and Lamborghini. The car is finished in Arancio Miura and equipped with several refurbished and reconditioned parts. To get a good idea of the lot we advise you to come to the viewing day.