This 1971 Fiat 850 Sport Spider was purchased new by a Ford engineer who then drove the car only 7,200 miles over the next 17 years. The little Fiat then passed on to his daughter and her husband who added a scant 2,200 more between 1988 and 2012, and as a result of its minimal use and careful storage the car remains in very good, all original condition with an odometer showing less than 9,500 lifetime miles. The car is alleged to have never spent a night outside, is completely rust free and is further claimed to run and drive like a new car. It is now available in Rapid City, South Dakota for $9,500.
The seller is a professional detailer and believes that the car retains all of its original single stage lime green paint. Pictures show straight panels and clean paint with deep shine and no obvious major flaws, though several hairline cracks have developed over the years—none of which are thought to be a risk for snagging or chipping at this time. Brightwork and other trim looks equally excellent, jambs and rockers show little to no grime, and apart from some minor pitting on the factory wheels’ finish and the aforementioned hairline paint cracks the car has an extraordinarily well preserved exterior.
Inside, the cabin shows similarly to the exterior and is only let down by a crack on the glove box faux wood insert, but otherwise appears much as would be expected on an extremely low mileage, carefully looked after car. Rubber mats, switchgear, instruments, steering wheel, and vinyl surfaces including the seats, door cards and dash top look to be in near-new condition. The original convertible top badly deteriorated from sitting stowed for four decades and has been removed and thrown away, but the mechanism remains in place and is in good operable shape.
Hidden away in back under an engine cover with very clean paint on both sides, the car’s 903CC, longitudinally mounted four cylinder remains all stock, very tidy, and is said to run strongly with no smoke or other issues. Dealer maintenance records are available but minimal in keeping with the car’s low usage, and during its two years with the seller the car has received four oil changes and one coolant system flush. Perished door hinge bushings have been replaced, tires remain in good, useable condition with ample tread and the car is said to brake, steer, ride, shift and run like new.
Click here to email the seller directly if you are interested.
Check out the additional photos here in the Flickr album and slideshow below.