European sports cars are very different from their American counterparts, especially those from Italy. Diminutive size, dinky engines, light weight, and a simple spirit are their key attributes. Take the Fiat 850 for example, a small rear-engined convertible sports car that could be had as a saloon, coupe, minivan, roadster (Spider) or van. Can you imagine that it weighed less than 1500lbs? What’s better, we’ve got one for sale in the shape of this 1969 Fiat 850 Spider that’s undergone a full restoration on its unibody construction. It’s the perfect anti-modern car for when you want to get away from large, hulking vehicles with their gas guzzling V8 engines and plethora of tech toys. Call it a digital detox if you will.

Exterior and Interior

Enjoying a production run from 1964 to 1973, the Fiat 850 Spider was designed by none other than the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro when he was working for Bertone. This 1969 Fiat 850 Spider shows off his work in a lustrous red paintwork that the seller reports is a repaint. A new black canvas convertible top ensures that weather protection is up to scratch, while upgraded LED headlamps make short work of dark roads. The bumpers have been rechromed, the windshield is reportedly new, as are the wheels. The original wheels are available too, and all badging is present and correct. To give you an idea of how small this car is, the rim size is a mere 13-inches! Want more stats? Length is around 140 inches and width, a supremely maneuverable 56 inches. Of course, that means that the cabin is a snug affair for two, with a wood trimmed dash, two-spoke Fiat steering wheel, and a full set of gauges including a 120mph speedometer and tachometer. Climate control? Depends entirely on the weather you’re driving in. Music? Once again, entirely up to you. We did say this was the ultimate digital detox machine.

Engine

A hint to the engine capacity is in the name, and as such, this US-market 1969 Fiat 850 Spider packs a dinky 817cc (down from European models’ 843cc) high compression in-line four cylinder carbureted engine in its tail, that drives the rear wheels via a four speed manual transmission. Power was said to be around 45hp when new. This car has received a new carburetor, new belts and hoses, a new water pump, and new fuel pump. Some recent electrical work has been reported, and extra parts are available with the sale, including a spare steering wheel and engine seals.