[{"id": 9603748, "authorName": "pinmaniac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pinmaniac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Welcome to another of my auctions. As always I'll be here to answer questions and potential bidders are welcome to see the car in person.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1663944040, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9603855, "authorName": "suburbanfatherof2", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/suburbanfatherof2/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Beautiful car, interested to see how much this goes for", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1663945115, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9604200, "authorName": "MikeHynes", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mikehynes/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The description of the first vid - \"Short Drive\" - is certainly accurate!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1663948380, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9604450, "authorName": "Mr._H", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mr._h/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Every time I see one of these in this color, I get 'Rainbow Connection' stuck in my head for the rest of the day.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1663950363, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9604932, "authorName": "Todd_F", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/todd_f/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Good to see the lower engine compartment shields are in place. These cars couldn\u2019t be easier to work on. You can pull the motor in about 30 minutes or do a head gasket Insitu. I always carry a spare idle Jet screw because they tend to clog and when you pull it to blow the crud out, on the side of the road, with your mouth, they often fall down between the engine block and starter. The spare is cheap insurance.", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1663953314, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9609702, "authorName": "homer_gator", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/homer_gator/", "bidAmount": 1971, "content": "$1,971 bid placed by homer_gator", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1663974437, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 9609917, "authorName": "rustyfiat", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rustyfiat/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Mr._H, every time I read the words \"Rainbow Connection\", I get the song stuck in my head. Thanks for nothing!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1663977113, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9610042, "authorName": "gb70", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/gb70/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This color pops!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1663978507, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9610252, "authorName": "RidleysRides", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ridleysrides/", "bidAmount": 2971, "content": "$2,971 bid placed by RidleysRides", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1663981209, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 9610317, "authorName": "rneibel", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/rneibel/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Had one of these in the mid-'70s, and seeing it parked next to my FIL's Mercury Marquis Brougham was a trip. Can also second Todd_F's comment re the idle jet.\r\n\r\nDefinitely primitive, but fun.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1663982116, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9610354, "authorName": "Electraglider", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/electraglider/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This car is hard to start after sitting... What do you expect for a 50 year old 850? That its still here is a miracle. Fiat had a buy back on these in I think 76. You could accept a check, get your title stamped \"condemned\" and keep the car never able to transfer title. I took one on trade in 80 with a signed \"affidavit of lost title\". I sold it and went down to transfer it with the paperwork and got the bad news. A Gypsy wholesaler offered me a few hundred for it and ran it around on Dealer Plate for a couple years. Only vehicle in 40 years of being in the car/truck industry I ever ran into with that type of title issue. \r\nI'm sure some ex Fiat mechanic knows the reason Fiat offered this but I never found out \"the rest of the story\". This was Washington State.", "likes": 9, "timestamp": 1663982539, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9610580, "authorName": "mjd183", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mjd183/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I had a yellow one, brought it for a dollar in 78, it had blown head gasket. Drove it home on 2 cylinders, adding water to radiator, like every mile. They had a cast block and aluminum head, dissimilar metals and poor placement of water cooling jackets. I did the head gasket twice, fixed a lot rust and wiring, but the car was FUN.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1663985853, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9611164, "authorName": "fiatwins", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fiatwins/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@electraglider here an article reference the Fiat buy back program for 850's\r\n\r\nhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/1980/01/05/us-charges-fiat-failed-to-comply-with-recall/12460886-f1aa-4445-876b-0a214ce2a17e/", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1664009427, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9611493, "authorName": "Electraglider", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/electraglider/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@fiatwins\r\nVery interesting. I know Fiats rusted easily. But so did a lot of cars of this era. That the seat supports were rusting through to the point of not holding is particularly damning. As a kid I can remember ditching my popsicle sticks through the floorboards of the 56 Bel Air wagon. Nothing could withstand salted road midwest winters.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1664023742, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9611888, "authorName": "MrLister", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mrlister/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Roll up to your local Cars and Coffee in a running Fiat 850 Spider and you\u2019ll be the hit of the day\u2026.anyone can arrive in a \u201865 Mustang; there is no distinction in that. You want more \u201cadventure\u201d in your classic ride? Look no further than a Fiat 850 \u2026.", "likes": 9, "timestamp": 1664028879, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9612739, "authorName": "vespaholic", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/vespaholic/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@MrLister\r\nYou are 100% Right!\r\nI have a really nice Fiat 850 Sport Spider and when I take it to C&Cs it's one of the most popular cars there.\r\nVery fun to drive as well, so getting there is fun too!", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1664038142, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9617306, "authorName": "Electraglider", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/electraglider/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "In my area there is a 60 something gal with a Saab Sonnet that is pristine. Between her like new car and her infectious enthusiasm she is a hit at all the local shows. I can't remember the last time I saw an 850 on the road. Its an oddity. Oddities attract attention.", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1664065621, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9619142, "authorName": "deltas69", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/deltas69/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Having owned several sports cars over the years, a '63 AH Sprite, '66 and '72 Spitfires, and three 850 Fiats, I found them to be much more roadable as far as ride and handling, not fast, but fun to drive....that being said..my first two a '69. and '73 were pretty much trouble free other than the window cable problems that seem to appear after a few years, and heater valve replacement...but the third 850 was a '71 same color as the one offered here, but with black interior...it truly was the \"poster child\" for F ix It Again Tony..lol ..I almost put my mechanic on a monthly retainer as he spent more time than I did with it...I'd love to have another Fiat..but a 124..0r 2000...best of luck to both parties involved..", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1664118045, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9626671, "authorName": "1970Type2", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/1970type2/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@delta69 I had a \u201871 that started to leak at the heater core inlet. I was in college at the time and working for my Dad, who was a plumbing contractor. One of his employees and I removed the core, took the valve off and cut off the flange. We then flared a piece of copper tubing and fitted it back to the flange and reattached it to the core. We soldered a stop and waste onto the copper tube. The fix worked great, except you had to reach under the dash to open the valve for heat and defrost. In the past I have commented on 850s: this one is the same color as the 850 Racer that I got the Abarth headers from. $6.00 + tax... Would love to see a Racer on BAT sometime.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1664212361, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9626713, "authorName": "danperryy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/danperryy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Not slow in the days standard for inexpensive sportscars. You just need to completely ignore the tach (redline). Mine would do a job on 1600-1800 MG's, and 1500 cc Spitfires I encountered! Valves would not float - double valve springs, Loved my 3 850's all 1967's - the nice headlights - from a lambo. Rust? Everyone sold cars that rusted out those years. Fiat's metal was thinner making them become \"transparent\" sooner.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1664212489, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9627014, "authorName": "1970Type2", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/1970type2/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@danperryy You are right. Young woman in a new TR6 pulled out of a gas station and spattered gravel on the front of my car. I took that as a challenge. The first mile was straight and I struggled to keep up with her. She turned right and headed down a road with several dips and a long 90 degree curve at the end. When we hit the curve I was already in third and she was fussing around trying to down shift and keep the TR on the road. Blew past her and kept going. You couldn\u2019t do it now- too much traffic. But in those days, the back roads in Chester County, PA were my domain. I have seen criticism of the shift linkage in the 850. You definitely did not want to manhandle the shifter. But at higher rpms from second to third, a little bump with the heel of your hand and a light touch, it was like there was a suction force to third gear.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1664213867, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9627654, "authorName": "torrey2002", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/torrey2002/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "My brother owned one of these in the early 70\"s and we would pick up the front of the car and turn it the driveway requiring a 30 point turn to get out. I bought that car from him and still own it today. I have a pair. Both orange. One being pretty much rust free and freshly painted, but needs to be put back together, that's where the second car comes in, its my blue print for how things go together .", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1664216141, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9639272, "authorName": "ar8084", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ar8084/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "+1 on being a star at cars and coffee. Mom attracts a lot of attention when she brings her yellow 850, whether it's muscle cars and hot rods or european sports car gatherings.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1664313763, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9642919, "authorName": "hitch02", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/hitch02/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "West Side Green, FTW! Eh, @jbbush?", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664376305, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9648954, "authorName": "billyblyth", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/billyblyth/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Growing up in the snow belt of NE Ohio, I watched these just turn to dust due to rust. Ohio used salt on snow covered roads then. That combined with the fact that they were shipped and not well protect against the elements at sea. So many showed up at the dealer with factory rust as an option. Fun cars though! not much speed and a bit of a sloppy shifter. This one had the advantage of being located in Florida and Texas. Back in the day they would actually advertise used cars as \"Texas Car!\" in the ads. Parts are pretty easy to get and they are easy to work on. Keep it dry and this should last a while. Oh, and that post about beating Spitfires , MGAs and Bs is just not so or the Brit cars weren't trying. The Brit cars all had a 20 to nearly 50 HP advatnage over the 850. I had all of them and stopped picking on the 850s because it just wasn't a fair fight. GLWTA", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1664406581, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9649003, "authorName": "Bikeric", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bikeric/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Has the head and valve work been done to allow for running on Unleaded gasoline, or do you need to use an additive at fill-ups?\r\n\r\nMy funny Fiat 850 story was that I bought the \u201873 knowing \u201cit doesn\u2019t have Reverse\u201d. I just parked it in spots that I could pull forward from. Did that for 6 months. Monkeyed around in the engine bay and discovered a broken motor mount. Actually found a replacement and installed it\u2026..Reverse Works!!", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1664407253, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9650935, "authorName": "pinmaniac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pinmaniac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@bikeric wish I had records to know what was done. One would assume that over the years the valve work has been done, but, again, no proof.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664457967, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9652190, "authorName": "USPS", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/usps/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "had a 1969 850 spyder in 1985 when I was 24....fun little sports car paid $750....", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1664469243, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9652210, "authorName": "USPS", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/usps/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "body by BERONE...beautiful....no more car styling anymore...all cookie-cutter cars..", "likes": 4, "timestamp": 1664469381, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9652225, "authorName": "USPS", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/usps/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I like the body style of the 850 over the 124", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1664469473, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9653641, "authorName": "Richard_Ridge", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/richard_ridge/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I'm always puzzled by comments about how a particular model was rust prone in the day. I understand the value of pointing out obvious corrosion or suspicious areas and pointing out particular common weak points that should be more fully investigated. But when a small lightly built car like a Fiat 850 Spider has somehow managed, against all odds, to survive 50 years of use and/or storage I would take that as a good omen going forward.", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1664475381, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9654647, "authorName": "billyblyth", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/billyblyth/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Richard_Ridge Your theory holds up remarably well in Florida and Texas. In the NE, not so much.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664479279, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9655564, "authorName": "JD72vette", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jd72vette/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "It looks like the fan shroud is missing some of its pieces. Is there any signs or history of overheating? I had a 68 or 69 in 1976. paid 400 for it and had more fun than was allowed at 16 years old...was my first car and the reason I am looking at this one", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1664483308, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9657332, "authorName": "Elanguy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/elanguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@bikeric With an aluminum head, it already had hardened valve seats. I doubt anything else would be needed. Is there some problem I don't know about?", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1664490839, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9657635, "authorName": "MGsearcher1849", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mgsearcher1849/", "bidAmount": 4100, "content": "$4,100 bid placed by MGsearcher1849", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664493981, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 9658284, "authorName": "RidleysRides", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ridleysrides/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Hopefully not impacted by IAN!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664501553, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9659233, "authorName": "pinmaniac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pinmaniac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Thanks for the concern. All good here. The Fiat has been nice and dry in my warehouse. We didn\u2019t get much impact here in Jacksonville.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1664538126, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9659754, "authorName": "pinmaniac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pinmaniac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Just over four hours to go. Don't wait until the last second to bid or ask questions.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1664546386, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9659907, "authorName": "IanJ", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/ianj/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Nice car.\r\nI am surprised these cars do not get the attention they deserve.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1664547950, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9660007, "authorName": "markthemotorman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/markthemotorman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "By no means an expert @Elanguy, I will say @bikeric 's question may have validity ...\r\n\r\nBack in '87 I bought a 63 GM car with only 50k on it, but it was a \"dripper\". The old timer engine rebuilder who help me through the process suggested I do the valve seats, as at that time unleaded fuel was raking over. I'm happy to say, 37 years later and just rolled over 100k, that little 283 still purrs like a kitten and does not puff any smoke at all ...\r\n\r\nSo yes, maybe doing the valve seats on a \"leaded fuel era\" engine is a good idea, especially if one does long trips on an older car.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664549080, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9660089, "authorName": "Elanguy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/elanguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@markthemotorman Wouldn't a 1963 GM 283 have iron heads? Those are the ones that need hardened seats. Aluminum heads had hardened seats straight from the manufacturer id I have my automotive history correct.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664549865, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9660092, "authorName": "JohnDown", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/johndown/", "bidAmount": 5000, "content": "$5,000 bid placed by JohnDown", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664549901, "type": "bat-bid-canceled"}, {"id": 9660146, "authorName": "markthemotorman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/markthemotorman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "yes @Elanguy, cast Iron, but they would still suffer damage caused by unleaded fuel if driven for extended time ... long trips.\r\nSo not knowing the actual construction of the Italian engines, I have no idea the hardness of the valve seats from those engines back in the day.\r\nAnd it all comes down to how one plans to use their classic, I like to take them on the road as they once where intended!", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664550357, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9660170, "authorName": "Elanguy", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/elanguy/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@markthemotorman Exactly, iron heads were fine with the valve seats cut right into the casting. Aluminum heads always had inserts, and AFAIK those were virtually always hardened because why not? There may have been exceptions, though I have not heard of them.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664550628, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9660208, "authorName": "Autogeezer73", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/autogeezer73/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I have been driving my '71 850 Spider (same color) for the past 3 1/2 years. I have had sportscars all my life and this is one of the most fun to drive. As they say, \"It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.\" Lots of thumbs up from pedestrians and drivers. As reported viz the choke, I had a poor idle until I removed and plugged all of the pollution control hose spots. Once I got the carb set properly after that it runs great. This is a nice survivor and worth more than they have been bid to recently.", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1664551033, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9660212, "authorName": "Bikeric", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/bikeric/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Elanguy, I know that these cars were designed for Leaded gasoline, but my quick \"net\" search found numerous claims that Unleaded should be no problem. The only recommendation is to use as high of an Octane as possible. It does appear that the aluminum heads have hardened valve guides already, as you stated, so it's not the issue I thought it would be.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1664551078, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9660792, "authorName": "JohnDown", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/johndown/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I have just found out . Hurricane IAN has caused too much damage . I wish to cancel my bid .John Down .", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1664555999, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9660912, "authorName": "Jcpointblanktx", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jcpointblanktx/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@pinmaniac - are you and yours safe from the hurricane issues?\n\nEdit - didn\u2019t read far enough down. Glad you are ok.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664556782, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9660978, "authorName": "JohnDown", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/johndown/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "House is in Ft Myers but we are in U.K. now. .\r\nSorry for intrusion .JD .", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1664557171, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9661094, "authorName": "JD72vette", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jd72vette/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Any idea what we do now? Current bidder is wanting to back out?\r\nI have been following and have a figure in mind between last two bids.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664557769, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9661138, "authorName": "pinmaniac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pinmaniac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Up to BaT but bidders are not allowed to back out. Had he placed his bid prior to Ian hitting I'm sure @Bat would be more lenient but it was placed today well after the damage was known. If Bat decides to let him out of his bid I will be pushing for a total re-do of the auction. Of course this is all contingent on another bid not being placed. The car is still priced at a steal.", "likes": 8, "timestamp": 1664557956, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9661183, "authorName": "JohnDown", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/johndown/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The bid of $5,000 was canceled by BaT", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664558147, "type": "bat-bid-canceled"}, {"id": 9661188, "authorName": "pinmaniac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pinmaniac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "So much for that.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1664558163, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9661247, "authorName": "bringatrailer", "authorUrl": "", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "We have removed the bid from @JohnDown because they have indicated they will not follow through. This is not an action we typically take, but due to the unusual weather circumstances we are extending the auction to allow all bidders a fair chance to review and bid on the car. Thank you for understanding.\r\n\r\n-BaT", "likes": 11, "timestamp": 1664558394, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9661518, "authorName": "JD72vette", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jd72vette/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@pinmaniac I agree...I live in Florida and we all knew the storm was coming...Hopefully the auction extension will help you.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1664559566, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9661583, "authorName": "pinmaniac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pinmaniac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@JD72vette. Thank you.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1664559851, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9666349, "authorName": "hat", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/hat/", "bidAmount": 4200, "content": "$4,200 bid placed by hat", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664585933, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 9667202, "authorName": "joe_debattista", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/joe_debattista/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "You might want to clear up if the car is damaged or not by Ian. I read through the comments and it\u2019s hard to distinguish if the bidder John Down had the damage to his property or the car was damaged. Being there is no mention of specific damage to the car, I was able to assume it was JD property, but it reads poorly. Just trying to help out as it\u2019s a great car that deserves a good shake.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1664603454, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9667722, "authorName": "pinmaniac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pinmaniac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@joe_debattista I did. You just needed to look down further than the JD nonsense (BTW Bat banned him from bidding in the future). There was little impact in Jacksonville and the car remained dry and safe in my warehouse.", "likes": 5, "timestamp": 1664630241, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9672308, "authorName": "Mlob1022", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mlob1022/", "bidAmount": 5000, "content": "$5,000 bid placed by Mlob1022", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664659425, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 9681007, "authorName": "3jsdad", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/3jsdad/", "bidAmount": 5250, "content": "$5,250 bid placed by 3jsdad", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664800152, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 9681302, "authorName": "speedmotorrad", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/speedmotorrad/", "bidAmount": 5500, "content": "$5,500 bid placed by speedmotorrad", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664804539, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 9681447, "authorName": "mike_747", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mike_747/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "These are tough little cars. While in the Navy stationed in Spain, (early 70's) I was a passenger in one and we were racing another 850 spider. My car went off the road and we rolled it coming back on the wheels. Top was a little worse for the wear, but we drove it off with no mechanical issues.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664806217, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9681759, "authorName": "headude", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/headude/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "This was the first car I ever owned (I think a '69, used, in yellow). EASY to work on, FUN to drive. Like others here, I had friends with MGs, and BMWs. Depending on one's skill one could keep up with them. I only have three hours to see if I can find the money to bid AND tell my wife.", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1664809046, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9681973, "authorName": "pinmaniac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pinmaniac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@headude hurry, hurry. No need to tell the wife. Always easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. :)", "likes": 6, "timestamp": 1664810916, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9682099, "authorName": "benjy3", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/benjy3/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Worth more than the current bid for the Muira/Mangusta tail lights alone.", "likes": 3, "timestamp": 1664812013, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9682701, "authorName": "jim1207", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/jim1207/", "bidAmount": 5600, "content": "$5,600 bid placed by jim1207", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664816389, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 9683182, "authorName": "pinmaniac (The Seller)", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/pinmaniac/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Almost over. Who is getting this beauty? Last bid wins - NO RESERVE.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664818175, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9683271, "authorName": "Mlob1022", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mlob1022/", "bidAmount": 5750, "content": "$5,750 bid placed by Mlob1022", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664818537, "type": "bat-bid"}, {"id": 9683558, "authorName": "billyblyth", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/billyblyth/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "The rust monster ate so many of these, they are now pretty rare in this shape. Just a fun car!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1664819652, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9683667, "authorName": "mike_747", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mike_747/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Amazing that the little 4 cyc. revs to 6,500 at red line.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664820138, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9683698, "authorName": "Mlob1022", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/mlob1022/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Sold on 10/3/22 for $5,750 to Mlob1022", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664820242, "type": "bat-bid-reserve"}, {"id": 9685289, "authorName": "Scoopman", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/scoopman/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Floor metal looks like a bit of a patchwork quilt but still a nice deal. So few of these left! Congrats to both buyer and seller!!!", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1664826382, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9686545, "authorName": "Slapshifter", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/slapshifter/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@benjy3:\r\n Not to mention Miura and Stratos door latches!", "likes": 1, "timestamp": 1664832607, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9686981, "authorName": "Slapshifter", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/slapshifter/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Just a few 850 tips for the uninitiated:\r\nThe 850 has a centrifugal oil \u201cfilter\u201d- the aluminum cover on the flywheel pulley. Remove cover, clean off sediment - replace O ring.\r\nSheet metal shrouding around the engine is ESSENTIAL for cooling as well as rubber around fan. The fan blows air forward and through the radiator. Hot air then travels down, out and back under the car. In the absence of the sheet metal hot air with be sucked up back into the engine compartment and radiator.\r\nFan belt adjustment for water pump can be made by adding /subtracting spacers in between pulley halves changing the contact diameter of the pulley.\r\nValve adjustment is basic feeler gauge and wrench on rocker arm arrangement.\r\n\r\nHelpful hints:\r\n Needing to run with the choke means fuel starvation after warmup. Clean out carb and check float level . Also check intake manifold contact surface for warpage.\r\nNext check fuel pump for micro cracks on membrane. Also check screen on fuel pickup tube in tank. Check tank for internal corrosion.\r\nNEVER use plastic or glass fuel filter !\r\nReplace all fuel lines and route fuel lines away from distributor wires and coil and keep distance from where a broken fan belt would travel and strike fuel hose or filter.\r\nNext is check ground strap between bell housing and frame. ( also between battery and frame !)\r\nMany times one would forget to re-attach ground and start engine. This results in throttle and choke cable being default grounds. The cables will glow red during long cranking and soon afterward break!\r\n Just a few tips collected from many many \r\nyears ago.", "likes": 7, "timestamp": 1664834314, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9687279, "authorName": "Fiatplus", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/fiatplus/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@mlob1022, you got a deal. Not much you can do to the average 850 Spider these days to bring it to this condition for the price you paid.\n\n@benjy3. the Lamborghinis you mention used the 1967-69 USA lamps (or European), not these 1970-73 USA lamps. Consequentially the Lambo lamps are easy to get because they are reproduced. The USA tail lamps are mostly unobtainium.\n\n@slapshifter, an amazing amount of parts on these cars are used on other more valuable Bertone built cars of the same era.\n\n@mike_747, the little motor will run all day well over 5 grand. And in many cases return well over 40 mpg!\n\n@slapshifter, you say:\nNeeding to run with the choke means fuel starvation after warmup.\nUsually it's one of two things.\n1. The idle jet (which is used thruout all of the positions of the throttle shaft) is probably plugged. Every 850 owner should carry the tools to clean the idle jet on the side of the road, and know how to use them!\n2. The carburetor drip pan is missing. Can't say from the pictures provided if this car is missing it, or not.\nI am also surprised in your summary that you did not mention picture 65. Unless this is immediately repaired, this car will overheat. Can you guess what it might be?\n\nSorry some of those in Florida were affected by the weather.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1664835488, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9687643, "authorName": "Slapshifter", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/slapshifter/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "@Fiatplus:\r\n I just offered some free advise. I didn\u2019t bother to check each photo. Any 50 year old car the carb should be cleaned out and rebuilt and the rest of fuel system gone over. If one is cleaning jets regularly on the side of the road then one might want to contemplate a more efficient fuel and air filtration and decontamination.", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1664838303, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 9797908, "authorName": "tigersmm", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/tigersmm/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "Memories! My stepdad taught me how to drive stick in his spider, just like this one! Such a fun little speedster! \ud83d\ude0a", "likes": 0, "timestamp": 1665964141, "type": "comment"}, {"id": 12093989, "authorName": "Wantthiscar", "authorUrl": "https://bringatrailer.com/member/wantthiscar/", "bidAmount": 0, "content": "I bought this car and it has been a nightmare since I bought it. Almost nothing worked on it. Started Twice and then not again. Starter Bad. had to wait months, no one would rebuild it. then to find the wiring was junk, and completely wrong Carb. Someone got lazy and put a single barrel carb on it versus the 2 barrel needed on a 903CC engine. no headlight switch at all. the complete under carriage had half ass patches everywhere. Shocks bad, missing latches, and hood hinges broken. Wheels didnt match and the list goes on. marginal paint job, although the original color, has been painted more than once. I am determined to get it running right and resto it in some small way. Wait to see what it should of looked like. Look at everything you buy thoroughly. Thank God for Mr. Fiat and Midwest Bayless... So much more to do.", "likes": 2, "timestamp": 1691054284, "type": "comment"}]