The Escudería
TEXT AND PHOTOS: CLASSIC AUTO MADRID
Seat 850 Sports, That name meant something more important: that it used a new engine with a larger displacement, with 903 cc instead of 843, which raised the power from 47 to 52 DIN CV, which gave wings to this small two-seater weighing only 730 kg. Engine that was also used in the "evolution" of the 850 Coupé the following year and which - logically - was called "Sport Coupé". The Lounge ClassicAuto of Madrid will pay tribute to these two 850 specials on their 50th anniversary together with various specialized clubs, which will display magnificent specimens at their stand.
The two models were very exclusive cars in its time, with remarkable benefits for its small displacement and an Italian aesthetic beyond dispute; yes, accompanied by such a high price (138.000 pesetas) that it turned them into authentic "whims". Perhaps that is why they are highly sought after collector's items. Suffice it to say that only 2.500 units of the Sport convertible were marketed until 1972.
The Club 850 Coupé Spyder, the Club de Amigos SEAT 850 saloon and the SEAT Club 850 of Valencia have issued a challenge to all 850 Sport and Sport Coupé owners: meet on Saturday February 23 at ClassicAuto Madrid (International Classic Vehicle Show) to collect as many copies as there are years: 50.
Seat 850 Spider: Designed by Giugiaro
The little 850 convertible shared its platform with the rest of the range, with a 2.027mm wheelbase and its rear engine and derailleur, but it looked completely different. Partly because it was a real two-seater (the Coupé was 2 + 2) and partly because its bodywork had been designed by the Italian stylist. Giorgetto Giugiaro, who then worked for Bertone. The rear mechanics allowed a sharp nose from which only the headlights protruded, with a sharp edge that ran along the entire flank. A pure design, without chrome or accessories, without fins or "Americanizing" fanfare. A complete success.
The 850 Sport was only marketed with a soft top, although fiberglass hard tops were available in its day from independent accessory companies. Some, similar to those of the Alfa Romeo Spider, even enhanced its line; but there were others of whom journalists of the time said that, years later, "They had not yet recovered from the shock."
Without much corrosion protection, many 850 Sports have suffered from rust, but many others have survived to become coveted collector's items. Drive one of them it is a pleasure from another era. Feel the wind in your face, handle a large steering wheel with light steering, get used to some pedals shifted to the right (the front wheel arch prevented centering them) and hear back there the purr of the 903 engine, which was beginning to show its cavalry from 4.000 rpm, when opening the double body of the carburetor. And, above all, enjoy the lightness of a sports car weighing less than 1.000 kg, which today is a true utopia.
Pintones, and with sports skills
In the 70s it was very popular with "good girls", to which contemporary cinematography contributed. Guys preferred the Sport Coupé, with its elongated body and powerful four-headlight front. The 903 engine was easy to prepare and the 52 hp could reach 65 or 70. The suspensions were improved by shortening the springs, mounting sports shock absorbers and lowering the front leaf spring; In the absence of aluminum, the sheet metal rims were "turned" by cutting and welding them backwards, to gain width; and tires such as the Pirelli Cinturato or the Michelin XAS were mounted. The SEAT 850 Sport Coupé they were very popular in rallies and races in circuit for almost five years. And driving it fast, with all the weight behind it, was not within everyone's reach.
All 850 Sport and Sport Coupé owners are invited to access the ClassicAuto Madrid Parking (Palacio de Cristal de Casa de Campo) on Saturday February 23 to collect all 50 copies and celebrate this special birthday.
ClassicAuto Madrid, the International Classic Vehicle Show, celebrates its tenth edition this year between February 22 and 24. Organized by the ERMEvents company, it will occupy an area of 30.000 square meters at the Casa de Campo Fair in Madrid (Glass Pavilion and Madrid-Arena Satellite Pavilion) and receives more than 35.000 spectators every year. In this edition it will compose a "Global Motor Event" in Madrid when combined with AutoRacing, the Competition and Karting Motor Show, promoted by the Royal Spanish Automobile Federation.
