Fiat 850 Speciale S4 Moretti

The Fiat 850 Speciale S4 Moretti, presented at the 1969 Turin Auto Show, stands as an interesting and somewhat unconventional variant of Fiat’s popular 850 Sportiva. Created by Moretti, a respected name in Italian coachbuilding, the S4 was the sedan version of the 850 Sportiva, designed to appeal to a slightly different market. While the Sportiva embodied the spirit of sportiness and youthful exuberance, the S4 focused on offering a more practical alternative—an attempt to combine the appeal of a compact sedan with a touch of uniqueness for those looking to stand out. The relationship between the car’s design and its interior space for four people presented a challenge. The proportions dictated by the need to accommodate rear seats didn’t lend themselves easily to the sleek, sporty lines often associated with the Moretti brand. Despite these design constraints, the S4 found its audience among families looking for something a bit more distinctive, and its uniqueness resonated with those who sought to differentiate themselves from the more conventional offerings of the time. However, the S4’s design has never been regarded as one of the most successful in automotive history, with many critics pointing to its somewhat awkward proportions and its less-than-sporty stance. The work of Dany Brawand, a designer known for his varied contributions to the automotive world, is often considered less inspired in this instance. The S4’s design didn’t quite capture the same dynamic appeal that its predecessors or contemporaries possessed. Nevertheless, for its time, the Fiat 850 Speciale S4 Moretti offered a unique alternative in the compact sedan segment, combining practicality with a dash of style for those with a desire for something out of the ordinary, even if it wasn’t a design masterpiece.