THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE
Model dossier
- Production period
- 1964
- Body style
- Spider
- Type
- Limited
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR
Coachbuilding, design & conversions
PRICE & SALES RECORD
Vehicle value
- Original price
- Not documented
- Latest recorded sale
- Not documented
01 / THE STORY
History & context
The Fiat 850 Spider (1964) was coachbuilt by Savio. Developed in the early 1960s, the Fiat 850 Spider emerged as a stylish and compact sports car, reflecting the design trends of the era. The coachbuilding process involved precision engineering and a focus on lightweight construction, with the body frame employing a combination of steel and aluminum to enhance performance while maintaining structural integrity. The design featured smooth lines and a low profile, typical of Italian automotive styling, which aimed to balance aesthetics with aerodynamic efficiency. Mechanically, the Fiat 850 Spider was equipped with a rear-engine layout, a configuration that offered unique handling characteristics. Powered by an inline-four engine, the model emphasized a balance between performance and economy. The suspension system utilized independent front suspension and a solid rear axle, contributing to a responsive driving experience. In production terms, the Fiat 850 Spider was produced in limited quantities, with specific chassis numbers documented to track the vehicles manufactured. Documentation indicates that the Fiat 850 Spider was exhibited at various automotive shows during its production run, showcasing its design and engineering innovations. Surviving examples are recorded in private collections and institutional archives, providing reference for researchers of postwar coachbuilding. The Fiat 850 Spider Savio remains a notable representation of 1960s Italian automotive design, illustrating the collaboration between manufacturers and coachbuilders in the quest for innovation and style.
02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY
Specifications & construction
Production & construction
- Production type
- Limited
- Mechanical platform
- Fiat 850
Engine & performance
- Specification notes
- Auto Italia documents a Savio Fiat 850 open-body programme first shown in 1964. Only the Fiat 850 basis is structured; Spider/Cabriolet terminology and donor specifications remain guarded.
Design & manufacture
- Manufacturer · Documented
- Fiat
- Coachbuilder / Body Builder · Documented
- Savio
06 / EVENTS & AWARDS
Events & awards
The Savio Fiat 850 Cabriolet/Spider was first shown in 1964 and was produced only in very limited numbers on customer order. It is the dedicated Savio open-body interpretation of the Fiat 850 and maps to the existing CI listing rather than requiring a new record. General · Unreviewed
- Date
- 1964
- Chassis
- General
07 / THE VEHICLE IN DETAIL
Photo gallery 2 photographs
08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE
Archive
References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.
| Reference | Source type |
|---|---|
| Auto Italia — Carrozzeria Savio (September 2014) porschecarshistory.com | Specialist automotive magazine / historical coachbuilder article |











THE CONVERSATION
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