This Sunday I attended the last autocross of the season in Cincinnati, OH.
One of the cars that showed-up was a Fiat 850. The car was red with neat
Italian alloy wheels, a roll-bar, a cut-down windscreen and a gutted
interior. The owners, 2 brothers in their late 20s, found the car about 9
years ago in a Florida barn. This was only the second time the brothers had
been behind the little Fiat's wheel; they're finally having the time and
money to spend.
The body of the car was in outstanding condition. The original SCCA-type
roll-bar was neatly installed and the car carried a large tach in place of
the speedo (in the original dash). Admiring their little gem, I asked the
brothers about any known history. From what they know, this 850 spent much
of its life as a racer. The original speedo (which they have) indicates only
22,000 miles on the odo. In addition, old log books were found with the
car.
The pretty little 850 ran a total of 16 autocross runs of about 1 minute each
without any problems. Even idling in line for a while did not trouble the
car. Other than getting the car running and safe, the brothers have not done
any real engine work. Though a tear-down is planned this winter.
With little encouragement I plan to see the car running a lot next season in
our local autox events. But as they get used to the car, I'm sure the'll
want to get some track-time with it someday, likely with a Vintage-race
group.
Why can't I find things like this?
Have a nice winter.
K. O'Connor
|