Retro Fiat Abarth 850 ‘TC Tribute’ up for auction in Monterey

A fiery example of the famous Italian people’s car is going under the hammer at Monterey this week.

With an estimate of between £31,000 and £39,000, the Fiat 850 'TC tribute' will certainly be one of the less expensive cars at Bonhams auction on August 19.

At this price point you can buy and drive without the fear of ticking over a few extra miles. This is unlikely to be the case if you are the lucky buyer of the 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, expecting to sell for about £1 million in the same auction.

Mounted over the rear axle is a 52 bhp, 847cc four-pot engine sending power to the wheels via a transversely-mounted 4-speed gearbox. Starting out life as a standard Fiat 600, Abarth’s engine work saw displacement rise from 750cc to 847cc, lending the car its 850 Turismo Competizione moniker.

This replica harks back to one particular racer, which managed to take victory at the gruelling 500km Nürburgring race in 1963. The 850 TC was highly decorated on the European circuit claiming multiple European Touring Car Championships during the 1960s.

A contrasting red on white paint job and bulging front bumper contribute to the terrier-like attitude of the angry squat Abarth. The exposed rear engine further fulfills the wacky racer look.

The Abarth influence has been carried over inside, with a simple dash fitted behind a leather-trimmed Abarth steering wheel. Red leather seats are surrounded by black piping completing the sparse but quirky interior.

This specific car arrived in the US from Rome in 2008, where it was restored and modified to the current 850 specification. The engine was not only enlarged but refurbished too with a new cooling fan, fuel tank and water pump fitted to ensure a durable car was built.

The auction will take place at 11am on August 19, at the Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, as part of the Monterey car week.