1961 Fiat-Abarth 850 SS Record Monza ‘Coda Tronca’
Zagato’s aluminum bodywork and aerodynamic design distinguished the 850 Record Monza from Abarth’s earlier Fiat-based competition cars. Built in limited numbers for the 1960 and 1961 racing seasons, this model addressed displacement regulations in the Italian Gran Turismo championship’s 850-cc category.
The Milanese coachbuilder’s lightweight construction methods combined with Abarth’s Turin-based engineering created a capable track machine based on Fiat’s 600 platform.
An 847-cc inline four-cylinder engine (commonly referred to as 850 cc) with a single overhead camshaft and a twin-choke Weber carburetor generated approximately 70 to 75 horsepower in competition tune.
The chassis retained the Fiat 600–derived layout with front upper A-arms and a transverse leaf spring, rear swing axles with coil springs, and hydraulic dampers at all corners. Four-wheel drum brakes completed the 78.7-inch wheelbase (2,000 mm) package.
Competition results validated the design, with class successes at events including endurance races at Monza and strong showings in hill climbs and road races such as the Targa Florio. These small-displacement Abarths regularly punched above their weight against larger-engined rivals.
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