The SEAT 850 Especial was the result of fitting the powerful powertrain of the 850 Coupé on the 850’s saloon body. The new car was a model with exceptional performance, the first example of a wannabe hot hatchback in SEAT's history… (read more)
Launch: April 1966 (Especial: May 1968)
End of production: 1974
Price: 110.858 Ptas.
Number built: 662,853 (total 850)
Petrol, 4 cylinders in-line
Position: At rear, longitudinal
Bore x stroke: 65 mm x 63,5 mm
Capacity: 843 cc
Valvetrain: Overhead valves, push-rods and rocker arms
Carburettor: 1 single double choke Weber 30
Max. power: 47 HP at 6.200 rpm
Max. torque: 60 Nm at 3.600 rpm
Top speed: 135 km/h
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Gearbox: 4-speed manual, plus reverse
Clutch: Dry single-plate
Front suspension:
Independent, transverse leaf spring, dampers and anti-roll bar
Rear suspension:
Independent, swing axles, coil springs, dampers and anti-roll bar
Steering: Worm and sector
Front/rear: Discs/drums
145-13
Body: 2-door sedan, 5 seats
Length/width/height: 3575/1425/1385 mm
Wheelbase: 2027 mm
Weight: 690 kg
The SEAT 850 Especial was the result of fitting the powerful powertrain of the 850 Coupé on the 850’s saloon body. The new car was a model with exceptional performance, the first example of a wannabe hot hatchback in SEAT's history.
In 1966, just nine years after the arrival of the SEAT 600, the SEAT 850 was launched. It kept the 600’s rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, but added more space and power over the popular "pellet".
Moreover, in a very short time an entire range was derived from the 850. So, it was the first SEAT offered with different bodies and powertrains, with 2 and 4 door variants, an Especial version (more powerful), a Coupé and even an officially named Sport convertible, although better known as Spider.
The Especial version of the 850 2-door went on sale as a 1968 model. Compared to the 37 HP of the 850 Normal, the Especial delivered 47 HP, an engine variant that had been released the previous year in the 850 Coupé. Modifications included a double-choke carburettor, increased compression ratio (from 8.8 to 1 to 9.3 to 1), a camshaft with a higher throw and overlap, and an exhaust manifold with independent outlets, which was unusual then.
Mechanical evolution completely changed the 850 philosophy, delivering maximum power at 6,200 rpm, or 1,200 higher than the Normal. It was a real "windmill" that, supported by shortish gear ratios, offered brilliant accelerations for the time. In addition, like the Coupé, it was fitted with disc brakes on the front axle.
On the outside, the Especial was distinguished by chrome side stripes and perforated rims. Also, the interior trim level gained in quality, with a sporty touch and decorative elements. The model got the most politically-incorrect advertising campaign, unthinkable today, which read: "Pack it out, up to 140kph plus and you'll know why we call it Especial."
Actually, weighing 30 kilos lighter than the Coupé and with shorter gear ratios, the 850 Especial offered even better performance than the 850 Coupé. Therefore, it became a vehicle highly appreciated by amateur drivers to enter motor racing.
In September 1972, the 850 range was renamed 850 D and 850 D Especial. The main novelty was the dual circuit brake circuit, front and rear, and on the outside it was recognizable by the rear air vents. The 850 ceased production in mid-1974, following the launch of the 133, SEAT's last rear-engined, rear-wheel drive car.
The SEAT HISTÓRICOS’ Collection includes this 2-door 850 Especial, registered in Barcelona in February 1972. It is kept in perfect running order and is regularly used in historic car events and reports.