The unveiling of the SEAT 850 in 1966 marked the first time that the brand offered a true range of one of its models, with different variants of engines and bodywork, taking advantage of the excellent platform offered by the 850 saloon chassis. Thus, the following year SEAT launched the 850 Coupé at the Barcelona Motor Show in April… (read more)
Launch: April 1967
End of production: End 1969 (850 Sport Coupé, end 1972)
Price: 105.000 Ptas.
Number built: 21.058 (plus around 15.000 Sport Coupé)
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: 140 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
5.50-13
Body: 2-door coupe, 2+2 seats
Length/width/height: 3.608/1.500/1.300 mm
Wheelbase: 2.027 mm
Weight: 720 kg
The unveiling of the SEAT 850 in 1966 marked the first time that the brand offered a true range of one of its models, with different variants of engines and bodywork, taking advantage of the excellent platform offered by the 850 saloon chassis. Thus, the following year SEAT launched the 850 Coupé at the Barcelona Motor Show in April.
The 850 Coupé instantly became the dream of young people of the time. It was the first SEAT coupe derived from a mass-produced saloon, a trick the brand would repeat three years later with the 124 Sport Coupé. It was a niche car whose raison d'être went beyond its practicality, although the cabin maintained a 2+2 four-seater layout.
Thus, ten years after the launch of the SEAT 600, the unveiling of the 850 Coupé illustrated the evolution of the Spanish market and of SEAT itself. From a car that was a symbol of the country's motorization, to one that simply evoked pure driving pleasure.
The 850 Coupé body is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful of SEAT's first 30 years of history. With a stretched rear line, a Kamm tail and a fairly long bonnet, it had a true sports car feel, while the 843 cc engine had a double-choke carburettor and a higher compression ratio. The result was a power of 47 HP, ten more than the 850 Normal, and a top speed of 140 km/h.
By the end of 1967, the Coupé engine would also reach the saloon, giving birth to the 850 Especial model. The 850 Coupé was also used in both racing and rallying, basically as a production Group 1, and it has the honour of having been the first SEAT fitted with front disc brakes.
At the end of 1969, after 21,058 units produced, the 850 Coupé would be replaced by the 850 Sport Coupé, which remained in production until 1972. The new version was powered by the 52 HP, 903 cc engine of the SEAT 850 Sport Spider convertible that had been launched earlier in 1969. It was easily recognizable because it had twin lights front and rear, while on the inside the dashboard now included a rev-counter.
The 850 Coupé and Sport Coupé had no substitute, but SEAT returned to this niche market segment with the launch of the 1200 Sport "Bocanegra", at the end of 1975.
SEAT HISTÓRICOS keeps this gorgeous blue 850 Coupé in perfect running order. This car is a regular participant in historic vehicles events and regularity rallies, even in Germany.