Three 1967 Moretti Sportiva project cars, make 2 from three. Based on Fiat 850
Price: -
Description:
1967 Fiat Other
Fiat Other.Here are three 1967 Moretti Sportivas, which can be combined to build two cars. They are technically first series cars. The second series has enclosed door glass, of which a couple were imported. The third series car had larger upright head lamps (think Fiat 850 Spider after mid 1968). No third series cars were imported that I know of. The Moretti Brothers built about 300 Sportivas of all versions. The brothers claimed only 40 of this body style. Beside this body style, the version with a back seat and a much taller greenhouse was popular in Italy. Of this body style there was also a T top version, and even the (required for brochure photographs) Abarth 1000 version.
28 cars of this body style were imported into the USA in 1967, and here is over 10% of the cars. The white (originally red) and beige (originally blue) cars are two of the 28. The positano (yellow) was Pat Braden's car, and was a self import that he purchased at the factory from the brothers when he was living in Italy.
This is a complete project that will result in two complete cars (one missing the door glass), and a lot of extremely rare (as in unobtainium) body parts. All of the mechanical parts required are Fiat 850 Berlina (Sedan), and can be purchased from any Classic Fiat specialist (including myself). There is sufficient Moretti and Fiat sheet metal, even if it's currently rusty, to complete the cars. One used windscreen, and one new one (I had a production run done) will be included.I know the history on all three cars from soon before I bought each one.
The white car currently has an 817 motor installed that is dressed like a 903. The front end sheet metal has been modified to quad headlamps, which even though Moretti did a few this way I don't think is stock for this car. The seats fold forward, and Fiat 1974 X1/9 steel wheels are fitted. The front brakes have been converted to Fiat 850 Sport after 06/1968. It was slightly lowered when the brakes were installed (?). It currently has Fiat 850 Spider outside door handles. This may or may not be correct, I have seen other cars with these push button release handles fitted. I have been gathering parts to restore this car since I purchased it in 1983, including new Fiat 850 Floors (which will need to be modified to fit the Sportiva seats if used). I also have stock headlamp buckets as I was planning on going back to two headlamps, but now those are also part of a front clip from the spare sheet metal car. I removed the front windscreen so it could be used as the pattern for the glass production run. I also had the rubber made at that time, but I am now sold out on the rubber, and the manufacturer has moved on to the great rubber extrusion company in the sky.All of the papers are in my name in the state of California, and the car is currently legally non operated.
The beige car was in the middle of restoration when it was involved in a mud flood. I purchased it in, I think, in the late 1980s. Many of the parts for the car were in boxes, and were lost. Others made it, such as the chrome seen, but none of the bits are spectacular. It currently has the drivetrain from the Positano car fitted, which is an original Sportiva Fiat 843 engine. Currently it is fitted with 13" Fiat 850 wheels.The 4 wheel drum brakes are disassembled so the car will roll. The steering wheel is missing, but the parts car has one.The parts car has all of the parts that were lost in the flood.The front of the car was damaged in the flood by the tractor that found the buried car. My body man always felt it would not be difficult to repair. The roof is also pushed over slightly, but that will also be easy to fix with a hydraulic jack and the glass to reference the hole shape.The paperwork on this car was confused, and I tried to straighten it all out. In the end the state of California has confirmed that the car is mine and that there are no liens or claims against it. The original paperwork that I used to try to title it had one number off by the VIN inspector that I hired, so it's at the point that to complete the paperwork it will need to be presented to a DMV officer as a running driving car.
The Positano car has it's own long story, but being owned by the famous Alfa and Weber carburetor specialist Pat Braden is it's claim to fame. After Pat went on, and before I could pick it up from the estate, it was salvaged for the missing right rear sheet metal parts for a damaged car down under. The estate also sold the glass and floors Pat had purchased from me to restore the car before I could pick it up. And somewhere the distributor took a walk.The fixed back seats fold up from the floor for back area access. The coolant gauge, I took it out so I could have the face copied for a client. This was done without taking the gauge apart, and the original gauge is in the parts.The great thing about the car is everything that the Beige car lost in the flood is there, except for door glass and a battery cover. It is currently fitted with wheels that hold air. Arriving with your own wheels would be great, but is not required.When I got this car about 20 years ago (?) it came with no paperwork. I suspect that since it has Michigan plates fitted, that Pat had never registered it in California. Who knows if Michigan could issue a tittle for it?
My last plan was to restore the white and beige car using parts from the Positano car to complete them both, then finance my retirement with these projects. I now realize that is just not going to happen, as I am swamped with client work, and probably will be until the day I go on to that big autocross track in the sky.
The Sportiva was originally fitted with a 12" steel wheels. I have only two. If the buyer wants them I will include them. They don't seem very sturdy, so I image most were replaced with stronger or alloy wheels many decades ago.
To the best of my ability everything is here. Yes, it will all need to be restored. If it's Moretti taking it to bare metal to start over is a natural way to start. If it's Fiat, then doing the same or replacing it with new is the way to go. If it's a Sportiva specific part there are two cars worth here, assuming I had two cars worth. One example I am short on is the specific rectangular side badge, there are only three included, and they are all in very poor condition. Obviously window rubber will need to be made, and there is only one complete horn button. Already mentioned in the missing parts section is a second set of roll up door glass, and a second battery cover. The reality is if you had the door glass would you ever want to roll it up? Certainly not while you are in the car or before you close an open door! As for the battery cover, once the trunk is finished you would never know...When it comes to Fiat 850 parts I will gladly include any items that are missing. Assuming I have them. For example, there is only one distributor, but I have more. But NONE are the specific unit used in the Sportiva. These parts will be used, if you want new you will need to buy them, as expected in a restoration of this scope.And everything that is missing or broken that is not Sportiva specific can be had.
Pictures.I have tried to take detailed photos of this BIG project so the buyer will not be surprised. I feel they properly represent the amount of work this project is going to need. Of course ebay limits me to 12 shots, so if you want to see the rest of the shots we will need to work out a way to electronically send them to you. If you google search Moretti Sportiva parts, I come right up. Or, if you want to come and inspect this project I highly encourage it.
Money.One new glass is worth $1,850.00, and it's easy to claim another $1,000.00 in emblems. Floors at $625.00 each (plus shipping from Italy), and you can see right away that my beginning bid is very reasonable. It's time for me to move this project onto the next caretaker, I need the space.And no, I do not want to part this project out. Place your maximum bid, come and get them, and then do with them what you feel is best.
Do me a favor. If you have read this far and have decided not to bid, then tell of your friends that might have interest about the auction of these rare and spectacular cars. I feel they are one of the most beautiful cars ever built, and I hope that you also see the potential that I have for the last 40 years.
Vehicle Details:
- Condition: Used
- Make: Fiat
- Model: Other
- SubModel: Moretti Sportiva
- Type: Coupe
- Year: 1967
- Mileage: 95753
- VIN: 100g0713074
- Color: White
- Engine size: Fiat 850
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Transmission: Manual
- Drive type: RWD
- Interior color: Black
- Drive side: Left-hand drive
- Vehicle Title: Clean Want to buy? Contact seller!