Hello,
I ask whether anyone could post photographs or drawings of tubular REAR suspension trailing arms in a Fiat 850 chassis/body pan
I understand tubular trailing arms similar to late Corsa type were installed by Abarth in at least one series of Fiat 850 chassis/body pan, that of a 1969 Fiat Abarth OT1300 Scorpione SS (Francis Lombardi).
Many thanks for any images, or advice on where to seek such information.
Trevor
Hi Trevor,
I may have a few photos of the OT1600 Sedan rear suspension for you. Similar to the Corsa/Scorpione SS, but perhaps a bit different (I've not compared them). It will be a few days before my scanner is hooked up, then I can the pics & send/post them.
Yes, the Scorpione SS had the tubular rear trailing arms similar to the late Berlina Corsa. A few years back (1998?) I assisted at a friend's shop, & there was a real SS there for repair/restoration. I got a good chance to see all the differences (mods) done to the front/rear suspensions - AWESOME!
The work never got completed on the car (the shop closed down), but I'm fairly sure the car is still here in the Southern California area, sitting in the owners garage, unfinished. I've often thought of calling him up & making an offer, but then I don't (can't) fit in the car, so....no reason for me to own it.
This particular car was an original Rich Motors (old California Fiat/Abarth importer back in the 1960's-1970's) car, & while the car was at my friends shop I had the chance to "reunite" the car with Mr. John Rich himself...boy, was that a great day!
John even showed me where/how he personally modified (ie: hammered!) the floors & inner rocker panels in order to gain more head/seat room in the car for it's new buyer/owner (at the time, not the same as current owner). Neat-o.
Also, if you go to Paul Vander Heyden's website (scuderiatopolino.com), there is a page on remaking a Corsa rear trailing arm. Also a shot of the OT1600 Sedan rear suspension (I may have more detailed pics though?). A cool read..."warm fuzzies".
Cheers,
-Jeff Stich.