Moretti Sportiva: Italy's Iconic 1960s Youth Sports Car

Forgotten ONES - In the golden era of Italian automotive craftsmanship, many small manufacturers thrived, creating stunning and unique vehicles that left a lasting impression on the industry. These companies, once filled with passion and innovation, have now mostly faded into history, leaving behind only their legendary creations. Among them was Moretti Motor Company, a name that still echoes in the hearts of car enthusiasts who appreciate fine Italian engineering. Founded by Giovanni Moretti in 1925, the company embarked on a journey that lasted until 1989, producing a variety of cars that combined elegance with performance.

1967 Moretti Fiat 850 Sportiva designed by Dany Brawand for Moretti Motor Company based on the Fiat 850 Coupe. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

During its peak, Moretti Motor Company made a bold move that captured the imagination of sports car lovers. In 1967, the company introduced the Moretti Sportiva, a compact yet stylish sports car that embodied the spirit of Italian automotive excellence. Designed by the talented Dany Brawand, this nimble machine was built on the Fiat 850 Coupe chassis, utilizing its engine as well. The Moretti Sportiva was a masterpiece that showcased the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and exclusivity.

1967 Moretti Fiat 850 Sportiva uses a a rear-engine measuring 52 cubic inches with a capacity of 843 cc. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

The Moretti Sportiva made its first appearance at the 1965 Turin Motor Show, marking the beginning of its journey as Moretti’s final customizable model. Buyers were given the rare opportunity to personalize their cars with exclusive seat colors and interior trims, making each Sportiva unique to its owner. This level of customization was a testament to Moretti's commitment to delivering a personal touch in every vehicle they crafted.

Initially, the car was designed as a two-seater coupe, emphasizing a sporty and aggressive look. However, as demand grew, Moretti expanded its lineup by introducing a convertible version. The exterior styling was striking, featuring dual headlights that gave the car a distinctive front fascia, while the sleek fastback rear design not only enhanced aesthetics but also contributed to better aerodynamics. Every curve and contour of the Sportiva reflected the precision and artistry that defined Italian car design of the era.

1967 Moretti Fiat 850 Sportiva has dual headlights, with a fastback-like at rear end that is said to help improve aerodynamics. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Under the hood, the first batch of the Moretti Sportiva came equipped with a rear-mounted 843 cc engine, producing 47 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 59 Nm of torque. While this may seem modest by today’s standards, it was more than enough to make the lightweight Sportiva an exciting car to drive. For those who desired more power, Moretti later introduced an upgraded version known as the S2, featuring a larger 982 cc engine. This enhancement improved performance, making the Sportiva even more exhilarating on the road.

The car’s aerodynamic build necessitated some clever engineering solutions. One of the most interesting design choices was the placement of the spare wheel in the front compartment, which helped balance the vehicle but left almost no room for luggage. To solve this issue, Moretti’s designers ingeniously crafted a secondary luggage compartment located behind the seats, utilizing rigid fabric to create a practical yet unconventional storage space.

1970 Moretti Fiat 850 Sportiva S2 uses a slightly different engine than S1, ie a rear-engine measuring 52 cubic inches with a capacity of 982 cc. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

In terms of driving dynamics, the Moretti Sportiva delivered an engaging experience. With power sent to the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission, the car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 15 seconds. Though not the fastest sports car of its time, it offered a thrilling ride with a top speed of 103 mph (165 km/h), making it an attractive choice for young enthusiasts who craved a stylish yet capable vehicle.

 

Despite its appeal and innovative design, the Moretti Sportiva faced challenges in the marketplace. The high production costs and relatively expensive price tag limited its reach, preventing it from achieving mass-market success. By the time production ended in 1971, only around 300 units had been built across various versions. This rarity, however, has turned the Moretti Sportiva into a sought-after classic, admired by collectors and enthusiasts who recognize its place in automotive history.

Though Moretti Motor Company eventually closed its doors, its legacy lives on through the beautiful cars it left behind. The Moretti Sportiva remains a shining example of Italian ingenuity, a reminder of an era when small manufacturers dared to dream and create something extraordinary. Today, those who have the privilege of owning or even seeing a Moretti Sportiva up close know they are witnessing a piece of history—a car that embodies the passion, artistry, and spirit of a bygone age.
*** [EKA [24102020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICDRIVER.COM | VIARETRO | ULTIMATECARPAGE | CARROZZIERI-ITAIANI | WIKIPEDIA | CONCEPTCARZ ]

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