Highly original, unmodified and extremely rare Fiesta conversion
Very well kept with original checker-finish interior
Right-hand drive example
Sympathetically recommissioned by IK Classics
Previously owned by well known journalist and featured in Auto Italia
Extensive collection of original 1970s camping equipment
Recent voluntary MOT May 2023 with no advisories
The Appeal
Volkswagen’s Type 2 may be much more numerous, but for compactness and clever packaging, it is firmly outshone by the Fiesta conversion of Fiat’s diminutive 850. Thanks to the Italian van’s rarity, it’s a hard point to prove, but one ably made by this remarkable RHD survivor.
It is quite the find. ‘Cosmo’ is a beautifully presented, highly original and reportedly unmodified 850 camper in extremely good condition. These campers were the result of a collaboration between Fiat and the UK’s Motor Caravan Conversions, presumably to challenge VW’s hegemony and meet demand for camping vehicles in the straitened times of the early 70s. The firm supplied standard 850T vans to MCC’s Hertfordshire base, where they were carefully built around an innovative design that maximised specification and space. Only a few hundred are believed to have been built, of which the vendor says Cosmo is the most original and is believed to be best preserved.
The current keeper acquired the van in 2023. Previously, it had been owned by a well-known classic car journalist and featured in Auto Italia magazine in 2019. In the intervening years, it was little used, leading to its recent recommissioning by specialist IK Classics. This work included a full electrical overhaul, routine servicing, fuel-system cleaning, and fuel-pump refurbishment. Aged hoses were replaced and comprehensive underside waxoyling carried out during recommissioning. The pop-up roof was also removed during recommissioning to address corrosion beneath. The last voluntary MOT was in May 2023 with no advisories on test. It has covered only 300 miles since.
Rarer than a Ferrari, cuter than a Fiat 500, Cosmo is ready to wow admirers wherever it goes with the lucky buyer.
The vendor says:
““Cosmo” A wonderfully original, exceptionally rare survivor with irresistible 1970s charm Cosmo is a beautifully preserved and remarkably rare Fiat 850T Fiesta campervan, presented in delightful time warp condition and retaining an extraordinary level of originality. Finished in white and configured in right hand drive, he shows just 10,958 miles and stands today as one of the most complete, unmodified examples of the Fiesta conversion still known to exist. Cosmo is an unusually honest and original survivor of this already scarce model.
“He has been cherished, lightly used, and always stored in a wind and watertight double garage at our home. With limited time to enjoy him and changes planned for our garage space, we’ve made the difficult decision to pass him on to a new custodian. Examples of these vans are now exceptionally scarce, and it is almost unheard of to find one as complete, unmodified and well preserved as Cosmo.
“Our favourite thing about Cosmo is the feeling he gives you on the road. He’s not fast, and he’s not trying to be—he’s all about slowing down, taking the scenic route, and enjoying the journey. He’s a conversation starter, a memory maker, and a wonderfully quirky alternative to the usual classics. If you love character, originality, and something truly different, Cosmo will win your heart just as he did ours.”
Exceptionally original, unmodified and beautifully preserved
Just 10,958 miles (not warranted)
Featured in Auto Italia (Dec 2019)
Recommissioned by IK Classics
Rare Fiesta conversion with elevating roof, hob, grill, sink, tables, hammock, wardrobe and more
Original Isabella awning included
Always stored in a dry, secure double garage
Used only for gentle touring during current ownership
The vendor says:
“A charming, characterful alternative to the usual VW campers Cosmo represents a rare opportunity to acquire a wonderfully preserved piece of Fiat history—quirky, charming, practical, and guaranteed to spark conversations wherever he goes.
“In the early 1970s, Fiat partnered with Motor Caravan Conversions Ltd. to create a compact but cleverly engineered range of campervans based on the 850T Furgonata. Three models were offered—Farina, Fiesta and Fargo—with the Fiesta being the most versatile thanks to its split bulkhead and full length sleeping arrangement. Despite its modest footprint, the Fiesta was impressively equipped: elevating roof, hob and grill, sink, wardrobe, tables, hammock, and flexible seating that cleverly transformed the interior.
“Cosmo is one of those rare classics that instantly makes people smile. Everywhere we’ve taken him, someone has wandered over to ask about him, share a memory, or simply admire how wonderfully different he is from the usual VW campers. His charm is something photographs can’t quite capture—you feel it the moment you open the door and step into that perfectly preserved 1970s interior. What makes him truly special is his honesty. He hasn’t been modernised or over restored; he has simply been cherished, preserved, and sympathetically recommissioned. You get the real 1970s experience: • the sparkly little engine note • the cosy fold flat seats • the hammock bed • the original Isabella awning • all the thoughtful touches that made these compact campers so ahead of their time.”
Highly preserved and very original MCC conversion in great condition
Due to originality there are a few points to note outside and inside shown in photos
Recently recommissioned by IK Classics included a full electrical overhaul, routine servicing, fuel-system cleaning, and fuel-pump refurbishment
Aged hoses replaced and comprehensive underside waxoyling carried out during recommissioning
Pop-up roof removed during recommissioning to address corrosion beneath
A few small paint bubbles beginning to appear on the rear-most driver's side panel ahead of the rear wheel
Some paint bubbling also noted around the front driver's side wheel arc
Vendor describes this as cosmetic and typical of original paint on a 1970s Fiat
Minor tarnishing visible on both front and rear bumpers
Interior retains its original fabrics and fixtures throughout, according to the vendor
Driver's seat shows some age-related wear, sympathetically protected with a seat cover
Equipped with elevating roof, hob and grill, sink, wardrobe, tables, hammock, and flexible seating
All seats including the front bench fold flat to form a double bed, with an overhead hammock providing a third berth
Accompanied by 1970s camping equipment including Isabella awning, roof rack, sanitary tent, camp beds, ground sheet, storage bags, food containers, curtains, rails, and fittings
Always stored in a wind and watertight double garage during current ownership
The vendor describes the engine as willing and characterful, best suited to scenic country roads rather than motorways
The vendor says:
“Overall, the vehicle presents in very good condition for its age, retaining a clean, well‑kept appearance throughout. As with any unrestored classic, there are a few age‑related imperfections worth noting for accuracy: Paintwork: A few small bubbles are beginning to appear on the rear‑most driver’s side panel just ahead of the rear wheel, with a little more showing around the front driver’s side wheel arch. These are cosmetic and typical of original paint on a 1970s Fiat. Chrome: Minor tarnishing is visible on both the front and rear bumpers. The chrome remains presentable and in keeping with the van’s wonderfully original character. These points are modest for a 50‑year‑old camper and do not detract from its charm or usability. They simply reflect the honest, time‑warp nature of the vehicle.
“The Fiesta layout, created by Motor Caravan Conversions Ltd. of Bedfordshire, is widely regarded as the most versatile of all 850T camper designs. This example features the highly desirable full‑length interior, allowing the entire cabin to transform effortlessly between seating, dining, and sleeping configurations. All seats — including the front bench — fold flat to form a generous double bed, with an additional overhead hammock providing a useful third berth. Cosmo remains true to his original specification, with no alterations beyond the factory‑approved camper conversion carried out by Motor Caravan Conversions Ltd. in partnership with Fiat. Adding to his rarity and appeal, Cosmo is accompanied by an exceptional collection of original 1970s camping equipment, including the Isabella awning, roof rack, sanitary tent, camp beds, ground sheet, storage bags, and even the original food containers, curtains, rails, and fittings. The interior retains its original fabrics and fixtures throughout, giving the camper a wonderfully authentic period atmosphere. The driver’s seat shows some age‑related wear, which has been sympathetically protected with a seat cover to prevent further deterioration.
“Mechanically, Cosmo was sympathetically recommissioned by IK Classics following a long period in dry storage. The work carried out included a full electrical overhaul, routine servicing, fuel‑system cleaning, fuel‑pump refurbishment, replacement of aged hoses, and comprehensive underside waxoyling for preservation. During this process, the pop‑up roof was removed to address corrosion beneath; the underlying metal roof was professionally repaired and resprayed, ensuring long‑term integrity while retaining the van’s original character. Cosmo starts, runs, and has been enjoyed on short local journeys. However, he has recently developed intermittent “conk‑outs” that will require investigation by a knowledgeable classic‑vehicle specialist. In light of this, transport by trailer is recommended rather than driving long distances. As a historic vehicle, Cosmo is MOT‑exempt. The last MOT expired in May 2024.”
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