Back in January, we featured a rare Fiat Abarth Allemano Spider that was prepped for competition use. Here we have a nice example that car's road going brother up for sale in Santa Barbara, California.

1959 Fiat 750 Abarth Allemano Spider

Gorgeous 1959 Fiat Abarth 750 Spider. Coachwork by Allemano. Chassis No. 635135. Numbers Matching Example. 1 of 750 Allemano Spiders Built. Fitted with Optional Campagnolo Wheels

Offered for sale is a fantastic example of an exceedingly rare and beautifully presented 1959 Fiat Abarth 750 Spider with coachwork by Allemano. While a vast majority of Carlo Abarth’s offerings were closed cars, some of his clientele preferred open cars for competition and he was aware that a roadster could be successful in the profitable U.S. market. As such, he commissioned a Spider from Zagato based upon the 750GT. With Zagato's initial designs drawing only limited appeal, Abarth turned to Carrozzeria Allemano, the Turin based coachbuilder famous for their work with Maserati throughout the 1950s. The result of their efforts is a Spider that's entirely unique, sleek and sporty while retaining a period Italian charm. It’s believed that Allemano only built 750 Spiders for Abarth and complete correct cars are especially difficult to find, making this a truly uncommon opportunity.

Tastefully finished in a rich dark blue over black, this car is turns heads and garners attention wherever it goes. The distinctive curved bumpers are in excellent condition, as is all of the chrome and polished alloy trim. The car doesn’t appear to have ever been in any accidents, all of the panel fits and gaps are excellent and the finish is free of any dings or scratches. The car is factory correct with three exceptions: the optional and extremely rare period Campagnolo wheels (which happened to have caught the sunset in the pictures and therefore look much more gold than they actually are – send us an inquiry and we can forward you a picture of them when they’re not in direct sunlight), leather seats (they were originally vinyl), and squareweave interior carpeting (originally just rubber mats). The car’s interior is equally as clean. The seats aand carpets are flawless, as is the original dash, which retains its correct Abarth gauges and switchgear. The door trim is complete with proper storage pockets and the car’s navy soft top and boot cover are in perfect condition.

The original 747 CC inline 4-Cylinder engine with correct 2-Barrel Weber carburetor runs beautifully, starting without any smoke or hesitation, idling consistently and pulling strongly through each of its four gears. The car’s four wheel drum brakes function effectively (it hardly weighs anything, after all), and the car’s wheelbase, front transverse leaf-spring suspension and rear independent coil-spring suspension make it handle like a go-cart. It’s undeniably fun to drive and one immediately understands Abarth’s legendary racing history from behind the steering wheel.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an exceptionally rare and unique Abarth Spider that’s ready for club events, shows, or even just weekend drives. Finding another 750 Allemano bodied Spider is nearly impossible, so serious Etceterini or Abarth enthusiasts and collectors ought to give this car significant consideration.

My favorite part about this car has to be those gorgeous, original Campagnolo wheels. Even though they aren't stock, you just don't see period accessories like this on a regular basis. Like most vintage Abarths, this Spider will not come cheap, but whoever lands this car will have a fun runabout and be able to give a little bit of a history lesson to buyers of the new Fiat 500 Abarth and the legend behind the Scorpion badge.

-Paul