Autobianchi was a joint venture between the bicycle manufacturer Bianchi, Fiat and Pirelli set up in 1955. The mission of this company was to test out new technologies and advancements for Fiat that would eventually make their way into the lineup. Introduced in 1968, the A112 was marketed solely as a 3 door hatchback and saw over 1.2 million examples produced over an 18 year time span. It was also the vehicle which helped bring front wheel drive to Fiat's range in the form of the 127.
Along with the standard A112, Abarth tried their hand at souping up this diminutive runabout and debuted the A112 Abarth in 1971. The 1975 model of the A112 Abarth brought about improvements to the model, most notably a larger displacement engine with 69 horsepower and a 5 speed gearbox. These were raucous little cars that were sought out by young enthusiasts and rally drivers. As a result, few mint examples survive today. This particular 1975 A112 Abarth for sale in Belgium is quite tidy, has a breathed on engine cranking out 90 horsepower and has only a little bit more than 11,000 miles on the clock.
Rally prepared, FIA papers, 1054cc engine, engine prepared to 90 HP. Excellent technical condition and well maintained interior.
For under $7,500 USD, this is a unique piece of Italian racing history and is a good alternative for those who think a vintage Mini Cooper is a bit too boring. Autobianchi ceased operation in 1996, the last car to wear it's badge being a version of the Lancia Ypsilon. Today, the official Autobianchi club, Registro Autobianchi, owns the rights to the company name. These loyal and passionate enthusiasts of the mark see to it that owners have a forum to help keep hot hatches like the A112 Abarth around for many years to come.
The Fiat 500 was the basis for a plethora of model variants, as we saw with the Giardiniera version featured two days ago. Carlo Abarth is no stranger to Italian automotive enthusiasts. Born in Vienna as Karl Albert Abarth, he started his career racing motorbikes and after World War II helped form the company Compagnia Industriale Sportiva Italia, or CIS, this firm would later become Cisitalia. The Cisitalia project fizzled and he founded Abarth & C. in Turin, using the Scorpion, his astrological sign, as the company logo. The influence he wielded over the diminutive 500 was impressive, having created a wide variety of competition versions. This particular vehicle was one of them. Crafted by Carrozzeria Allemano, this coachbuilder was known for variations on famous models such as the Lancia Aurelia and Fiat 1500 and even had a hand in creating a few Panhard models. With a breathed on engine from Abarth, only a few of these 750 Allemano Spiders were created for competition use. This one has been restored to like new condition and would be a fantastic piece for vintage racing.
1959 Abarth 750 Allemano Spider. Sold new to USA, in Europe since 1991. Full aluminium body. Restored, ready to drive condition. The car is present on the book Italian Car Registry written by John De Boer (see attached photo). Custum duty paid in Europe, old USA Title comes with the car. According with many Abarth publications only 20 Abarth 750 Allemano Spider has been built for race use. Dr. Lorenzo Avidano (Abarth Racing Director) in front of the car during Carlo Abarth Centenary Celebration in Turin (2008).
This car is a great piece of Fiat history and with no reserve should test the waters for vintage Abarths. I'm fascinated that this car was sold new in the United States around the same time '59 Cadillacs with their huge tailfins roamed the streets. It took a special kind of enthusiast to go for such a car at the time. Now, with the new Fiat 500 Abarth being reintroduced to the US market, it's a great time to look back at these machines to see where it all began in post World War II Italy.
The Fiat 500, or Cinquecento, was Italy's answer to the people's car and had staying power. With a production run of twenty years, these cars still dominate Italy's roads, although the population has been waning a bit as of late. There were many variants of the 500, from the sporting Abarth, the canopy topped Jolly and the Multipla, which could be considered the progenitor of all small MPVs. There was also a longer, estate version of the 500, called the Giardiniera. This car had the engine laid under a flat boot floor and was the only 500 model to continue on with suicide doors into the 1970s. While not as well sorted as the 500 we featured last month, this example is complete and uncommon on these shores.
Specifications: FIAT/Autobianchi 500 'Giardiniera' Station Wagon.
Engine: Rear mounted, 2 horizontal in-line cylinders with overhead valve layout, air-cooled four-stroke of 499.5cc giving 17.5 bhp at 4,600 rpm.
Engine Lubrication: Pressure
Maximum Speed: 95 kph (59 mph)
Fuel Consumption: 5.2 litres per 100 km (54 mpg)
Gears: 4 speeds forward with 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears in constant mesh, plus reverse.
Final Drive Ratio: 5.125 to 1.
Brakes: Foot operated, manually adjusted hydraulic drum brakes to all four wheels with hand operated mechanical brake to rear wheels.
Note! the brakes of the 'Giardiniera' are larger than those used on the saloons.
Suspension: Front: Independent with transverse lower leaf spring and wishbones.
Rear: Independent with semi-trailing arms and large coil springs.
Note! Although the rear suspension layout is the same as the saloons, the trailing arms and coil springs are stronger to accomodate the weight of the longer body and extra cargo loads.
Telescopic shock absorbers to all four wheels, the rear ones being stronger than those fitted on the rear of the saloons.
12 Volt electrical system.
This car was remodeled approx 8 years ago, it has not been driven for about three years it would be wise to have the car serviced before taking out on the road! People will stop and look as you drive down the street, more then any other cars. Also the extras will go with car, two tires, seat covers, whatever is there I will included with the sale! I also believe that I have a copy of the manual, not the original but good enough.
I'm not sure how "only 327,000 produced" constitutes rare, but there's no telling how many of these little estates exist anymore, especially in the United States. With a bit of tidying up in the interior and a bit of polish, this could be a nice, unique urban runabout.
Taking public transport to work everyday isn't a joy. Ask anyone. Attempting to zone out the misery, I was listening to one of my favorite albums on my iPod, "La Musica Italiana." It's a compilation of Italo-Disco and other pop classics that helps me ignore my miserable commute and transports me back to the Old World. Why is this pertinent to this post? On the cover of this album is a red Fiat 1500 Cabriolet, just like our feature car. The 1500 shared little with its sedan counterpart, other than the 1.5 liter, 72 horsepower four cylinder engine. While the 1500 is a tad overshadowed by its successor, the 124 Spider, for me the 1500 represents the classic Italian sports car.
History: Launched in 1960 the Fiat 1500 Cabriolet had similar styling to the Fiat-Oscar model, although minus the other cars bonnet bulge. With only a 1481cc engine the 1500 Cabriolet was also slower than the Oscar model although its performance was far from disappointing. Standard equipment for both the 1500 Cabriolet and Coupe included servo assisted front disc brakes and a generous level of interior trim. The body itself was styled by Pininfarina and was extremely elegant. These Cabriolets were also commonly known as Spiders. Production of the 1500 sports range lasted until 1967.
Details
Car Condition: High End Level
This beautiful 5 speed Fiat is red with tan interior and a black top. It features an aluminum engine, 155 SR 14 Z X tires with steel wheels, bucket seats, roll up windows and 91,850 miles showing. It is a 4 cyl, 9:1 compression engine and is rear wheel drive with a lever carburetor. It is a sporty, fun and economical car that would make a great addition to any Fiat collector’s garage.
While the seller doesn't list the price, my best guess is this car would realistically fetch around $20,000 to $25,000 on a good day, making it a more financially reasonable alternative to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider. It looks to be a survivor with a bit of freshening up, but presents very well. And who couldn't love that white Veglia tachometer?
With the reintroduction of Fiat to the United States market in the form of the 500, let's take a look at the car's spiritual predecessor, the (original) Fiat 500, or Cinquecento. Designed by Dante Giacosa and introduced in July 1957, the 500 was Italy's answer to the Volkswagen Beetle. It was designed as a car for the masses and to be simple to maintain and repair. With a 479 cc air cooled two cylinder engine, it produced a paltry 13 horsepower.
By the time the L, or Lusso, version arrived, the engine was pumping out 17 horsepower. This doesn't sound like much, but keep in mind these vehicles weighed slightly over 1,000 lbs. The L included a redesigned dashboard and other interior upgrades. In 1975, the original 500 was eclipsed by the Fiat 126, but this diminutive little car was emblazoned in the hearts and minds of the Italian car buying public. It's a testament to their staying power that you still see Italians driving them around city streets and collectors the world over clamoring for well preserved examples.
This 1970 500L is for sale from a specialist in Boston and is in quite good shape and looks sharp in cream white.
This is a very clean, classic Fiat 500 L. This car was hand-picked in Parma, Italy and vetted by mechanics in both Italy and Boston. It comes with a new interior and a clear Massachusetts title. We have been importing vintage Fiat 500s for over 15 years. We take the necessary time and expense to go through each of the cars we import to not only make sure that they run properly when they are purchased but for the long term. Our cars are not the least expensive.
What most people don't realize is that these cars are 40+ old. Even though Fiat manufactured 4 million of them and built them to be driven "into the ground" just because they seem fine and look nice and shiny when you drive them away, doesn't mean that they will remain that way for long. There are several components of the engine, transmission, suspension and brake system that have to be checked and there are almost always worn or cracked parts (most commonly rubber components) that must be replaced for both the safety and long term enjoyment of the car.
Certain areas of these cars are also prone to rust. Rust that can be easily hidden by new "under carriage coating" or painted over. We make sure that all of our Fiats are safe for their new owners and if properly maintained will remain that way for the foreseeable future.
The asking price of $16,000 is a bit dear for what was originally intended as a people's car. These aren't the most ideal cars for long haul travel, so use would be rather limited to around town trips and short jaunts on the highway. The recent service and restored interior certainly makes this an attractive piece, but this car is approaching new Fiat 500 money. What price nostalgia, then?
Large Fiat saloons and coupes, much like their French counterparts, have always been the vehicle of choice for people who march to the beat of a different drummer. The Fiat 130 sedan and coupe were never sold new in the US, so this is a car which is rather obscure outside enthusiast groups stateside. Nevertheless, this is an important car in Fiat history and a rather rare one at that.
The 130 coupe featured a 3.2 liter, 60 degree V6 engine designed by famed Ferrari engineer Aurelio Lampredi. Many of the coupes, like our feature vehicle, came equipped with a Borg-Warner 3 speed automatic transmission. Features such as four wheel disc brakes, four wheel independent suspension and an alternator set the tone for future Fiats to come. The number of roadworthy 130 Coupes has certainly dwindled over the years, while mint condition examples are a rare find indeed. This particular two owner car for sale in The Netherlands is a mint example of Fiat's attempt at a personal luxury coupe for the 1970s.
Fiat 130 Coupe, two owners with only 146,000 km (~ 90,720 mi) from new. Swiss approval only (no tax & duty). The body is very solid, no rust and the underneath is very clean. The car drives perfectly. 20 km (12 mi) from the German border.
The asking price for this 130 coupe equates to about $16,850 USD given current exchange rates. That is a princely sum for an almost 38 year old Fiat. However, with 4,294 ever built and fewer still which have survived, this is a personal luxury coupe that can match many Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Maseratis in rarity. The 130 coupe looks amazingly modern in comparison to its sedan counterpart and exudes the tailored look we've come to expect from Pininfarina.
The Fiat 1200 series was a spiritual predecessor to the popular Fiat 124, which enjoyed great success and was built under license in several countries after Fiat ceased production. Available in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles, these cars were powered by a 1.2 liter, 55 horsepower inline four cylinder engine. This example for sale, while a little rough, is fairly complete. In white, it's a nice departure from the classic red which you usually see these convertibles painted.
For sale is a 1963 Fiat 1200 Cabriolet. This car is a nearly complete running and driving project car that has had some partial restoration work done to it previously. Nearly everything functions on this car. It is believed this car spent its entire life in California. Based on the bright work and the presence of the emblem (which is in poor condition), it is highly likely that this car was a coach built Veturre Speciali.
This is a good candidate to be completely restored and is being offered at a price that will allow the buyer to do so and still maintain their investment in a vehicle that is becoming increasingly rare and quickly rising in value. Many of these cars languish in garages due to rust, lack of trim pieces, or completely destroyed mechanicals. This car does need work, but it is miles ahead of a majority of the projects available. It has been gone over and inspected and every attempt is made to list both the good and bad points about this car.
Exterior:
It has fair to good quality paint, uniform with no evidence of rust or perforation anywhere on the body exterior. The right front, the rear valence, and lower left rear of the rocker have undergone amateur dent repair. The sheet metal is not stretched or grossly misshapen. No evidence of rust in these areas. The top is of average quality, in fairly good condition and functions correctly except that it is torn behind the driver window on the side and has a small tear behind the passenger window. It will need to be replaced.
The bright work on the car is in relatively good condition and intact. The bumpers need to be replaced or re-chromed with some repair to the metal. These are readily available new. The following items do need to be re-chromed: outer door handles, rear trunk handle, rear deck strips, windshield frame and mirrors. The stainless on the grille surround should be professionally straightened. Hub caps are present and in good condition.
Mechanical:
The engine has low compression and blow-by. It idles fairly well and starts with the turn of a key. The valve train appears to be in good condition, but it smokes and lacks power. It either needs rings, pistons or both. The engine does not knock or overheat. The correct carburetor is freshly rebuilt and functions as it should. It has the correct air cleaner and accessories on the engine. The mechanical fuel pump failed and it has a new electric pump installed. It has an aftermarket electronic ignition. Exhaust is complete and intact. The plastic fan blade is missing one blade.
All of the gears in the Transmission function and engage. There is a rattle in the clutch area. There is no noise from the rear differential. The clutch operates as would be expected as well as the brakes. There is a slight squeak from the left front when applying the brakes at low speed. The car stops straight. The handbrake functions, but the actuator in the handle needs to be repaired. Tires are in good condition.
Interior:
The interior is in good condition. The seats are retrofitted from quite possibly an 1100 of the same era, but they function as expected and are of the correct color and upholstered in cloth centers with vinyl bolsters. The carpet is not original as well as the door seals. The door panels are recovered in black vinyl and lack armrests and the proper interior trim rings. Interior floor pans are solid, but do have some surface rust that should be cleaned and treated. There is no perforation and the sheet metal is good.
Electrical:
All of the electrical items function including the under hood lights and trunk light. The heater fan is slow as well as the wiper motor. The passenger door jamb switch needs to be replaced. The column switch should be rebuilt or replaced. Lenses are in very good condition and all of the lights work correctly. The fuel sender needs to be repaired or replaced, the gauge has been tested and functions. The charging system is functional.
Bringing such a vehicle back to concours condition would be a tedious undertaking, given the availability of certain parts and trim. This example would lend itself well to a nice freshening up to bring it back to a drivable condition, enabling you to show it at club and classic car events on occasion. If this Fiat could be bought for around $5,000 to $7,000, it would make a less expensive, and interesting, alternative to the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider.
Here's your chance to get a practically new Fiat Spider in Georgia. It shows less than 7k original miles which explains it's amazing condition. At $24900 it's priced for collectors and serious enthusiasts, but maybe if you're in the market for a Miata as a second or third car, why not consider classic car ownership?
1982 FIAT SPIDER 2000 ! ONE OWNER CAR! TRUE MILES ONLY 6,700 MILES! NEW TIRES! IN PERFECT CONDITION, ALWAYS GARAGED AND WELL KEPT! COLLECTOR ALL ORIGNIAL CONDITION! RECENTLY SERVICED AND READY FOR A DAILY DRIVER OR PERFECT FOR A COLLECTOR.
Of course no one who's in the market for a new Miata would get swayed by this temperamental little Italian car from 3 decades ago, but it's a fair comparison pricewise. What do you think the actual selling price on a car like this will be?
Working with Sports Car Shop in Eugene, Oregon, I've had the pleasure of sampling a couple of these. As their webmaster, I get some brief seat time with most of their cars on the way to the park for photographs that end up on the website. They are a Double Bubble specialists and actually have 3 Abarth Zagato's right now!
On to the car seen here which is for sale in Chicago by another sports car specialist, we have a fantastic looking driver that proudly wears California Mille decals; an event I'd love to attend especially in great little specialty sports car like this one!
This car is in very good mechanical and cosmetic condition with new biscuit tan with black piping leather interior, fresh headliner, recently painted dash, restored instruments via Palo Alto Speedometer, refinished steering wheel. New floor pan, water pump, electric fuel pump, horn, steering control arm, etc. Has full roll cage & glass windows. Car was also prepped for the 2010 California Mille, an aggressive 5 day drive, keeping up with Porsche 356s, small Alfas and Lancias. Great fun in the mountain twisties. This is not a trailer queen. We drive it frequently for rallies and car shows. The car has been maintained by an Italian mechanic who specializes in Fiats and Ferraris.
California Mille Rally number can be easily removed as it is stick on. Buyer can either leave it on or we can remove it.
Click to view listing
The picture from behind demonstrates really well where this model gets it's nickname of double bubble. And I can confirm that from the inside these cars, those few extra inches of headroom would be critical if wearing a helmet as it's quite tight on the inside. That said, this one has a nice interior fitted that looks quite comfortable and stylish. Great looking car!
Another great offering from Sports Car Shop in Eugene, Oregon. With my very brief time behind the wheel, this car drove very nicely for a car of it's age. This particular example has had a respray and also had the bumpers and moldings shaved, making for a very clean look. Considering it's pedigree, it represents a pretty damn good value I think! Bidding has been brisk, so don't delay.
quote from seller's listing:
According to some publications only 387 of these understated but attractive 4 cam 2.4 liter Dino coupes were produced for the entire world. A spectacular Ferrari drivetrain in a sheep’s body. Unlike the 2 liters, all of the 2.4 liter cars were made in house at Ferrari and supplied the exact same and more robust 2.4 180 hp engine that was fitted to the 246 Dino. This V6 power is transmitted thru a ZF 5 speed gearbox . The four wheel Girling brakes for the 2.4s were shared with the De Tomaso Pantera and the Lamborghini Miura. This is the most desirable Dino coupe model as it has incorporated many improvements and the cast iron block 4 cam engine makes more power and torque than the earlier 2 liter. Rear suspension was also upgraded on the 2.4 cars. This is universally agreed to be the best and most durable version of the Dino Coupes.
As I've mentioned previously, I take most of the pictures for Sports Car Shop and I maintain their website. However, I do not represent their inventory or business with this blog post.
