Tag Archives: Abarth

Fiat

1959 Fiat Abarth 2200

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Having been a car enthusiast for many years, there are still vehicles I come across from time to time that I had no idea existed. Such is the case with this Fiat Abarth 2200. This car has hints of Ferrari and Maserati about it, and possibly a bit of GAZ 21 Volga in the rear flanks. Considering the looks, it is rather surprising to find this coupe is based on Fiat's executive car of the day, the 1800/2100 saloon. Bodied by Allemano, it features an enlarged, triple carb version of the 2100's inline six cylinder engine, which was designed by Aurelio Lampredi of Ferrari V12 fame. This particular Abarth 2200 has a unique ownership history and currently resides in The Netherlands.

1959 Fiat Abarth 2200

As the story goes, this Abarth 2200 was purchased off of the floor at the 1962 Turin Auto Salon by Briggs Cunningham for his wife who promptly rejected the gift after the car was already imported to New Jersey. The car was totally restored in black in 1988, and the only other similar coupe in existence remains in a museum in Italy after it was originally owned by Carlo Abarth’s wife. Cunningham added the spoke wheels stateside and photos are included which show it with original steel wheels and hubcaps. The car has been with the same owner for the last 20 years since the restoration, but has been somewhat neglected as it needs electrical sorting and exterior freshening. The 6-cylinder engine has three Weber carbs and produced 140hp when new. This is an impressive specimen and the rarity and connection to Cunningham are both very interesting. Show cars were often rolled off the stage and used daily back in this time period, and we’ve seen many of the Italian one-off designs grabbing big money on the auction stages lately. A great driver with the Abarth-tuned engine.

This is one very pretty coupe with an impressive history tied to two very famous motorsport icons. Considering that, along with the rare performance hardware seen under the hood, the price of $70,000 USD doesn't seem too unreasonable, especially when you take into consideration what smaller Abarth models have been selling for these days. With a bit of TLC, this could make for a very nice usable classic, one which could very well appreciate in the coming years.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1985 Fiat Ritmo 130TC Abarth

Every since the original Volkswagen Golf GTI appeared on the scene, the automotive landscape has never been the same. The hot hatchback took over where the roadster left off in the 1970s, and cars such as the Mini Cooper S, current Volkswagen GTI and Fiat 500 Abarth offer motorists big fun in small packages. One of my favorite hot hatchbacks of the 1980s is a bit of a dark horse. The Fiat Ritmo, or Strada as it was known here in North America, didn't exactly set the sales charts on fire. That could possibly be attributed to the fact that they weren't the most attractive or well built vehicles. Another reason could be the mere fact that Fiat omitted their hot version from the lineup here, namely the 105TC, 125TC and finally, the 130TC that we see here. The 130TC was a dual carb little monster, capable of 60 mph from a standstill in about seven and a half seconds from its twin cam, 2.0 liter 128 horsepower four cylinder engine. This very original example is for sale in Potenza on the Italian Adriatic coast.

1985 Fiat Ritmo 130TC Abarth

Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130TC, 1985, 2000cc, 89,000km, red over black interior. Black and gray plate, in original condition and perfect shape. Original exhaust and wheels, new brakes, new reconditioned carburetors, new fuel pump, new belt. Ready to immediately use. Enrolled in the ASI, beautiful and fitted with certificate of historical importance.

As with most Italian cars, red suits this Ritmo Abarth. The asking price of over $11,000 USD is a hard figure to swallow when the best, most original Strada here in the US may bring $2,000 to $3,000. But, for those intrepid enthusiasts, there is a lot of interesting machinery that is now legal to import stateside, this fiery little hatchback being one of them.

-Paul

Lancia, Modern Classic

1984 Lancia A112 Abarth

The Lancia A112 was an offshoot of the Autobianchi A112, itself a derivative of the Fiat 127. Under both manufacturer umbrellas, the A112 was given the Abarth treatment. This 1984 model represents the end of the model run, as the last Abarth A112 was produced in 1986. With 70 horsepower in a package not much larger than an original Mini Cooper, fun times ensued. This example for sale in the Netherlands has about 60,000 miles on the clock and has been fairly well preserved.

1984 Lancia A112 Abarth

While little in terms of a description is provided, this does look to be a rather unmolested example. These are great little cars and a good option for those seeking something just a little bit larger and more powerful than the Fiat 500 but with more of the "what's it" factor than Minis and small VW hatchbacks of the same era.

-Paul

Fiat

1975 Fiat 500 Abarth 695 SS Clone

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Sometimes you don't need a supercar to experience huge motoring thrills. Even the smallest of cars, such as this recreation of a Fiat 500 Abarth 695 SS will provide big car thrills in a small package for relatively little cost. While this 695 SS is not an original, it is well executed example with good attention to detail, from the Jaeger gauge cluster to Abarth badges.

1975 Fiat 500 Abarth 695 SS Clone

Really nice Fiat Abarth 695 esse esse with the coveted Assetto Corsa kit. Vehicle is complete, including the original Jaeger dashboard. Vehicle has been restored by a Fiat specialist. During restoration, the engine was overhauled and gearbox rebuilt. Vehicle is on the new Avon tires. Ready to use for the historic motor sport (including street legal). This 500 is completely rust free.

At a shade under $13,000 USD, this Abarth clone is priced around the going rate for standard 500s in the US. Considering an original 695 SS may run around $40,000 to $50,000, this is a relative bargain. Given the fact modern clones are more usable than the originals, both with regards to drivability and the fear of devaluation that comes with use, I think I would be more inclined to buy a sorted example like this rather than pay for the premium of an expensive museum piece.

-Paul

Fiat

1959 Fiat 750 Abarth Allemano Spider

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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

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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

Fiat

1987 Fiat Ritmo 130TC Abarth

Following on to the Innocenti de Tomaso Turbo we featured yesterday, here is another, larger hot Italian hatchback. Known as the Strada ("road" in Italian) where it was sold in North America until 1982, the Ritmo, or "rhythm," was Fiat's answer to the Volkswagen Golf GTI. With the rise in popularity of the hot hatchback in the 1980s, Fiat was not about to be shortchanged. The first sporty Ritmo, the 105TC, appeared in 1981. This car had a 1.5 liter, 104 horsepower twin cam four cylinder engine, however, it lacked the Abarth name. Later that year, the Abarth 125TC was unleashed with a 2.0 liter, 123 horsepower engine. The final evolution of the Abarth Ritmo was the 130TC, with a higher output 2.0 liter engine, producing 128 horsepower. The 130TC was upgraded with twin carburetors, Recaro seats and upgraded alloy wheels. This car could reach 60 mph in 7.8 second, which was extremely fast for its day and outpaced many of its rivals. Our feature car is for sale in the south of Italy with about 40,000 miles on the clock.

1985 Fiat Ritmo 130TC Abarth

From my private collection I am selling my Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130TC series 3, 1985. Amazing undercarriage, perfect Recaro interior, 65,000 km with excellent mechanicals. All documentation, new rubber, trim, fast with excellent roadholding. Price is negotiable, just €9,800 (~ $12,800), plus expenses for the ride. I do not respond to e-mail, I evaluate trade-ins of old cars to my liking, or exchange for a red Alfa Romeo 155 Q4, 156 GTA, 75 turbo America, 3000, 3000 V6, 147 GTA, Escort Cosworth, Renault 5 GT Turbo or other interesting trades.

The Ritmo has was never a favorite of mine, but with the twin cam engine, styling tweaks and Abarth's DNA enfused into it, suddenly this becomes an attractive package. It might not be engineered as well as the VW GTI (most certainly the reason they are more scarce), but it exudes that Latin flair which turns what appears to be an irrational choice into an almost irresistible one.

-Paul

Fiat

1962 Fiat 2300 S Coupe

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Italian coupes have always been an interesting lot and more often than not, as these strikingly handsome sporting vehicles were based on the underpinnings of rather pedestrian sedans. The Fiat 2300 S Coupe was styled by Ghia with production subcontracted to OSI. The car's roofline was unlike anything else on the market at the time, with a forward swept C pillar that predated the similar looking Plymouth Barracuda by four years. The coupe had a wider track and more aggressive final drive gearing than it's sedan counterpart, and the S version saw the employment of dual carburetors to give the overhead valve straight six cylinder engine 136 horsepower. Our feature car is a two owner original vehicle for sale near Turin, Italy.

1962 Fiat 2300 S Coupe

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Original and very rare Fiat 2300 S Coupe. Always maintained. It runs perfectly. Original matching number engine. This rare coupe has been made by Fiat involving Abarth factory for the mechanics and the engine. This car has been homologued by ASI (the most relevant Italian classic car association, the Italian branch of FIVA) with the gold plate for its stunning original preserved status. Sold new in Turin, the car has original Italian title and first original black plate Turin. Only 2 owner since new. The odometer signs 66333 km. Everything on this rare coupe is original and it works!

Big Fiats are rare, interesting beasts and this coupe is no exception. They often are viewed as a Ferrari for the working man, as many of them had larger engines and accoutrements befitting vehicles with more prestigious nameplates. As with most upmarket Fiats, few examples are still on the road these days, so to find one in original, numbers matching condition is a real treat.

-Paul

Fiat, Modern Classic

1976 Fiat 131 Abarth

We've covered a good amount of Lancia's rally history in this past week, but during their spate of wins in the 1970s and 1980s, Fiat had a few successes of their own. Namely, with this car, the 131 Abarth. This car is a three time World Rally Championship, winning the title in 1977, 1978 and 1980 along with 18 race victories between 1976 and 1981. Of course, to go racing, manufacturers had to homologate the vehicle they were entering into competition, which is the genesis behind the road version we see here. These cars had the twin cam 2.0 liter Abarth engine good for 140 horsepower fed through a five speed gearbox driving the rear wheels. The seller states this is about one of 200 of the original 400 built that still exist to this day. I was surprised to see such a rare, original piece of rallying history located a little over an hour due south of my ancestral home in Portugal.

1976 Fiat 131 Abarth

131 Abarth - the nightmare of the Escort. 1 of 200 survivors of the 400 built to homologate group 4. Unique in Portugal. Four time winner of the Rally of Portugal, three times with Markku Alen (1977, 1978 and 1981) and one time with Walter Röhrl (1980). World Champion in 1977, 1978 and 1980.

2000cc, independent suspension, limited slip differential exclusive original model (same as group 4), 155-160 hp, lightweight fiber exterior panels built by Bertone, Aluminum doors. Two Weber 44 IDF carburetors with Abarth intake manifold (optional). Cromodora Wheels 15x7 "original manifold and carburetor preserved and included as standard. Engine and chassis numbers correct and original. Totally original/never restored. Imported from private collection in Italy. Much better than having money in the bank!

Beyond its pedigree and butch looks, the 131 is a significant car for me because my mother drove when I was born. Granted, her car was a pale yellow 1978 131 Mirafiori two door with a GM sourced 3 speed automatic transmission, but it still possessed the crisp Italian lines and quite comfortable seats which proved their worth on long trips. It wasn't the most reliable car, evidenced by the fact my parents traded the 131 in for a 1983 Honda Accord hatchback and owned Hondas for 15 years thereafter. Even still, it hasn't soured me on Italian cars and now, over 30 years on, cars such as this 131 Abarth have become a legend in their own right.

The asking price of €66,000 (~ $87,000 USD) is very strong money, even for such a limited run, championship winning vehicle. The exchange rate has not been kind to the dollar, but having been listed for almost two months, I can't help but think we are around $20,000 above the proper price point for this car, especially when you have low mileage Lancia Delta Integrale Evolutions out there in the $25,000 to $40,000 USD equivalent range. Granted, those cars will not be street legal in the US for another four years. For me, though, it would be worth the wait.

-Paul

Fiat, Uncategorized

1975 Autobianchi A112 Abarth

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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.

1975 Autobianchi A112 Abarth

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.

-Paul

Fiat

1959 Fiat 750 Abarth Allemano Spider

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 Fiat 750 Abarth Allemano Spider

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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.

-Paul