£13,500
1964 FIAT ABARTH 595
Registration Number: DCK 108B
Chassis Number: 110D595595
Recorded Mileage: 2,900 kilometres
Austrian-born engineer Carlo Abarth left Cisitalia in 1948 to set up his own independent tuning business in Turin, starting with the production of bespoke induction and exhaust systems, later to expand into performance kits for (mainly FIAT) production cars. Carlo adopted his Scorpio birth sign as the logo for his company and soon evolved into a car manufacturer in his own right. Abarth later built a highly successful series of aerodynamically-stylish sports prototypes and production cars. FIAT most often supplied the body shells or partly completed cars, which Abarth modified and the FIAT/Abarth collaboration benefited both concerns, particularly in motorsport, since the many class victories captured by Abarth in fierce competition throughout Europe shone a favourable spotlight on Fiat's range of motor cars. Always innovative and competitive, Abarth was absorbed into the FIAT empire in 1972.
The 595 was a reworked version of FIAT’s 500; a new big-bore cylinder block boosted the previously 499cc air-cooled twin to 593cc. Higher-compression pistons, re-worked inlet ports, a special camshaft and exhaust system, and a larger carburettor helped raise power from 22 to 30bhp, though the biggest gain was in mid-range torque. Abarth's conversion halved the standard car's acceleration times and gave the 595 with a top speed of more than 75mph (120km/h). Lowered suspension and wider wheels and tyres helped the baby FIAT utilise the increased performance. Those still not satisfied could opt for the 595SS (Sprint Speciale), with 34bhp on tap and an 80mph top speed. badges inside and out. These little cars raced, rallied, and hill-climbed all over Europe, winning countless saloon championships along the way.
Based on a 1964 Fiat 500D with rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors, this lovely example was converted to Abarth 595 specification in period, and in 2004 imported into the UK from Italy. In 2017 the bodywork was stripped to bare metal and refinished in the correct shade of Bianco, and the correct Abarth badging refitted. This 595 conversion is fitted with period-correct Abarth engine components, rare Abarth wheels, period-style bucket seats, an original Abarth steering wheel and the correct Jaeger/Abarth instrument panel.
In the history file we find a letter from the Automobile Club D’Italia to confirm details of the car, a copy of the 'Abarth 595/695' book mentions this chassis and includes a period black/white image of the car during a road rally in period. Whilst this is encouraging, at this stage we do not claim this to be a genuine factory-built car, so advise potential buyers to do their own research before bidding. This great little Abarth presents very nicely and we understand is hugely enjoyable to drive, with nippy performance and tight handling. A rare example fitted with a number of desirable Abarth tuning parts, and a super addition to any collection.
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