Lot 174: 1963 Fiat-Abarth 1000 Berlinetta

An innovative concern with a sporting pedigree second to none, Abarth branched out from producing induction and exhaust systems into selling performance kits for production cars, later building a succession of aerodynamically-stylish sports prototypes and limited-series production cars.

One of Abarth’s most successful series of GT cars was based on the FIAT 600, the first of these handsome little Zagato-bodied coupés - the 750 - appearing in 1956. The 600 chassis was used with scant modification apart from changing spring rates and up-rating the front brakes to twin-leading-shoe operation, yet despite this apparent handicap coped remarkably well with the Abarth’s greatly increased performance. The latter was achieved by boring and stroking the 600’s 633cc four-cylinder engine to 747cc and modifying or replacing just about every other component, the result being an increase in maximum power from 23bhp at 4,000rpm to 44bhp at 6,000 revs. The next stage of development saw the 750 equipped with an Abarth-designed double-overhead-camshaft cylinder head, models thus equipped being dubbed ‘Bialbero’ (Twin-cam). Abarth’s diminutive coupés were soon dominating the small-capacity classes in international GT racing, often humbling cars equipped with engines double their size in the process.

For the next generation of Abarths the 600D engine was stretched still further, to 1,000cc, and was available in its original overhead-valve
configuration or with the Bialbero ’head. Braking was much improved on these later cars thanks to the adoption of Girling front discs.

This FIAT-Abarth was supplied new with the 1,000cc overhead-valve engine installed and this original unit, although not presently fitted, is available via separate negotiation. The current engine (also ohv) is an Abarth Tipo A112. The car was first registered in Geneva, Switzerland in 1963 and has been in the current ownership since 1979. It has undergone extensive restoration, completed in 1998, and comes with a large file of photographs documenting the process. Presented in excellent condition, the car is offered with Swiss registration papers.
If this car is to remain in the EU, local taxes will be applicable.

Cette Fiat-Abarth a été vendue neuve avec le moteur 1000 cm3 à soupapes en tête et ce groupe, non installé dans la voiture, est disponible séparément. Le moteur actuel (également à culbuteurs) est un Abarth Tipo A112. La voiture, immatriculée à l’origine à Genève (Suisse) en 1963, est aux mains du propriétaire actuel depuis 1979. Elle a bénéficié d’une restauration en profondeur achevée en 1998 et elle est livrée avec un dossier de photos illustrant les travaux effectués. Présentée en excellent état, elle possède ses papiers d’immatriculation suisses.
Si cette voiture doit rester en Europe, les taxes locales devront être appliquée.