Lot 335: 1957 Fiat-Abarth 750/850 Zagato

An innovative concern with a sporting pedigree second to none, Abarth branched out from producing induction and exhaust systems into selling performance kits for - mainly FIAT - production cars, later building a succession of aerodynamically stylish sports prototypes and limited-series production cars, many of which were produced in conjunction with Carrozzeria Zagato.
One of Carlo 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. Abarth’s diminutive coupés were soon dominating the small-capacity classes in international GT racing. Indeed, in SCCA events in the USA the 1-litre Abarth was obliged to compete against rivals displacing up to 3.8 litres and still proved capable of winning!
Restored in Italy in the mid-1990s, this Abarth 750 Zagato was purchased there 2-3 years ago by Tony Castle-Miller of world-renowned FIAT and Abarth specialists Middle Barton Garage. The car had been unused for some time and following extensive re-commissioning at Middle Barton was purchased from them by the vendor, who has used it sparingly. Modifications from standard specification - many of them popular in-period upgrades - include an 850TC (Turismo Competizione) engine, disc front brakes, Multipla rear drums, lowered and stiffened suspension, Plexiglas windows and smaller steering wheel. Eligible for a wide variety of prestigious historic motor sport events, the car is offered with current MoT/road fund licence and Swansea V5 document.