750cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Dual-Throat Weber Carburetor
70bhp at 6800 rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
Independent Front Transverse Leaf Springs and Coil Springs Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Delivered new to California
*Three owners from new
*Compact but comfortable for all drivers
*The perfect car for road and track

THE FIAT-ABARTH 750GT

From high efficiency exhaust systems in the 1930s, Karl (later Carlo) Abarth branched out into other performance parts for Italian cars small and large. In the early years after WWII he became the Italian distributor of Porsche and through that connected Ferry Porsche with Piero Dusio of Cisitalia to realize the Type 360 Grand Prix racer project. Cisitalia was forced into bankruptcy shortly thereafter and as a consultant to the company, Abarth was awarded most of the assets of Cisitalia as payment for his work. He developed the last of the Cisitalia chassis as Abarths, and then turned to building original Fiat-based cars.

Abarth hit his stride when the Fiat 600 of 1955 was launched, for in addition to supplying tuning parts, he developed an enlarged 750cc version of the 633cc engine, selling "derivazione" or "derivation" kits to dealers and garages for fitting into stock 600s. He also built complete cars in his factory, the best known of which were sleek, lightweight Zagato-bodied competition cars. The Fiat 600 Derivazione 750 Abarth Zagato made its debut at the 1955 Turin Auto show and began its racing career in 1956. It quickly established itself as a winner in European events and made a sweep of the first three places in the 750cc class at the 1957 Mille Miglia. The cars were equally successful in the US, on all types of tracks across the country. Later versions were nicknamed "Double Bubbles" for the distinctive roof humps made for enhanced headroom. Abarth was also a very clever businessman. His affordable miniature GT car was ideal for the private entry racer, the perfect "drive to the track, race and drive home" car. Through a sponsor partnership deal secured with Fiat, he was paid for every win or second place a "Fiat Abarth" scored.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This sporty Double Bubble was is understood to have been bought new by a Californian in 1960 and spent the better part of its life in the Golden State. The first owner retained the car for six years before selling it to its penultimate owner in 1966. Retained by this custodian for nearly a half a century, it was acquired by the present owner in 2012.

A long-time racer, the original engine was lost to time, as many were given the hard use most of these cars saw in period and today. The correct-type motor now in the car has been gently modified with a period-correct Iskenderian camshaft, larger exhaust headers, a meatier dual throat Weber carburetor, a front mounted fuel cell, and fire suppression system. In keeping with its focus on vintage motorsport, a rollbar with five-point racing belts and a headrest have been installed and an easier to ready AutoMeter tachometer now graces the dashboard.

Last actively campaigned at a VARA event in Fontana, California in July 2002, the car has been maintained and sparingly used since. Most recently the car has received a valve job and fluid flush, with this and other maintenance by the current owner carried out by Northeast Auto Doctors in Thomaston, Connecticut. The car is offered today complete with the original gas tank and exhaust headers—as well as some other miscellaneous parts.

It is not difficult to understand why values of these cars have been steadily rising. The opportunity to own a hand-built Zagato-bodied car with a superb competition heritage, completely usable on today's roads at such a reasonable price can't continue forever. Whether admired on the show field or blasting down a scenic road, this superb Fiat Abarth 750GT is sure to provide enjoyment far out of proportion to its compact size.