LOT 142
1957 Fiat-Abarth 750 GT Coupe Coachwork by Carrozzeria Zagato Chassis no. 100430930 Engine no. 100.000 693328 (see text)
Sold for US$78,400 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 142
1957 Fiat-Abarth 750 GT Coupe
1957 Fiat-Abarth 750 GT Coupe
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Zagato
Chassis no. 100430930
Engine no. 100.000 693328 (see text)
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Zagato
Chassis no. 100430930
Engine no. 100.000 693328 (see text)
767cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Weber 32IMP/e Carburetor
48bhp at 6800 rpm
4-Speed Manual Transaxle
Independent Front Transverse Leaf Springs and Coil Springs Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes
*Delivered new to the United States
*Known history from 1971-onward
*Abarth Mille Miglia-spec 750 Engine
*Restored and tuned by marque specialist Joe Potter
*Updated with disc brakes
*Shown at The Quail Motorsports Gathering in 2015
*Remarkably comfortable for nearly all drivers
*A small but mighty Abarth 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 that enhanced headroom, making the cabin surprisingly accommodating even for taller drivers. 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 CAR OFFERED
This 1958 Fiat Abarth "Double Bubble" is an outstanding example of Carlo Abarth's mighty mouse 750GT. According to John de Boer's The Italian Car Registry, chassis 430930 was originally delivered to the USA, although its early history is not fully known. Its known provenance picks up in 1971 when it was in the hands of Rik Beeson of Santa Cruz, California, a well-known Abarth collector who owned several examples over the years. Mr. Beeson kept 430930 in his care for three decades, eventually selling it to fellow Californian, Dana MacDuff. At the time of MacDuff's acquisition, the little Abarth was still largely original, with traces of roundels visible on the bonnet and doors, pointing to a potentially sporting past prior to Beeson's tenure. The current engine, bearing number 693328, was rebuilt and supplied by Beeson, and is said by the consignor and previous owners to be a genuine Mille Miglia unit, with a billet crank, correct Weber 32 IMP/e carburetor, Abarth cylinder head, Abarth intake, and Abarth stampings.
In 2005, it was acquired by a Russian collector and restorer who performed a well-detailed restoration, taking great care to source authentic items like original Sekurit glass, Lucas lenses, Magneti Marelli distributor, Abarth wheels, Raydot headlamps, and correct tachometer. It was then refinished from bare metal in a lovely and appropriately vibrant shade of red with white flashes on the fenders, over a tan leather-trimmed interior.
The consignor acquired the Abarth in 2015 at auction in Paris, France. He brought the car back to California, before sending it to Fiat-Abarth specialist Joe Potter of Oregon for additional restoration, detailing, upgrades (including disc brakes and knock-off Abarth wheels), and concours preparation. Since then, the globe-trotting little Abarth has been shown at the 2015 Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, 2017 China Classic Car Challenge in Beijing, China, 2018 Concorso Italiano in California (taking a well-deserved Best in Class), and the 2019 Concorso d'Eleganza in Kyoto, Japan.
Small but mighty, the Abarth 750GT is a beloved driver's car that delivers charm in spades. This wonderful example has been lovingly tended by its current and past owners, and with a handful of sensible updates to improve the experience even further, making this an opportunity not to be missed.
Saleroom notices
Title in transit. Please note, there is currently an issue with the head gasket. The seller will be contributing towards the repair of this post sale.
Additional information
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