1959 FIAT-Abarth 750 GT Zagato 'Double Bubble' Coupé

• Delivered new to California, USA
• Formerly part of the Stolze Collection in The Netherlands
• Maintained by marque specialists Middle Barton Garage
• Sale includes spare, period-correct, 747cc engine and exhaust

Originally finished in Rubino Chiaro with beige interior, this FIAT-Abarth 750 GT Zagato 'Double Bubble' Coupé was exported to Burbank Sports Cars, California by Jim 'JP' Parkinson, then importer for Abarth North America, in 1959. Its early history is unknown but the car is recorded in John de Boer's comprehensive The Italian Car Registry.

Produced in limited numbers in period, believed to count circa 500 examples, the Double Bubble achieved racing success in the form of an historic 1-2-3 in class at the 1957 Mille Miglia. They were, however, built primarily for racing and fast road use, so very few survived unscathed. This Series III example is consequently rare in its own right, but to include all it's road trim features – front and rear bumperettes, wind deflectors and headlight trim – puts it in highly exclusive company.

In 2006 the Abarth was acquired from the Stolze Collection in The Netherlands, and between 2007 and 2010 was restored in Noosa, Australia. In 2010 the car was a finalist in the Australian Classic Car 'Restoration of the Year' contest, and at the Noosa Classic 2010 received the 1st place award in the 'European Sports Cars' category.

The car returned to Europe circa 2014 and in 2015 was acquired by the current owner who completed the restoration, returning many components to factory specification. Our vendor has covered circa 1,700 miles in the car since acquisition.

The chassis, aluminium body and all glass (excluding one quarter window) have been confirmed as original to the car, which has been reunited with its restoration log containing receipts and an extensive digital photographic archive of works. The engine currently installed is an 843cc unit with 36DCD Weber carburettor, and features a bespoke, period-correct 'Stinger' exhaust and headers fabricated by Middle Barton Garage (original header and exhaust included in sale).

The Abarth is registered with the FIVA, certifying its correctness in all material respects. The car has been maintained to concours standard by the owner and Tony Castle-Miller at Middle Barton Garage. It has featured in Octane magazine (June 2020, on file); Auto Italia (August 2017, on file); and FIAT Avanti (2010, prior to current ownership). The Abarth has also been invited to and shown at many major UK concours and events, including the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed 'Cartier Style et Luxe' and the 2018 London Concours in the grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company. Other events attended include the following:

The Silverstone Classic 2016
The Warren Classic 2017
Goodwood House Annual Vehicle Display 2017
St John's Wood Classic & Supercar Pageant 2017
Abarth UK Historic & Classic Abarth Display 2017

Belying it's diminutive size, this beautifully designed car has enough interior space for two adults with overnight baggage and so lives up to it's Gran Turismo credentials. At 6'4", the current owner can fit comfortably, even whilst wearing a helmet, and it has been put through it's paces at various circuits in recent years.

Acquired and rebuilt with new-old-stock components, including a very rare original Abarth crankshaft, a factory-correct 747cc engine is included in the sale together with an original tool kit and jack, and a bespoke Classic Additions car cover. The car is Abarth Squadra Storica certified and comes with a UK V5C registration document and FIVA identity card.