1956 Abarth 750 Allemano Spyder

•Ultra-rare Abarth model
•Coachbuilt Italian style
•Offered from a UK-based private collection
•Eligible for a wide variety of the most prestigious events

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. Although the 750 was production based the customer had such freedom of choice, including engine specification, that it is rare to find two identical cars. 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. Tested by The Autocar magazine in 1958, the Abarth Zagato 750 GT scorched through the standing quarter-mile in 20 seconds on its way to maximum speed of 95mph, outstanding figures for such a small-engined car.

The next stage of development saw the 750 equipped with an Abarth-designed double-overhead-camshaft cylinder head that helped liberate 47bhp from the tiny engine, models thus equipped being dubbed 'Bialbero' (Twin-cam). Abarth's diminutive coupés were soon dominating the small-capacity classes in international GT racing. Indeed, in North American SCCA events the 1.0-litre Abarth was obliged to compete against rivals displacing up to 3.8 litres and still proved capable of winning!

Finished in blue metallic with magnolia interior and black hood, the Abarth 750 offered here wears striking spyder coachwork by Carrozzeria Allemano. The latter had been founded in Turin in 1928 by Serafino Allemano, specialising at first in the repair of cars before switching exclusively to design work in the mid-1930s. After WW2 Serafino's nephew, Mario joined the firm, which by 1950 had become renowned for its championing of modern, forward-looking styling themes typical of the 'Jet Age'.
Comprehensively restored and presented in excellent condition in every respect, this matching-numbers car previously formed part of a well-known Italian Abarth collection. The documentation includes previous Italian registration papers and a UK V5 registration document. The current owner purchased the car in 2010, since when it has formed part of his UK-based private collection and been looked after by his in-house mechanic.
Exquisite style from an Italian marque whose small-capacity GT cars are legendary, this beautiful little Abarth stands out from the crowd and is eligible for a wide variety of the most important historic events.