Vehicle Description
In the 1950s, Fiat's small, humble and rugged automobiles helped
put Italy - and much of the rest of Europe - back on wheels. Fiats
of the post war period were excellent basic transportation, and
while the company had an illustrious record in motorsports prior to
WWII, they were long done with factory supported racing. But in
1952, the Austrian-born Italian transplant Carlo (n�e Karl) Abarth
came along to unlock the hidden potential within those tiny Fiats.
A skilled engineer and former European championship-winning
motorbike sidecar racer, Abarth offered tuning kits before moving
on to modified production cars and eventually his own, bespoke
racing machines. Carlo Abarth would work his magic on numerous cars
throughout his career including Lancia, Simca and even Porsche, but
it is the relationship with Fiat that cemented his firm's
reputation and brought them the overwhelming majority of their
competition success. 1956 witnessed the introduction of the Fiat
600-based Abarth 750. Built to contest the highly competitive 750
cc classes at events like the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio, Abarth
used the basic 600 chassis and suspension architecture, but
essentially scrapped everything else in the name of lightness and
power. Fiat's four-cylinder water-cooled engine was punched out to
767 cc and upgraded with new intake, a reworked cylinder head, and
free flowing exhaust. Oil capacity was increased via a larger sump
which served to keep things cool and prevent starvation during hard
cornering. Different coachbuilders were contracted to build bodies,
but it is the work of Zagato that is most often associated with the
classic Abarths of the 1950s and 1960s. Zagato's rounded shape
helped cheat the wind, and the roof featured a pair of humps to
allow a bit of extra head room for helmeted drivers - earning the
car the nickname "Double-Bubble". The rear engine lid featured twin
scoops that mimicked the roofline and fed additional cooling air to
the engine at speed. Light weight and devastatingly effective, the
Abarth 750 Zagato satisfied Carlo Abarth's expectation for a
smallbore G.T. car that could not only dominate its own class, but
run at the sharp end of the field against cars twice its capacity.
This 1959 Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato is a proven and
wonderfully-presented example of the desirable, pint-sized racer
for the road. It is in excellent condition throughout, benefitting
from sympathetic restoration work and expert care. This car,
chassis number 558327, was built in road-going trim and is equipped
with bumperettes front and rear, as well as a smattering of
additional trim to thinly disguise its purposeful, race-bred roots.
The Zagato-built coachwork is in excellent condition; the alloy
panels being very straight and clean, and exhibiting very good fit.
The bright red paintwork shows in fine order throughout, having
mellowed slightly since its restoration. Other features include
covered headlamps, correct wheels with chrome hubcaps, and badges
that proudly proclaim Abarth's past success in 750 Gran Turismo
racing. The signature Italian pushbutton handles open the
featherweight door to reveal a surprisingly spacious interior that
belies the tiny outside proportions. Taller drivers will appreciate
Zagato's signature roofline as well as the rear-engine layout that
affords plenty of leg room. The seats are trimmed in biscuit tan
leather with black piping, along with black carpeting and tan
panels. The interior was refreshed in approximately 2004 and it
remains in excellent condition today, the seats having just taken
on a broken-in character that suits the car well. For road rally
duty, a roll bar has been integrated behind the seats. The dash
features a full complement of original Jaeger gauges and the
wood-rimmed, period Nardi wheel has been refinished to a high
standard. While the interior certainly feels special on its own,
the excitement really comes once the gutsy little four-cylinder
engine is fired up. This car is powered by a later 903 c.c.
850-series engine, but it retains many important and correct Abarth
components such as twin 34-mm exhausts and the high-capacity
finned-alloy sump. Fiat were masters of efficient packaging, and
while the tiny engine bay is tight, all major components are
surprisingly easy to access for service and the engine on this
example is very well presented with correct fittings and hardware.
The lively little engine runs strong and this car has proven itself
on events such as the challenging California Mille in 2010. Paired
with that wonderful engine is a sublime chassis with delicate
steering, four wheel independent suspension and powerful drum
brakes. Tipping the scales at just 1180 pounds, the Abarth 750
Zagato is a true featherweight. Small but mighty, the Double Bubble
Abarth can easily hang with Porsche 356s and Alfa Romeos of twice
its displacement - and there is no shortage of drivers who have
experienced the surprise of being passed by one! While there is no
doubt that this Abarth 750 Zagato is a desirable collector piece,
it is also one of the most charming and enthralling driver's cars
of the era. Sure to bring great pleasure to its next owner, this
wonderfully presented example is eligible for numerous rallies,
tours and track events worldwide.
