To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Arizona
event, 17 - 18 January 2019.
Estimate:
$80,000 - $100,000
- Celebrated �Double-Bubble' Zagato coachwork
- Upgraded 850-series 903-cc engine
- Sympathetically restored
- Ideal entrant for vintage driving events
The Abarth Zagato coupe was unveiled in 1956, and it did not take
long for it to start making news, as it took a 2nd in class at the
Mille Miglia. The following year, a total of five cars finished the
Mille Miglia, with Alfonso Thiele driving one to a 1st place finish
in the 750-cc class. Many a racer felt the sting of being passed
and finishing behind a car emblazoned with the Abarth scorpion.
This Fiat-Abarth 750 GT with �double-bubble' coachwork by Zagato is
a wonderful example. It is in excellent condition throughout,
benefitting from a sympathetic restoration and expert care. This
Abarth, chassis no. 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 bright red paintwork shows in fine order throughout,
having mellowed nicely since its restoration. Other features
include covered headlamps, correct wheels with chrome hubcaps, and
badges that proudly proclaim Abarth's past success in Gran Turismo
racing.
The signature Italian pushbutton handles open the featherweight
door to reveal a surprisingly spacious interior. 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 remains in excellent condition today, the
seats having taken on a pleasant 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. A refinished wood-rimmed, period Nardi steering wheel
rounds out the interior.
This car is powered by a later 903-cc 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 California
Mille in 2010. It would undoubtedly be a welcome entrant for future
driving events.To view this car and others currently consigned to
this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/az19.
