In the hobby of classic cars we love them all but there are a few ones that come along which are truly a special piece of history. In 1947 Carlo Abarth was the sporting director for the Cisitalia racing team. Just one year later that manufacturer folded so Mr. Abarth decided he would go into business himself. He took over their assets and in March of 1949 Abarth & C was established in Bologna, Italy. The logo was drawn up based on Carlo's astrological sign, Scorpio, and they were literally off to the races. Eventually this race car maker would move to Turin, which was the headquarters for Fiat, and a new relationship was established. Fiat agreed to pay Abarth direct fees for competition finishes so Abarth in response started entering cars in every conceivable class throughout countries all over the world. With that, they naturally gained road race experience and would go on to leave a legacy. In 1971 Fiat ultimately purchased the company and put it under their racing department to manage their rally cars. One of the Abarth creations was based on the Fiat 500 and was known as the Abarth 695 Esse Esse (SS). Well this 1975 is one of those cars and has been professionally restored. The car has received regular maintenance by Shade Tree Enginetrics in Dallas, who specialize in specialty Italian vehicles, and they have inspected the car top to bottom. In their professional opinion this car is the real deal making it quite the unique and rare Fiat. The story goes that Abarth produced a "famous wooden box" that contained the kit to convert the Fiat into a rally car which was sometimes done by the factory but other times at a dealer. They feel it is impossible to make a 100% accurate tribute using aftermarket parts. Aftermarket parts are easily identifiable and although they might be able to get 50% of the way they wouldn't get close to this one. The brakes, brake lines, master cylinder, front leaf springs, spindles, etc are all correct and was the original Abarth conversion. This car is in great shape, entirely rust free and is the correct 233 White color. Up top is a retractable canvas roof which functions and is in excellent shape. All over the body the car wears the Abarth and 695 emblems which are in great condition. Small chrome bumper are fixed to the front and rear and have a nice shine. It sits on Valbrem wheels with Pirelli tires that are in great condition.
This rear engine car is powered by a 689cc motor and the engine cover opens to the back. It features the Abarth improved custom camshaft, larger carburetor, bored out cylinders, and all the other modifications that made it the ultimate Fiat. It also received its famous double-outlet exhaust system that gave it its iconic sound. It is a super fun car to zip around in and runs/drives great. It has a 4 speed manual transmission that shifts well and these were also regularly modified for track application. Underneath you will note various Abarth parts which were all installed to improve performance and strength. The car has received regular maintenance since restored with the fluids all being regularly serviced. In front under the boot is where you will find the spare/jack and fuel tank. It is a pretty tough car to drive around in without having a smile on your face!
The interior is in great shape and it has dual bucket seats up front. In back is a seat as well and it is upholstered like it would have been originally with the Red and White combination. Between the seats you will note the Abarth shifter along with the E-brake and fire extinguisher. In front of the driver is the 3 spoke Abarth steering wheel and the Abarth Veglia 4 gauge cluster. The ignition is located on the center of the White painted dash a long with various Abarth 695 Esse Esse emblems throughout.
This is such a neat car and the number of these still in existence is unknown. It catches everyone's eye wherever it goes and is a very unique piece of automobilia history.
