1964 FIAT 500 Abarth 595 SS

Abarth’s speciality was his ability to implement the right mechanical upgrades for any given package, and the 595 did not disappoint. A special cylinder casting was used, and the exhaust ports and manifold pipes were polished. New valve springs were fitted, along with a revised camshaft that permitted higher engine speeds and correspondingly greater output. Specially designed pistons were fitted, and the rods and crankshaft were improved. Even the lubrication system was modified, with the adoption of a special gear-driven high-output pump situated at the bottom of the sump. These mechanical improvements transformed the little 500 and resulted in a significant increase in power, from 22 to 30 horsepower, though the biggest gain was in mid-range torque. Abarth’s conversion halved the standard car’s acceleration times endowing the 595 with a top speed of more than 75 mph and lowered suspension and wider wheels and tyres transformed the little Fiat's handling. Those still not satisfied could opt for the 595 SS (essesse in Italian) which offered around 34bhp and 80mph.

This 595 SS is a rare factory car with an Abarth chassis number as well as a Fiat one and according to its current UK V5C, it was first registered on 01/01/1964, however, the accompanying Automobile Club D’Italia ‘Libretto’ dates the car from 01/12/1964 which is probably more accurate. It was based on a 500D hence the rear-hinged ‘suicide doors’ whilst the specific donor car originally had a canvas section over the front half and a metal panel for the rear section which was replaced as part of the Abarth conversion with a full length bolt-in metal panel to replace the soft top.

Originally built as a 595 SS, at some point it was upgraded to a 38bhp, 695 SS spec.

DTV 338B (the illustrated registration number, 67 CAN, does not form part of the sale) certainly looks the part with its enlarged arches, wide wheels and a substantial amount of negative camber and its low purposeful stance shouts ‘racer’ from every angle. It presents very well in Bianco with lots of Abarth badging and the trademark ‘Corsa’ mirrors. Finished in Red Vinyl, the interior is classic Abarth with the correct bucket seats, Jaeger instruments, Abarth polished-spoke steering wheel and the sense of authenticity is enhanced by the original dealer and RIA stickers on the glass.

First registered in the UK on 01/08/2015, this stunning little Abarth has been with our vendor in his amazing Collection ever since. As well as the aforementioned V5C and the ACD Libretto, the car is accompanied by some Italian import documentation and its current MOT Certificate which is valid until 21/03/2024.

This 595 SS features alongside the Giannini 500TV (which we are also offering) in a super article by Richard Heseltine in the January 2023 issue of Classic and Sportscar. What a great opportunity to see an Abarth and a Giannini, fierce rivals for the affections of the Fiat 500 buying public for many years, now sitting happily side by side.