1967 Fiat Abarth 595

Karl Abarth, later known as Carlo Abarth, was born in Austria. He created a small manufacturing empire in Italy during the 1950s building performance exhaust systems and parts for Fiats and other European makes. Carlo adopted his Scorpio birth sign as the logo for his company. He soon evolved into a car manufacturer in his own right. Fiat most often supplied the body shells or partly completed cars, which Abarth modified. The Fiat/Abarth arrangement benefited both concerns since it resulted in the many class victories that his cars captured in competition.After years of producing stylish special-bodied Fiat-based coupes and sedans, Abarth introduced 595 and 695 as a baby rear-engine Fiat 500. When compared to the production version, you will note the 595 was virtually identical except for the logo, badge on the radiator grille and the coat-of-arms on both sides of the car. Like all Abarths, the key differences are found in the mechanical upgrades that pushed its top speed to over 90mph. The two cylinders were "siamesed' in special cast iron, the exhaust pipes leading up to it were polished, the valve-springs were upgraded and specially designed pistons and camshaft fitted. Further modifications were made to the original piston rods and crankshaft. The original carburettor was increased in size and an Abarth twin exhaust fitted. The lubrication system was also modified with the adoption of a special gear pump.This very rare genuine Fiat Abarth 595 was originally supplied by Radbourn Racing, the official UK Abarth importer/dealer, in 1967. Complete with original buff log book and large history file, the last owner treasured it for over 30 years. There are even service records from Radbourn over the years. PGP 338E has recently undergone a full bare body shell restoration to the highest standards and is presented in superb order. The only non-original modification is the sympathetic fitting of electric ignition. Offered today at a most realistic estimate, this Italian icon is one of only a handful genuine right-hand drive Abarths with supporting paperwork.