2016 Abarth 695 Biposto - Dog Ring Gearbox

Please note the car is not fitted with the dog ring gearbox but a CAE short shifter kit fitted by Pro Alfa.

In recent years, Abarth has essentially become to FIAT what Alpina is to BMW; a high-performance 'skunkworks' division that takes something good and makes it great. Based on the cute and much-loved 500, the Abarth 500 came first, then the 595 Competizione and finally, at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, they launched the 695 Biposto. The Biposto designation comes from the Italian for 'two seats', indicating its focus on performance. The car has gained notoriety for its unique and engaging driving experience and one of its key features was the phenomenally expensive optional 'Dog Ring' gearbox, developed by Bacci Romano.

The 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine was lifted straight from Abarth’s 695 Assetto Corsa race car, with a 10bhp power increase over the Abarth 500 and 595 to 190bhp and 184lb/ft of torque. Fitted with an Akrapovic dual-stage exhaust with twin titanium tailpipes, 0-60mph takes just 5.9 seconds on the way to 143mph, retardation is provided by high-performance Brembo brakes and stability is assisted by a mechanical self-locking diff.

Visually, the Biposto has a distinctive look with a large rear spoiler, carbon front and rear diffusers, lightweight OZ 18" alloy wheels, a new front bumper, wider arches and new side-skirts. Buyers could have it in any colour they like, as long as it was Matte Performance Grey. The car is incredibly light, weighing in at 974kg dry with the interior being somewhat spartan, with a tiny hint of luxury. It features leather and Alcantara Sabelt Abarth Corsa racing bucket seats with 695 stitching, optional carbon shells, a titanium rear brace by Poggipolini and carbon fibre door panels. No radio or air conditioning with the focus on saving weight.

This 2016 example presents incredibly well, arguably even better than new, due to its recently reupholstered interior and is thankfully fitted with the all-important Dog Ring gearbox. It has covered a mere 16,200 miles from new in the hands of its three owners and comes with a full-service history, with another service undertaken to prepare it for sale, along with a fresh MOT. The car is fully ceramic-coated with its callipers re-coloured to the Biposto 220 branding.

It’s finished in the usual Matte Grey paintwork with Lime Green details and bronze wheels. The interior has been fabulously upgraded with tan leather seats, the gear shift surround, door cards and carpets and these features make this little pocket-rocket stand out for all the right reasons, as if the £8,500 gearbox wasn’t already enough of a standout feature.

Having partaken in just two half-day track sessions, our vendor has shamelessly been bitten by the track day bug and with the Biposto’s bigger Italian brother having already arrived, it is time for the Abarth to find its next home.

Presumably due to cost, only a small number ever left the factory with this amazing gearbox, making it a sought after collector's item. So seldom seen in the UK, with examples fetching comfortably north of £35,000 globally, this very attractively priced little Italian jewel could be a fun addition for any Collection or enthusiast.