1966 FIAT Abarth 595
Chassis no. 110F 1119016 Abarth 105 1775
Engine no. 110F000 1205176

After leaving Cisitalia in 1948, Austrian-born engineer Carlo Abarth set up as an independent in Turin, the home of the Italian auto industry. From producing induction and exhaust systems, Abarth branched out into selling performance kits for - mainly FIAT - production cars, later building a highly successful series of aerodynamically-stylish sports prototypes and limited-series production cars. An innovative concern with a sporting pedigree second to none, Abarth was taken over by FIAT in 1972.
With their FIAT 500-based 595, Abarth adopted the most cost-effective method of coaxing greater power from a small engine, a new big-bore cylinder block boosting the previously 499cc air-cooled twin to 593cc. Higher-compression pistons, re-worked inlet ports, a special camshaft and exhaust system, and a larger carburettor helped raise power from 22 to 30bhp, though the biggest gain was in mid-range torque. Abarth's conversion halved the standard car's acceleration times and endowed the 595 with a top speed of more than 75mph (120km/h). Lowered suspension and wider wheels and tyres helped the baby FIAT utilise the increased performance. Those still not satisfied could opt for the 595SS (Sprint Speciale), with 34bhp on tap and an 80mph top speed.
According to the accompanying copies of old Italian documents and the Estratto Cronologico, this FIAT Abarth 595 was first registered in the Vercelli province of Piedmonte in Northern Italy on 4th May 1966. The car remained in that region with a few more owners in Biella and Turin before being acquired by the German vendor in 2011.Since acquisition it has resided in an exclusive collection in Germany, where it has been looked after by the vendor's mechanic. Finished in dark blue with a contrasting red vinyl interior, the latter boasting the correct Jaeger instrument cluster, this 'pocket rocket' presents very well indeed. The car is offered with the aforementioned copies of the Italian documents; current German registration documents; and TÜV valid until November 2022.