Abarth is an
ItalianItaly , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
racing car maker founded by Austrian-Italian
Carlo AbarthCarlo Abarth , born Karl Albert Abarth was an automobile designer. Abarth was born in Austria, but later was naturalized as an Italian citizen; and at this time his first name Karl was changed to its Italian equivalent of Carlo.-Before worldwar II:Abarth was born in Vienna, during the time of the...
and Italian Armando Scagliarini in
TurinTurin is a city and major business and cultural centre in northern Italy, capital of the Piedmont region, located mainly on the left bank of the Po River and surrounded by the Alpine arch. The population of the city proper is 909,193 while the population of the urban area is estimated by Eurostat...
in 1949. Its logo depicts a stylized
scorpionScorpions are predatory arthropod animals of the order Scorpiones within the class Arachnida. They have eight legs and are easily recognized by the pair of grasping claws and the narrow, segmented tail, often carried in a characteristic forward curve over the back, ending with a venomous stinger...
on a red and yellow background.
History
Carlo AbarthCarlo Abarth , born Karl Albert Abarth was an automobile designer. Abarth was born in Austria, but later was naturalized as an Italian citizen; and at this time his first name Karl was changed to its Italian equivalent of Carlo.-Before worldwar II:Abarth was born in Vienna, during the time of the...
began his well-known association with
FiatFIAT, an acronym for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino , is an Italian automobile manufacturer, engine manufacturer, financial, and industrial group based in Turin in the Italian region of Piedmont. Fiat was founded in 1899 by a group of investors including Giovanni Agnelli...
in 1952, building the
Abarth 1500 BipostoThe Abarth 1500 Biposto was an experimental coupe designed by Franco Scaglione, who worked for Bertone at the time. It was displayed at the 1952 Turin Motor Show...
upon Fiat mechanicals.
In the 1960s, Abarth & C. S.r.l was quite successful in
hillclimbingHillclimbing is a branch of motorsport in which drivers compete against the clock to complete an uphill course....
and
sports car racingSports car racing is a form of circuit auto racing with automobiles that have two seats and enclosed wheels. They may be purpose-built or related to road-going sports cars....
, mainly in classes from 850cc up to 2000cc, competing with
Porsche 904The Porsche 904 is an automobile which was produced by Porsche in Germany in 1964 and 1965. It was officially called Porsche Carrera GTS due to the same naming rights problem that required renaming the Porsche 901 to Porsche 911.- History :...
and Ferrari Dino.
Hans HerrmannHans Herrmann is a former Formula One and Sports car racing driver from Stuttgart, Germany.In F1, he participated in 19 World Championship Grands Prix, debuting on August 2, 1953...
was a factory driver from 1962 until 1965, winning the
500km NürburgringThe ADAC 1000 km Nürburgring is an endurance race for sports cars held on the Nürburgring in Germany and organized by the ADAC since 1953.- History :...
in 1963 with
Teddy PiletteTheodore "Teddy" Pilette is a former racing driver from Belgium. He participated in 4 Formula One World Championship Grands Prix, the first on 12 May 1974 with Bernie Ecclestone's Brabham team....
Later,
Johann AbtAbt Sportsline is a motor racing and auto tuning company based in Kempten im Allgäu, Germany. Abt mainly deals with Audi, and the related primary Volkswagen Group brands - Volkswagen, Škoda, and SEAT.-History:...
was promised by Carlo Abarth that he could drive a factory car for free if he won all the races he entered—which Abt nearly did, winning 29 of 30, the 30th being in second.
Along with its racing cars, Abarth produced high-performance exhaust pipes. Later, Abarth diversified in producing various tuning kits for road vehicles, mainly for
FiatFIAT, an acronym for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino , is an Italian automobile manufacturer, engine manufacturer, financial, and industrial group based in Turin in the Italian region of Piedmont. Fiat was founded in 1899 by a group of investors including Giovanni Agnelli...
. While there were many competitors in this segment, such as
GianniniGiannini Automobili S.p.A. is an Italian tuning company as well as a past producer of its own cars. Their focus has mainly been on Fiat cars. It was originally founded in 1920 by brothers Attilio and Domenico Giannini. The company headquarters are in Rome, Italy.-Origins:Originally founded in 1920...
, Abarth has largely dominated the Italian tuning market since the sixties. Abarth was also associated in producing sports or racing cars with
PorschePorsche Automobil Holding SE, usually shortened to Porsche SE a Societas Europaea or European Public Company, is a German based holding company with investments in the automotive industry....
and
SimcaSimca was a French automaker, founded in November 1934 by Fiat. It was directed from July 1935 to May 1963 by the Italian Henri Théodore Pigozzi...
.
Abarth was sold to Fiat on July 31, 1971, and the racing team sold to
Enzo OsellaOsella is an Italian racing car manufacturer and former Formula One team based in Volpiano near Turin, Italy. They participated in 132 Grands Prix between 1980 and 1990...
. Abarth became the racing department of Fiat, managed by famed engine designer
Aurelio LamprediAurelio Lampredi was an Italian automobile and aircraft engine designer.Born in Livorno, he began his career at Piaggio, makers of the Vespa scooter, but quickly moved up to larger engines...
. Some models built by Fiat or its subsidiaries
LanciaLancia Automobiles S.p.A. is an Italian automobile manufacturer founded in 1906 by Vincenzo Lancia and which became part of the Fiat Group in 1969. The company has a long history of producing distinctive cars and also has a strong rally heritage. Some modern Lancias are seen as presenting a more...
and
AutobianchiAutobianchi was an Italian automobile manufacturer, created jointly by Bianchi, Pirelli and Fiat in 1955. Autobianchi produced only a handful of models during its lifetime, which were almost exclusively small cars, with the biggest being the short-lived Autobianchi A111, a small family car...
were co-branded Abarth, the most famous being the Autobianchi A112 Abarth, probably the most popular "
boy racerBoy racers refer to people, usually males in their late teens or early twenties, who "cruise" around in vehicles modified with loud exhausts and stereos, or modified body kits. This behavior is frowned upon by members of the public irritated by the noise and the criminal behavior associated with...
" vehicle of its time on account of its lightness and low price. Abarth also prepared Fiat Group's rally cars like Fiat 124 Abarth and 131 Abarth. In the 80s Abarth name was mainly used to mark performance Fiats like Fiat Ritmo Abarth 130 TC. The name was almost forgotten in 1990s and in 2000s it was used like a trim/model level on FIAT cars, like the FIAT Stilo Abarth.
In 2007
Fiat Automobiles SpAFIAT, an acronym for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino , is an Italian automobile manufacturer, engine manufacturer, financial, and industrial group based in Turin in the Italian region of Piedmont. Fiat was founded in 1899 by a group of investors including Giovanni Agnelli...
relaunched the brand with the
Grande Punto AbarthThe Fiat Grande Punto is a car manufactured by the Italian automaker Fiat. It was unveiled on May 5, 2005 and replaced by the Punto Evo in 2010. In September 2011 Fiat unveil the Punto model year 2012, the new version will replaced the Grande Punto and the Punto Evo...
and the Grande Punto Abarth S2000. The brand is to be seen as a separate division to the main
FiatFIAT, an acronym for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino , is an Italian automobile manufacturer, engine manufacturer, financial, and industrial group based in Turin in the Italian region of Piedmont. Fiat was founded in 1899 by a group of investors including Giovanni Agnelli...
brand in a similar way that the
Renault SportRenault Sport Technologies is the France motorsport division of Renault. Renault Sport was responsible for Renault's sports car racing entries during the 1970s, including their win at the 1978 24 Hours of Le Mans race with the Renault Alpine A442.Actual Renault's Formula One team, Renault F1 in...
brand is to the mainstream
RenaultRenault S.A. is a French automaker producing cars, vans, and in the past, autorail vehicles, trucks, tractors, vans and also buses/coaches. Its alliance with Nissan makes it the world's third largest automaker...
. It is based in the
Officine 83, part of the old Mirafiori engineering plant.
The company
CEOA chief executive officer , managing director , Executive Director for non-profit organizations, or chief executive is the highest-ranking corporate officer or administrator in charge of total management of an organization...
is Harald Wester.
After years of sports competing on the continent, competition organisers announced the launch of a new Abarth 500 GB series for 2010. The competition was to represent a new high profile sponsored race series, which was staged at Oulton Park, Cheshire, on 3–5 April 2010. Building on the success of its namesake Italian and European series, the GB competition brought together a plethora of driver-talent from across the British Isles. The GB series was developed by the competitors for the competitors; by the sponsors for the sponsors, and by the fans for the fans. All Abarth Assetto Corse (limited edition) cars are built in Turin, Italy, and are checked to the highest standards. They are also subject to a shakedown and test at the Fiat Group proving ground in Balocco.
Current models
Abarth Punto EvoThe Fiat Grande Punto is a car manufactured by the Italian automaker Fiat. It was unveiled on May 5, 2005 and replaced by the Punto Evo in 2010. In September 2011 Fiat unveil the Punto model year 2012, the new version will replaced the Grande Punto and the Punto Evo...
|
Abarth 500 |
Abarth 500C |
- Supermini
- 3-door hatchback
|
City car
3-door hatchback |
City car
Cabriolet |
|
|
|
Cars produced by Abarth include the following models
- Fiat 500 Abarth
- Fiat Abarth 750
- Abarth 1000 TC (Fiat 600 Abarth)
- Abarth 1100 Scorpione Spider (Boano)
- Abarth 1500 Biposto
The Abarth 1500 Biposto was an experimental coupe designed by Franco Scaglione, who worked for Bertone at the time. It was displayed at the 1952 Turin Motor Show...
- Abarth Simca 2000
The Abarth Simca 2000 was an Italian high-performance automobile produced in the 1960s as a collaborative project of the Simca and Abarth companies in Turin, Italy.-Product description:...
- coupé
- Abarth 204A Berlinetta
- Abarth 205A Berlinetta
The Abarth 205 was a coupe sports car built by Austrian born tuning expert Carlo Abarth between 1950 and 1951. Only three cars were ever built....
- Alfa Romeo Abarth 2000 Coupe
- Abarth 207A Spyder
- Porsche 356B Carrera GTL Abarth
The Porsche 356 was the company's first production automobile. It was a lightweight and nimble handling rear-engine rear-wheel-drive 2 door sports car available in hardtop coupe and open configurations. Design innovations continued during the years of manufacture, contributing to its motorsports...
- Abarth Simca 1300 GT
- Fiat Abarth 850 TC Berlina
The Fiat 850 is a small longitudinal-rear-engined rear wheel drive car which was produced between 1964 and 1973.-Overview:Its technical design was an evolution of the very successful Fiat 600. The internal name for the Fiat 600 development project was "Project 100" and consequently, the internal...
- Fiat Abarth OT1000
- Fiat Abarth OT1600
- Fiat Abarth OT2000 Coupe
- Fiat Abarth Zagato 750 Record Monza
- Fiat Abarth Zagato 750 Record Monza Bialbero
- Fiat Abarth Allemano 750 Spider
- Fiat Abarth 1000TCR Berlina
- Autobianchi A112 Abarth
The Autobianchi A112 is a supermini produced by the Italian automaker Autobianchi. It was developed using the mechanicals which subsequently underpinned the Fiat 127. It was introduced in 1969, as a replacement for the Bianchina and Primula, and was built until 1986, when it made way for the more...
- Fiat Abarth 595 SS
- Fiat Abarth 695 SS
- Abarth OT 1300
The Scuderia La Fortuna was originally founded in 1963 under the name of Scuderia: Formula Libre. During the years 1960/70/80 the cars belonging to the Scuderia were used for circuit racing and not rallying, and they took part in national as well as international racing...
- Abarth Monomille
The Scuderia La Fortuna was originally founded in 1963 under the name of Scuderia: Formula Libre. During the years 1960/70/80 the cars belonging to the Scuderia were used for circuit racing and not rallying, and they took part in national as well as international racing...
- Abarth 695SS
The Scuderia La Fortuna was originally founded in 1963 under the name of Scuderia: Formula Libre. During the years 1960/70/80 the cars belonging to the Scuderia were used for circuit racing and not rallying, and they took part in national as well as international racing...
- Fiat Ritmo 125 TC Abarth
The Fiat Ritmo is an automobile from the Italian manufacturer Fiat, launched in 1978. Styled by Bertone of Italy, it was seen by some as the most distinctive looking small family car in Europe on its launch in 1978 Turin Motorshow. It was badged in Great Britain and North America as the Fiat Strada...
- Fiat Ritmo 130 TC Abarth
The Fiat Ritmo is an automobile from the Italian manufacturer Fiat, launched in 1978. Styled by Bertone of Italy, it was seen by some as the most distinctive looking small family car in Europe on its launch in 1978 Turin Motorshow. It was badged in Great Britain and North America as the Fiat Strada...
- Fiat 124 Abarth Rally
The Fiat 124 is a mid-sized family car produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat between 1966 and 1974. It was the replacement of the Fiat 1300 and Fiat 1500...
- Fiat 131 Abarth Rally
The Fiat 131, additionally called "Mirafiori", is a small/medium family car produced by the Italian car manufacturer Fiat from 1974 to 1984. It was exhibited at 1974 Turin Motor Show....
Cars not produced by Abarth but with Abarth badges include the following models
- Fiat Bravo GT/HGT (Abarth)
- Fiat Stilo (Abarth)
The Fiat Stilo is a small family car available as a 3-door and a 5-door hatchback, as well as an estate , produced by the Italian automaker Fiat Automobiles. The Stilo 3-door and 5-door were launched in 2001 to replace the Fiat Bravo/Brava, with the Stilo MultiWagon following in 2002...
- Fiat Punto (Abarth)
- Fiat Cinquecento Sporting (Abarth)
The Fiat Cinquecento was a city car designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro launched by Fiat in late 1991 to replace the Fiat 126. It was the first Fiat model to be solely manufactured in the FSM plant in Tychy, Poland, which had been sold to Fiat by the Polish state, and where production of the Polish...
- Fiat Seicento Sporting (Abarth)
The Fiat Seicento is a city car produced by the Italian company Fiat, introduced in late 1997 as a replacement for the Fiat Cinquecento. The Seicento did not differ much from its predecessor, retaining the same engines, chassis and general dimensions, although it did gain a minor 9 cm in length...
- Autobianchi A112 (Abarth)
New cars produced under Abarth & C. S.p.A. (2007— )
- Abarth 500
- Abarth 500 SS
- Assetto Corsa Rally
- 695 Tributo Ferrari
- Abarth Grande Punto (2007)
- Abarth Grande Punto SS (2007)
- Abarth Punto Evo
- Abarth 500C
Cars produced by other manufacturers with involvement from Abarth
- Lancia Delta S4
The Lancia Delta S4 is a Group B rally car that competed in the World Rally Championship in 1985 and 1986, until Group B cars were banned from competition by the FIA. The car replaced and was an evolution of the Lancia 037 Monte Carlo. The S4 took full advantage of the Group B regulations, and...
for Group BGroup B was a set of regulations introduced in 1982 for competition vehicles in sportscar racing and rallying regulated by the FIA. The Group B regulations fostered some of the quickest, most powerful and sophisticated rally cars ever built. However, a series of major accidents, some fatal, were...
-Helped to engineer the engine which utilised a supercharger and turbocharger.
Cars produced under Fiat Corse - N Technology named Abarth
- Fiat Punto Abarth (rally version only)
- Fiat Cinquecento 900 Trofeo kitcar (teams had to build up their own rallycar from Fiat N Technology derived Abarth racingparts)
- Fiat Cinquecento Sporting 1.1 Rally car
- Fiat Seicento Sporting 1.1 Rally car
External links