An innovative concern with a sporting pedigree second to none, Abarth branched out from producing induction and exhaust systems into selling performance kits for - mainly FIAT - production cars, later building a succession of aerodynamically stylish sports prototypes and limited-series production cars, many of which were produced in conjunction with coachbuilders such as Zagato and Allemano.

One of Carlo Abarth's most successful series of GT cars was based on the FIAT 600 - the 750 - appearing in 1956.

Although the 750 was production based the customer had such freedom of choice, including engine specification, that it is rare to find two identical cars.

The 600 chassis required little modification apart from changing spring rates and up-rating the front brakes to twin-leading-shoe operation, and coped remarkably well with the Abarth's greatly increased performance.

The latter was achieved by boring and stroking the 600's 633cc four-cylinder engine to 747cc and modifying or replaci...