'The performance of FIAT engines, as modified by Carlo Abarth, has for long been held to verge on the supernatural.' – John Bolster, Autosport magazine.

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 powe...