Since the beginning of the 20th century Italy’s dominant car maker has been Fiat, who have a history of getting more for less.

With imagination, ingenuity and support from a vast cottage industry of foundries, fabricators, fitters and artisan craftsmen they created a tradition of performance excellence getting phenomenal results from tiny engines and cars.

Amongst the most well known and accomplished is Carlo Abarth, his name being synonymous with FIAT performance, creating tiny cars that demolished their larger competitors.

The TC series started with the 850 TC Berlina, based on a modified FIAT 600 D chassis.

Front brakes, crankshafts, intake, exhaust systems, among other parts were upgraded for competition purposes.

Just 150 models were produced each month, keeping the cars eligible for the small bore grand touring classes, which they dominated.

In 1967, Carlo Abarth introduced the 1.0 litre engine and the Radiale (or Hemi) head for group 5 racing in Europe.

With the combinati...