Established in Torino in 1947, Abarth & C.

first gained recognition for its high-quality exhaust systems and speed equipment, yet Carlo Abarth’s greatest genius lay in transforming modest Fiat production cars into giant-killing racers.

Nowhere was this alchemy more apparent than in his series of rear-engine GT cars derived from the Fiat 600.

Beginning in 1956, Abarth’s Zagato-bodied 750 GTs and Record Monzas dominated small-displacement GT racing, a lineage that reached its zenith with the introduction of the 1000 GT Bialbero.


Unveiled in 1960, the jewel-like 1000 GT Bialbero was a thoroughbred competition car.

It earned Abarth the prestigious Compasso d’Oro industrial design award and, in 1962, contributed to the marque’s first FIA GT Championship win – one of eight such titles.

At its heart was the tipo 229 engine, designed by Gioacchino Colombo, architect of Ferrari’s iconic V-12.

This 982 cc unit featured a twin-cam alloy head, Weber 40 DCOE carburetors, Bosch ignition, and...