General Abarth info/help

[andyrousecar]

Hi all,
Sorry if this is a 'should know' subject but what exactly is an Abarth version of a classic 500?
I realise Abarth is a tuning company, as in they manufacture upgraded parts to optimise the performance of various models but did they assemble from new complete cars?
If 'yes', when looking at examples for sale, how can you be completely sure they are genuine and not a collection of parts?
Thanks.......

 

[stevehg]

They supplied kits in crates and also complete cars built at their factory based on F and L models for the later versions. Factory models have additional Abarth VIN on front panel underneath the jack and also the engines have an Abarth no.

The crate kits enabled you to upgrade an existing F or L and then end result was exactly the same as the factory, bar the vin and engine numbers which stayed the same.

How to tell. Well one easy one is price, then it's really down to the parts and authenticity of VIN's and associated documentation. Very few Abarth 500's were used solely for the road, and most were raced. As such many were modified, had replacement engines, wheels etc. And suffered damaged.

The end result is that you have genuine Abarth's without original engines, fitted with later
reproduction parts and incorrect badges and stickers. Then you have fakes being passed off as originals using old parts and copied Abarth engine and vin numbers.

As usual you have to go on history and have a keen eye for the details to have a good idea. As I said above though, some racing originals have been put back on the road with repro parts and modern alloy copies of the magnesium originals for example as that's all that is available.

Do you have any particular questions or actual cars in mind?

cheers, Steve

 

[the hobbler]

Abarth produced cars based on all the 'Nuovo 500' variants, including the 'suicide door' 500D. Basically Abarth got basic cars direct fro the factory and then enhanced/modified as required. For a time, due to crippling import duty, Radbourne Racing (in the UK) were given permission by Abarth to use supplied kits of parts to turn basic 500s into Abarth variants. As Steve mentioned, genuine Abarths will have an extra chassis plate given an Abarth chassis number. If you are looking at buying a 'genuine, Abarth I would suggest that you get Tony Castle-Millar to cast his eye over it--there are VERY few GENUINE Abarth 500 variants floating around now, and they are ALL prior to 1971--and they will be expensive! The majority of the 'Abarth 500/595/695' floating around now are replicas built up using pattern copies of Abarth parts---if you can find genuine factory original parts--HANG ONYO THEM!!

 

[andyrousecar]

Thanks for both the above replies, very helpful and now I have a better understanding of what an Abarth is all about. My particular take on car ownership is to get out in them and use them, I understand why some people like to collect ornaments but that's not me. I've had a standard F for around three months and love it to bits, in fact it's by far my favourite car I've ever owned and I've had some very nice ones over the years. So, since I've fallen in love with 500s in general I fancy another, obviously a different take on a 500 than my '71' F.
Now you have explained the Abarth situation, I don't think I would be willing to pay a premium for a factory car as I would intend to use it lots and therefore I don't think that would be worth the extra £ over a well built recreation.
Quite like the story with this one:
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C653630
Anyone been for a look?

 

[stevehg]

They certainly are a different experience. Lots of the same qualities, but the extra poke, especially in the lower gears is added fun. Also, if you try one with front disc brakes you'll appreciate the consistency in braking.

Original Abarth 500's do not seem to have any noticeable premium for mileage, so unlike a Ferrari you could use it well without harming your investment. Having said that, when using it you get the same fun with a good recreation and about £25K left in the Bank.

The one you link to looks to be in very good condition and is priced well given it is a genuine RHD. UK cars have tended to have more bodywork issues, so you can check sills , inner wings and front panels for signs of rust. None of this is major and is easily rectified. It all looks to be well specified with synchromesh gearbox, disc brake conversion and a suspension overhaul.

You don't often see engines over 700cc, so my only question would be reliability, but some of the more experienced people on here like Hobbler can wade in here.

My advice would be to see and drive a few and see what you like, don't like. If Cambridge is not too far, you are welcome to try mine out. Another alternative, if you like a bit of spannering, is to upgrade your existing 500. It's very easy to source the parts and recreate an Abarth/Giannini in the same way the crate upgrades were originally available.

I recently did exactly this and it was really enjoyable. I researched what went into the original Abarth upgrade kits, and the additional Abarth options like the dashboards, steering wheels, disc brakes etc. and then built a replica 695.

cheers, Steve

Btw Do you have an Rouse ford, called Andy Rouse, or actually are the Andy Rouse? I only ask, as when growing up in the mid 80's, I used to watch Andy picking up all those BTCC titles.

 

[Bambino]

Steve is right. Starting with a standard 500F there is a lot you can do to make it a whole lot more fun without going to the expense of tracking down and restoring an Abarth.

This is my somewhat crazy son and his girlfriend driving my 695 up the hill to home. Plenty of poke, good brakes and handling.

[ame]https://youtu.be/0YlV-eeQ65g[/ame]

Chris

 

[the hobbler]

I know this car, its previous owner, what was done on it and who HE bought it from--small old world innit?

 

[Toshi 975]

This Abarth replica showed up at this year's Kop Hill event.

 

[H A]

I like the look of the yellow one.

Not sure about the stickers, I would have put them on parallel with the bottom of the door.

Love the door gaps, must be original doors, bonnet sits up a bit high.

Great engine

H A

 

[andyrousecar]

[QUOTE
My advice would be to see and drive a few and see what you like, don't like. If Cambridge is not too far, you are welcome to try mine out. Another alternative, if you like a bit of spannering, is to upgrade your existing 500. It's very easy to source the parts and recreate an Abarth/Giannini in the same way the crate upgrades were originally available.

Btw Do you have an Rouse ford, called Andy Rouse, or actually are the Andy Rouse? I only ask, as when growing up in the mid 80's, I used to watch Andy picking up all those BTCC titles.[/QUOTE]

Good advice Steve, 'we' currently do not have any other 500 friends so will definitely take you up on the meet, look, drive and chat 500 stuff sometime.

I have owned this since 1996 for the same reasons as you, yep, it's the real thing!

 

[andyrousecar]

I know this car, its previous owner, what was done on it and who HE bought it from--small old world innit?

Ah! That's useful, is it a reasonable example?

 

[stevehg]

Good advice Steve, 'we' currently do not have any other 500 friends so will definitely take you up on the meet, look, drive and chat 500 stuff sometime.

I have owned this since 1996 for the same reasons as you, yep, it's the real thing!

Oh wow, I remember the Kaliber Ford Cosworth. They used to have real turbo whistle, if I recall correctly. Bizarrely, I loved the SD1's especially when TWR ran them. The TWR XJS's, Alfa GTV's, Volvo estates and the DTM M3's all stand out too in my mind from watching touring car races in the UK and Europe at that time. I managed to fit in a lot of F1 and Sportcars too. Thinking back, I'm not sure how I managed it on part time jobs while at school and University.

When I'm next at my parents house, I'll have to look through the photos I have there. I may have a few of your car.

cheers, Steve

 

[H A]

Bizarrely, I loved the SD1's especially when TWR ran them.

I liked them as well, Jeff Allam lived in my road.

H A