1959 FIAT-ABARTH Berlina 750 Derivazione

reserve nearly met
6 Bids
1:00 PM, 17 Oct 2022Auction ended
Highest bid

$24,250

reserve nearly met

Background

Before he founded Italy’s most famous tuning house, before he became Europe’s preeminent manufacturer of giant-slaying automobiles, and before he was an Italian named Carlo, Signore Abarth was Herr Karl Abarth, an Austrian five-time European motorcycle racing champ.

Following a post-WWII move to his ancestral Merano (and skipping ahead a bit), Abarth’s cars became a dominant force in small-to-medium displacement European racing, even bringing hot competition directly to Porsche 904’s and Ferrari’s Dinos in 2000 cc classes.

Abarth machines based on the humble Fiat 600, such as the auction car, were no less impressive, winning endurance races at the Nürburgring and racking up countless class victories in touring car competition, all while contributing to seven consecutive manufacturer’s titles for Carlo’s eponymous works.

  • 737815
  • 65000
  • 4 cylinder
  • manual
  • white
  • tan/grey
  • Left-hand drive

Vehicle location
Whippany, NJ, United States

Background

Before he founded Italy’s most famous tuning house, before he became Europe’s preeminent manufacturer of giant-slaying automobiles, and before he was an Italian named Carlo, Signore Abarth was Herr Karl Abarth, an Austrian five-time European motorcycle racing champ.

Following a post-WWII move to his ancestral Merano (and skipping ahead a bit), Abarth’s cars became a dominant force in small-to-medium displacement European racing, even bringing hot competition directly to Porsche 904’s and Ferrari’s Dinos in 2000 cc classes.

Abarth machines based on the humble Fiat 600, such as the auction car, were no less impressive, winning endurance races at the Nürburgring and racking up countless class victories in touring car competition, all while contributing to seven consecutive manufacturer’s titles for Carlo’s eponymous works.

Overview

Authentic Berlina Derivaziones are a real scarcity, and few if any are as properly built and prepped as the auction example. The car is sold with a letter of authenticity from noted Abarth expert Dr. Steven Knee, a fresh engine, and many rare and valuable original Abarth items. In the present ownership it has received new Michelin XZX tires, reported various uninvoiced mechanical service, and current safety equipment including rollbar padding and five-point seatbelts. The seller reports that the car has been raced at Lime Rock Park—where it was driven to and from the track for the events—as well as shown at The Bridge.

Exterior

Derivazione chassis were not stamped with unique Abarth serial numbers like later TC series cars, and this is why the included letter of authenticity is so valuable. The car is said to retain many desirable and hard-to-find Abarth parts, including wheels, badging, Jaeger tachometer, and various hardware for the mounting of factory optional, track-focused upgrades such as an auxiliary radiator and engine lid props.

Restored by Reborn Racers in 2001, the car still presents beautifully with accurate detailing, complete trim, and an outstanding, race-bred stance.

Interior

A braced roll bar and c.1960s molded fiberglass competition seat complement the original Abarth tachometer

Mechanical

During restoration, brakes were upgraded and suspension was lowered over new Konis. A fresh 903 cc Fiat engine was fitted in 2017, and the car is reportedly in a sorted, ready-to-drive state.

History

The car has spent time racing in the Pacific Northwest with the HMSA and East with the VSCCA, and sale includes a Vintage Sports Car Club of America (VSCCA) logbook.

Summary

Early Abarths are very special machines regardless of their history, but this one’s extraordinary condition, high degree of completeness, race-readiness, and marque expert certification make it a true standout.

Estimated $27,000 - $32,000.

About this auction

Seller

Private: mjm5


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