Used by Travis drummer Neil Primrose in 2010 Silverstone Classic
Extensive history – fully road legal
One of only 16 made and 13 that competed
THE APPEAL
To mark its centenary in 2010, the British School of Motoring (BSM) created the Centenary Abarth 500 Celebrity Challenge, held at the 2010 Silverstone Classic to raise funds for the Bobby Moore Bowel Cancer Fund.
This MSA-compliant 500, built for the event by Racing Repertoire of Oxfordshire, was number 15 of 16 made (only 13 competed), and was driven in the race by Travis drummer Neil Primrose.
On top of the usual equipment found in Abarth 500s, the Celebrity Challenge cars were fitted with features such as cross-drilled brake discs and performance brake pads, a bespoke MSA-compliant safety roll cage by Custom Cages and Abarth Corse seats by Sabelt with four-point safety harnesses.
Each car was fitted with the factory Esseesse performance upgrade kit which also included 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels, an uprated suspension spring set, an Abarth upgraded ECU, a BMC performance air filter, and the Abarth Monza exhaust. The performance modifications increased the engine power from 135bhp to 165bhp.
Inside, the car also received, among other options, an Interscope sound system and Blue&Me Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity.
Included with the car is an extensive history file, as well as a separate file describing the Celebrity Challenge event the car was featured in, including photographs from the day, an official brochure, newspaper articles and event access wristbands.
It’s a very cool piece of 500 nostalgia and one for the Abarth collector.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
Long MOT until July 2024
All original books and handbooks
Event brochures, wristbands and paperwork
Registration number shown in photos is not included in sale – will be CK10 PZF
Genuine mileage
Only one previous registered keeper
Two sets of keys
Fully road legal
THE INTERIOR
Abarth Corse seats by Sabelt with four-point safety harnesses
MSA-approved roll cage by Custom Cages
Superb overall condition
Upgraded Interscope Blue&Me audio system with MP3 compatibility
Air conditioning
Body-coloured dash in great condition
Three-spoke leather sports steering wheel
Pod-mounted rev counter
Alloy gear knob
No rear seat
THE EXTERIOR
Solid Campovola Grey paint in great condition, with only minor stone chips
Bodywork in very good order, with no notable marks or damage
17-inch lightweight white alloys in good order
All original race decals and Silverstone Classic door roundels in excellent order
Esseesse styling kit with front splitter
Roof spoiler
THE MECHANICS
1.4-litre 4cyl Fiat T-Jet turbo
Stage 1 remap
Esseesse tuning kit
165bhp
Five-speed manual
Recent major service and new clutch
BMC performance induction kit
Said to drive without fault and is suitable for competition or road use
SUMMARY
The first of the Abarth 500s are starting to attract a fair amount of collector interest and this one is of particular appeal to enthusiasts and collectors alike. With its documented provenance, low mileage and motorsport history, coupled to the fact it’s an absolute blast to drive, it’s a really smart and desirable machine that needs to be preserved and appreciated by future generations.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
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Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
2010 Abarth 500 Celebrity Challenge
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