Description
Unveiled in 1957, the new Fiat 500 (Fiat Nuova 500) was perfectly suited to its primary objective of being a simple, economical car. Taking several elements from the Fiat 600, it was powered by a 479 cm3 air-cooled in-line twin-cylinder engine developing 16. 5 bhp. A few months later, at the Turin Motor Show in November 1957, Carlo Abarth unveiled the first Fiat 500 with a conversion kit, the Fiat 595 Abarth. The 595 Abarth not only gained in power, but also set new records, thanks to a prepared engine, reprofiled camshaft, modified carburettor and special crankcase. In 1963, Abarth obtained an agreement from Fiat authorising it to take delivery of incomplete cars and fit them with specific Abarth components.
Subsequently, Abarth marketed cassette kits (wooden crates) containing all the parts needed to transform the Fiat 500 into the Abarth version required. Almost all the mechanical parts were modified or new: the cast-iron block, pistons, camshaft, exhaust system with the inevitable double muffler, oil pump and pan, and carburettor (Solex 34PBIC on the 595SS) were specific to Abarth; the crankshaft, connecting rods and cylinder head were derived from Fiat parts but were remanufactured. The bore, increased from 67. 4 to 73. 5 mm while retaining the 70 mm stroke, brings the displacement to 595 cm3.
The example we are offering today is a rebuilt Abarth 595 SS (esseesse), faithfully restored to the standards of the time with the installation of a complete Abarth kit. The Fiat 500 used as a base is an L series (110F) first registered on 26 June 1969 in France, then sold and exported by its owner on 31 January 1992 to a Dutch resident who kept it until 2013. Garage Rouwette Classic then undertook a complete restoration of the bodywork, followed by a full repaint in Ferrari red. After being completely dismantled and repainted, the car was re-imported to France by its last owner in May 2014 for a full restoration and upgrade to an Abarth 595 SS, scrupulously following the period technical drawings collected in an official book on the marque.
All the parts of the Cassetta have been found over the years, either through research in Italy for original parts (such as the Solex 34PBIC carburettor, the rocker cover and the Abarth aluminium oil pan, the authentic wooden Nardi steering wheel, the "Record Monza" exhaust), or through the FCA Heritage Abarth Classiche department with the purchase of new engine parts (such as the 73. 5 mm liners and pistons, the cylinder head gasket, the camshaft). The engine was then completely rebuilt, balanced and tuned by a specialist.
Electrically, everything was rebuilt to the original specifications so that the Jaeger counters and dashboard could be fitted. Mechanically, a sports suspension, a triangulated front axle and disc brakes were chosen to guarantee the car's safety; the 4-speed gearbox is now synchronised (from the Fiat 600's pignonnerie), and a semi-electronic starter was selected for its reliability. The car, which has covered 1100 kilometres since its restoration, has been serviced and run-in.
Aesthetically, all the original badges were fitted, special Abarth steel wheels were fitted, and the interior was custom designed by a specialist saddler in Italy, modelled on an original Fusina racing bucket seat fitted exclusively for the driver. The soft top was also made to measure and refurbished, as were the carpets and rugs.
The car is registered in France as a classic vehicle and has its FFVE certificate. The original documents are available, as well as a complete file including invoices, photos and historical documents (original Abarth service manual, jack, tool kit, custom cover, spare wheel, etc.).
Needless to say, the time spent on this work and its cost far exceeds the advertised sale price. In absolutely impeccable condition, it would be hard to find another example in this state and with this attention to detail, making this 595SS a real gem for any collector of the marque.
The car can be viewed by appointment in our showroom. Feel free to request a video or the digitised history file, which we will be delighted to share with you.
You can contact us by email or telephone.
