Highlights
- Historically notable ex-racer from the 1960s and 1970s
- Extensive ASI, CSAI and CRS certification
- Once owned by an Italian government minister
- Superbly restored and factory-correct condition
The Appeal
The Abarth 1000TC and its sister 850 were probably the first purpose-built touring cars, highly modified production cars designed to succeed in Group 2.
At first glance, Fiat's 600 might not seem like the most obvious choice for Carlo Abarth's attentions, but its independent front and rear suspension and adjustable engine, appropriately hung from the rear for extra traction, proved perfect for transformation in the hands of a master.
This 1962 Abarth is one of the high-performance 1000TC models and has a wealth of racing provenance from the 1960s and 1970s. It is listed in the Abarth vehicle race book and its history is supported by extensive ASI, CSAI and CRS certification, including an ASI Targa Oro award.
Restored in 1994, after retirement from racing, with particular attention to originality, it now has a slight patina of character. It is a delightful and highly capable car and would make a fantastic and entertaining addition to any classic car collection.
History and documents
- Car from 1962 first registered in 1963.
- Re-registered following cancellation of track use in 1994.
- ASI Gold Targa certificate
- Fiche CSA and CRS ASI Certificates of vehicle of historical relevance
- Italian registration certificate
- Original first registration plate
- Used in competitions in the 1960s and 1970s and listed in the Abarth vehicle race book
- Previously owned by an Italian government minister since 1994
- Chassis documentation of the car
The Condition
- Old-fashioned restoration with care to ensure originality
- Well-presented white bodywork with no visible corrosion
- Factory-correct interior with front bucket seats and rear bench seat
- Imperial headlining with no cracks
- Upholstered with black fabric and red trim
- Abarth three-spoke steering wheel bordered in black
- Abarth trio of dials with central rev counter
- Suicide doors
- Factory jack
- Underneath looks good with no problems to report
The beauty of the 1000TC is that its city car antecedents are evident despite its transformation into a gigantic racing bolide. The only identifying marks are the Abarth badges and model decals on the sides.
This car spent the first 30 years of its life on the track, collecting regular successes, before being retired and carefully restored in 1994. The restoration work prioritised originality and today it has a slight patina of age, but otherwise as it would have appeared in 1963, when it was first registered.
The provenance is confirmed by a series of certificates issued by the Italian historic vehicle associations.
The Mechanics
- Abarth 982 cc engine prepared for racing
- Original engine replaced after the crankcase broke during a race
- Original elements of the first engine preserved and shown in the photographs
- 4-speed manual gearbox
- Independent front and rear suspension
- We have been told that the engine is in excellent condition
- No problems were reported during testing
The key to the 1000TC's transformation is, of course, Carlo's efforts to overhaul the stock Fiat engine. The increase in displacement and a series of technical modifications have given this light and agile car a significant advantage on the track.
This car retains a 982 cc Abarth engine prepared for racing. The original engine was replaced when the crankcase broke during a race, but this car retains elements of the original engine as shown in the photographs.
Since its re-registration as a road car in 1994, it has been used sparingly, as its condition testifies.
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