With its flared arches and propped open engine bay for added cooling, the giant-killing Abarth 695 SS was one of the most instantly identifiable circuit racers of the late 1960s and is a hugely collectable motorsport icon as a result.
Introduced in 1965, it had an upgraded 695cc engine and a genuine 100mph top speed – which must have been terrifying in such a tiny car. Nevertheless, the minuscule Abarth quickly became highly collectable and with less than 150 known original survivors, genuine cars command big money these days.
Here, then, is a cheaper way of enjoying that cheeky appeal. A 1973 Fiat 500 resto-mod, made to evoke the look and performance of the classic Abarth and finished in one of the company’s all-time classic two-tone colour schemes.
Fitted with an upgraded 650cc engine in lieu of the original 499cc unit, and with substantial interior improvements, the baby Fiat promises to be a barrel of laughs for a fraction of the price of the real deal.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Registered in 1973
Full UK V5
Tax and MOT exempt
Restored to evoke the wide-arch look of the 695 SS
Imported from Italy in 2009
Lots of old receipts and invoices
THE INTERIOR
Two-tone cream leatherette and red cloth seats
Matching door cards
Bespoke silver-painted dash
Quirky concentric Maranello Isotta racing steering wheel with timing equipment
Supplementary rev counter, voltage, water and oil temperature dials
Electric windows
THE EXTERIOR
Wide arch appearance
Classic Abarth colour scheme
Abarth badges
Cinquecento Sporting alloys
Modified door mirrors with built-in turn signals
Bonnet prop for added cooling
Overall presentable condition with some imperfections such as marks, chips and small dents
Reportedly solid underneath
THE MECHANICS
650cc air-cooled twin
Lively performance
Four-speed manual
Said to drive well but a thorough check-over is recommended due to minimal recent use
SUMMARY
If you want something a little bit different that’s sure to raise a smile, then this Abarth replica is a great way of not only making you grin from ear-to-ear, but also of turning heads. It looks the part, sounds great and is tastefully modernised but in keeping with the original 695 SS appeal, right down to the iconic colour scheme.
It’s a very cool and funky little thing, and much cheaper than a genuine Abarth.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
