1966 Abarth OTR 1000 Coupe

OTR stands for Omologato Turismo Radiale meaning homologated (approved for International racing by the FIA, in this case, Group 3), Touring (a closed roof car), and the radial pattern of the valve stems in the special Hemi cylinder head. The basis of this OTR is the 850 Coupe, brother to the Bertone-designed 850 Spider, both derivatives of the utilitarian 850 Sedan, itself a direct descendant of the 600 rear-engined 'mini' car that transported Italy post-WWII. Abarth became the wholly owned 'hot rod' arm of Fiat: the OTR was one of the number of race-focus Fiats that proved hugely successful around the world. As Cooper was to Mini, so Abarth was to Fiat.

Karl Abarth, later known as Carlo Abarth, was born in Austria. During the 1950s he created a small manufacturing empire in Italy. Their products were performance mufflers and other parts aimed at enhancing Fiat and other European makes. Carlo's birth sign was the Scorpio which he incorporated as the logo for his company. Abarth initially had a connection with Cisitalia and it was not long before he had fostered relationships with virtually every Italian auto manufacturer. This would evolve into one principal relationship with Fiat.

Fiat supplied the body shells or partly completed them to Abarth, who then modified the vehicles to his specifications. This Fiat/Abarth relationship was beneficial for both concerns with many class victories and racing successes. The 1000 OTR, which was derived from Fiat's new 850 Coupe and equipped with a special 'radiale' engine, made its introduction near the close of 1965. The idea was to duplicate the efficiency of the Abarth twin-camshaft cylinder head but to avoid the complexity. Unfortunately, the OTR was excluded from SCCA competition as it was deemed too modified and 'not considered suitable.' Thus, very few OTR models were produced.

This example, chassis number 100GC 117626, has 12,500 original miles. It was imported into the United States by a West Coast Abarth dealer and is believed to have changed hands only twice since then. The car underwent a complete mechanical restoration and has covered approximately 3,000 miles since. During the restoration, the original wheels and tires were placed in storage and period-correct Campagnolo magnesium wheels with modern tires were fitted for safety and reliability.

The 982cc water-cooled four-cylinder engine offers 100 horsepower which is mated to a four-speed manual synchromesh transmission. It has four-wheel hydraulic brakes with discs in the front and drums in the rear.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2014