1959 Abarth 750 Spider

Serafino Allemano's Carrozzeria was founded in Turin in 1928. First, his talents were spent repairing the multitude of homegrown machinery as Alfa, Fiat, and Lancia marques grew rapidly. By the mid-1930s, he had realized that his engines were better directed toward design. When wartime came to a close, Serafino's nephew joined the firm and it grew to become synonymous with Avante-grade styling of the 'jet age.'

In the mid-1950s, the light-weight Zagato-bodied Fiat Abarth 750 GT Berlinettas were quick to establish their competitive reputation at events in both America and Europe. Most of Carlo Abarth's vehicles were closed cars, but some drivers preferred open cars for competition. Aware that a roadster would be popular in the US market, and listening to the desires of his clientele, Abarth had Zagato try its hand at a Spider version of the 750 GT. Unfortunately, it acquired only limited appeal. Abarth then turned to Carrozzeria Allemano to design a new model. The Allemano-designed car had its own individual style and distinctive details. The company had become renowned for clothing some of the most desirable Maseratis of the 1950s.

This Allemano Spider is believed to be one of approximately 750 built. The decorative front grille wears the Abarth Scorpion badge. Many of these cars had Plexiglass windshields, though this car has a full-height glass windshield that rises over a dashboard. It has the correct Abarth gauges and switchgear, as well as the passenger grab handle. The door trim has proper storage pockets and the seats are upholstered in leather rather than the original vinyl. There is full carpeting in place of rubber mats. The car rides on Campagnolo alloy wheels which have been fitted in place of the original steel units.

In 2010, the car was given a re-spray in dark blue paint. The 747cc inline four-cylinder engine has 2-barrel Weber carburetors and offers 43 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drum brakes.

In 2012, this car was offered for sale at the Amelia Island sale presented by Gooding & Company. It was estimated to sell for $85,000 - $105,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $57,200 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2012