1963 Abarth 1000 Monomille

The success, both financially and on the racing circuit, that was earned by the Zagato-bodied 750 GT across Europe and America inspired Carlo Abarth to continue his work. The next iteration was the 850 Record Monazo followed by the 1000. Both wore bodies designed and built by Abarth, which had taken the work in-house from Zagato.

In 1961, the Bialbero (or 'twin cam') was introduced as the successor to the twin cam Record Monza. A pushrod variant of the 982cc engine was also available, dubbed the 1000 Monomille. This version was intended for customers who wanted an easier-to-maintain engine for use on the street and lower level motorsport.

This Abarth 1000 Monomille is powered by a 982cc inline four-cylinder engine breathing through two-barrel Weber carburetors and offering 60 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission with disc brakes in the front and drums in the rear. It has been used in Italian vintage events, such as the 1995 Coppa d'Oro delle Dolomiti and other Italian historic race meetings. It wears an older restoration that had been carried out to a high standard. The car is finished in bright yellow paint with bright trim and distinctive Abarth badging. There are original alloy wheels, original large Jaeger instruments, and the original bucket seats.

In 2012 the car was offered for sale at RM Auction's Monaco sale. It was estimated to sell for €80.000-€100.000. Bidding reached €70.000 but was not enough to satisfy the vehicle's reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2012

Fiat Abarth 1000 Monomille

Carlo Abarth had hit upon great success with the Zagato-bodied 750 GT. Used in competitions throughout Europe and America, the 750 GT would earn a number of top results in some of the toughest endurance races, including a 2nd place result in the 1956 Mille Miglia. This success would naturally lend itself to Abarth going it alone and producing his 1000 Monomille.

Carlo Abarth had become one of Fiat's premier engine tuners and, by the mid-1950s, would branch out into a number of classes of motorsport. Abarth would have his eye on one class in particular—the 750cc class of the Grand Touring Championship.

Abarth was renowned for his abilities as an engine tuner. However, his reputation as a car designer was to be found wanting. Thankfully for Abarth, there was a coach-designer that had the talent to make truly artistic pieces of automotive art. Therefore, Abarth would commission Zagato to design a body around the Fiat 600. The intention was not just to make a coupe design that would look good, but that would also be a purposeful racer.

Zagato's work would be successful on more than one level. Not only would the car look good, but it would also be successful in endurance races. This would make Abarth's reputation only grow. It would also enable his resources to increase as well.

This success with the 750GT and the 850 Record Monza follow-on would lead to Abarth ramping up his own in-house efforts. Part of this ramp-up of in-house duties would include the designing and building of bodies instead of employing Zagato to do the same thing.

In 1961, Abarth would introduce the 1000 Bialbero. These cars would still utilize bodies designed and built by Zagato. However, Abarth had become accustomed to the design elements of the Zagato-styled small cars and would determine to produce his own body styling to be used with a push-rod variant of the 1000 known as the 1000 Monomille. Clearly, the Zagato styling influence remains. However, to many, the evolution of the Zagato body styling would seem more aggressive.

The introduction of the push-rod variant of the 60 bhp, 982 cc inline four-cylinder was particularly for those that wanted an easier-to-maintain engine. This meant a design much more useful on the streets, but that could also be used in lower levels of motorsport.

One of the Fiat Abarth 1000 Monomilles still in existence in the world today is chassis 0353. Produced in 1963, not much of its early history is known. However, the car, as it is presented today, retains a high degree of originality including its exterior bright trim, distinctive Abarth badge, Jaeger instruments, bucket seats, upholstered door panels, and rear compartment.

What is known about this particular chassis, despite its high degree of originality, is that it has been a regular within the Italian vintage racing scene. Fiat Abarth 1000 Monomille 0353 would actually take part in the 1995 Coppa d'Oro delle Dolomiti and would take part in a number of other Italian historic race meetings.

A recent inspection of the car has revealed it did in fact undergo restoration work, but that the work was done a long time ago. Even still, the older restoration has held up well and the car still retains a very presentable condition. Aided by regular maintenance, the car remains in delightful condition despite its obvious signs of use.

Completed in period correct bright yellow paint, 0353 still boasts of tight body panels and correct, original alloy wheels. Welcome in a wide range of vintage events, this sprightly little Fiat Abarth will undoubtedly attract onlookers, charming them with its delightful lines and interesting history.

The 1963 Fiat Abarth 1000 Monomille, chassis 0353, would be offered at the 2012 RM Auctions in Monaco. Prior to the auction, the neat little Abarth was expected to garner between €80,000 and €100,000.

Sources:
'Lot No. 384: 1963 Fiat Abarth 1000 Monomille', (http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=MC12&CarID=r312&fc=0). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=MC12&CarID=r312&fc=0. Retrieved 3 January 2013.

'1959 Abarth 750 GT Zagato News, Pictures and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z8168/Abarth-750-GT-Zagato.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z8168/Abarth-750-GT-Zagato.aspx. Retrieved 3 January 2013.

'1956 Fiat Abarth 750 GT Zagato', (http://www.supercars.net/cars/4053.html). Supercars.net. http://www.supercars.net/cars/4053.html. Retrieved 3 January 2013.

'1966 Fiat Abarth 1000 SP', (http://www.supercars.net/cars/4049.html). Supercars.net. http://www.supercars.net/cars/4049.html. Retrieved 3 January 2013.

By Jeremy McMullen