1957 Abarth 750GT Coupe

When World War II, Austrian-born Carlo Abarth switched focus to automobile production. Abarth & C. Srl was established on March 31st, 1949 with Abarth's Scorpion birth sign as the firm's inspired mascot. Settling in Italy, he represented Porsche's design studio and collaborated on the Cisitalia 360 monoposto for Piero Dusio.

Immediately successful, the 'Squadra Abarth' gave a winning showcase to Abarth's line of tuned exhaust systems, engine-upgrade kits, and complete cars. The company tuned Porsches and Fiats through the 1950s and 1960s, all possessing capabilities far out of proportion to their small-displacement engines. The Abarths would earn many victories and class wins, with the highlight being the stunning 1-2-3- class victory at the final 'speed' edition of the Mille Miglia in 1975 with the Fiat 600-based, Zagato-bodied Abarth 750 GT Corsa.

This 'double bubble' Zagato is one of only a handful of originals produced by Abarth. The car was purchased new in Italy by Sig. Tomasetti remained in his family, passing through his son to Paolo Maria Ravazzi from Parma, Italy. The Abarth's FIVA paperwork was issued in 1995; thereafter, it ran the 1997 Louis Vuitton Classic rally in Italy and then its fourth running of the French Tour Auto in 1998.

The next owner acquired the car in 2001. It was entered in the 2006 Scarsdale Concours and the 2008 Fairfield County Concours.

The current owner acquired the car in 2013.

The car is correct with just one repaint in light blue. It has period fog lights and the largely original interior, with Zagato-style seats now fitted. The 747 cc was freshly rebuilt using high-strength chromoly internal components. An electronic ignition system was added as well as a performance air filter atop a larger carburetor. The car has its original wheels with the exception of hubcaps.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2014