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1961 Abarth 1000 GT Bialbero Coupe

  • Chassis Number: 1040293
  • Engine Number: 1699533
Fiat's rear-engine 600 chassis provided the platform for the vehicle that would become Abarth's 1000 Bialbero GT model. The name 'Bialbero' was used in reference to the dual-cam Bialbero cylinder head. The design originated with the 1957 Abarth 750 Bialbero Record Monza with coachwork by Zagato. The engine was enlarged to 982 cubic centimeters, thus accounting for the '1000' designation. By this point in history, the car was bodied by Carrozzeria Abarth, and helped the company earn its first World Sportscar Championship in 1962. Five more consecutive titles would follow in the years to come.

This particular example is rather special, as it is believed to have been the first 1000 Bialbero GT built. It was prepared as a factory team car in August of 1961 and entered wearing number 111 at the Nurburgring 500 KM on September 3rd of 1961. Eberhard Mahle and Teodoro Zeccoli qualified the car in the pole-position. During the race, the car was very quick and very competitive, until a faulty fuel pump forced them to retire during the final lap, earning them a 5th-place finish. On September 10th, Abarth entered the car in the Monza Coppa Inter-Europa where it is believed to have been driven by Herbert Demetz.

The car was sold in November of 1961 to John Norwood. It was sent to Nassau for the Bahamas Speed Weeks where it wore number 91. Paul Richards finished 20th Overall and 4th in Class at the Governor's Trophy on December 8th, and 17th overall with a 1st in class at the Nassau Trophy Race two days later.

The Bialbero GT raced on March 1962 at the Sebring 3 Hours, where Briggs Cunningham's team of Abarth Bialberos took 1st and 2nd, with Bruce McLaren and Walt Hansgen leading the way. This car, wearing race number 23, placed 10th under the guidance of Paul Layman, George Schrafft, and Ray Cuomo.

A new owner vintage raced the car at the Monterey Historics during the 1970s and 1980s. In 2003, it was purchased by Rob Phillips of Portland, Oregon who treated it to a comprehensive two-year restoration. The completed car was shown at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and the 2006 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.

The current owner acquired the car in 2006.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2016

2016 RM Sotheby's : Monterey

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $225,000-USD $275,000 
Sale Price :
USD $308,000

Recent Sales of the Fiat 1000 GT Bialbero

(Data based on Model Year 1961 sales)
1961 Fiat-Abarth 1000 GT Bialbero
Chassis#: 1040293
Sold for USD$308,000
  2016 RM Sotheby's : Monterey
1961 Abarth 1000 GT Bialbero image  1961 Abarth 1000 GT Bialbero image  
1961 Fiat-Abarth 1000 Bialbero Competition Coupe
Chassis#: 1128948
Sold for USD$337,000
  2010 Bonhams - Quail Lodge
1961 Abarth 1000 GT Bialbero image  1961 Abarth 1000 GT Bialbero image  

Fiat 1000 GT Bialberos That Failed To Sell At Auction

1961 Abarth 1000 GT Bialbero's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1961 Fiat Abarth 1000 Bialbero Record Monza9873822014 Bonhams : Goodwood Revival $90,000$150,000

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1961 Abarth 1000 GT Bialbero

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1961 Abarth 1000 GT Bialbero Vehicle Profiles

1961 Abarth 1000 GT Bialbero vehicle information
Coupe
Chassis #: 1128948
Engine #: 229/235
1961 Abarth 1000 GT Bialbero vehicle information
Coupe
Chassis #: 1040293
Engine #: 1699533