1963 Abarth 850 TC Berlinetta

The Fiat 600 was a very suitable car for modifications, and Abarth made a world-famous name for doing just that. Karl Abarth, born in Vienna, Austria, in 1908, was a mechanical mastermind. He started production with the Abarth 750 Berlina, based upon the Fiat 600. Fiat and Abarth reached an agreement whereby Fiat supplied Abarth with partially constructed cars, and Abarth would finish them as Abarths. There were versions with 41.5 to 50 horsepower, and the maximum speed was 135 to 150 km/hr. Next, at the end of 1960, came the new version of the 750, the 750TC (Tourismo Competizione) Berlina. This car remained in production until 1966. Further modifications led to an increase in engine size and the Fiat Abarth 1000 Berlina was born. These platforms utterly dominated the under-1000cc racing classes and helped build the Abarth racing legend.

This car has been racing since new. In recent years, it has been brought to 1000 TC specification with alloy wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes, updated cooling including the front-mounted radiator, and a full roll cage. There is a strut-supported open engine cover to aid in engine cooling and to clear the exhaust system. The engine breathes through 40 DCOE Weber carburetors with long-tuned-length tube headers merging into a single stinger exhaust pipe and driving through a five-speed gearbox.

In 2010, this car was offered for sale at the Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia auction presented by Bonhams. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $52,650 inclusive of the buyer's premium.