Coupé Bialbero
Chassis number: 129/0555
Engine number: 1986
In the early 1950s, Carlo Abarth began a working relationship with Fiat. By the late '50s, Abarth would create a line of successful small racecars. In the never-ending search for newer and better, Abarth would create the 750 Zagato. This light, nimble chassis would achieve numerous class victories. But Abarth wouldn't be done.
Fiat would build upon the engine it produced and used as the basis for the Fiat 600. However, the engine was capable of being updated. The result would be a twin cam 982cc engine producing 91 bhp.
Mated to the popular coupe body that made the car sought after for its looks, as well as its performance, the new Bialbero would continue the line of success Fiat and Abarth experienced with its Monza chassis.
One such example of the Fiat Abarth 1000 Coupe Bialbero would be chassis number 129/0555. Produced in 1963, this particular chassis would be delivered to its first owner not long after.
While a number of the Bialberos would make their way to foreign countries and individuals to be used in competition, as well as just for personal use, this particular model would remain in Italy its entire life.
Even though this particular Bailbero would remain in Italy its entire life it is highly unlikely it led to a tranquil and mundane existence. Early registration records would indicate the car would first belong to Abarth Corse and, therefore, likely had been a works racing car before it would come to be registered to its first private owner in Vicenza.
The car would remain with its original owner for more than 25 years, but then, in 1983, the car would change hands. The current owner would purchase the car from Giuseppe Ceccon of Venice, Italy. Calmonte had come to own the car after acquiring it from Danilo Calmonte.
Though the car was more than a quarter of a century old, in 1984, FIA papers would be sought to allow the car to take part in historic racing. The car would receive its papers in time to take part in a historic race held at the Autodromo di Monza, the perfect setting for a historic race. Seeing the car powering its way around the circuit seemed like stepping back in time.
The owner would not be content leaving the car in its current state. Therefore, following the historic race, the owner would have the engine entirely rebuilt by Abarth specialist Aldo Zannone.
Sporting the iconic Zagato body that made the Abarth highly sought after, 129/0555 would come with original Italian number plates and all of the mystique that would make the nimble little Abarth coupes ever-popular.
Chassis 129/0555 would be presented at the 2012 RM Auctions event held in Monaco. Boasting a rebuilt 982cc, four-cylinder, twin-cam engine with a twin-choke Weber carburetor, the 1963 Fiat Abarth 1000 Coupe Bialbero would be expected to garner between 150,000 and 180,000 Euros. In the end, the car would earn 110,000 euro.
Sources:
'Lot No. 392: 1963 Fiat Abarth 1000 Coupe Bialbero', (http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=MC12&CarID=r407&fc=0). RM Auctions. http://www.rmauctions.com/FeatureCars.cfm?SaleCode=MC12&CarID=r407&fc=0. Retrieved 6 December 2012.
'1961 Abarth 1000GT Bialbero News, Pictures and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z16197/Abarth-1000-GT-Bialbero.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z16197/Abarth-1000-GT-Bialbero.aspx. Retrieved 6 December 2012.
'1960 Fiat Abarth 1000 Bialbero', (http://www.supercars.net/cars/201.html). Supercars.net. http://www.supercars.net/cars/201.html. Retrieved 6 December 2012.
by Jeremy McMullen