1967 Abarth 850 TC

Karl Abarth, later known as Carlo Abarth, was born in Austria. During the 1950s he created a small manufacturing empire building performance exhaust systems and parts for Fiats and other European makes. He adopted his Scorpio birth sign as the logo for his company. His company later evolved into a car manufacturer with Fiat most often supplying the body shells or partly completed cars, which Abarth modified. The arrangement between Fiat and Abarth benefitted both concerns since it resulted in the many class victories that his cars captured in competition. Following years of producing stylish special-bodied Fiat-based sedans and coupes, Abarth introduced the 595 and 596 as a small rear-engined Fiat 500. Abarth products were often virtually identical to the Fiats except for logos and badges on the radiator grille and the coat-of-arms on both sides of the car.

The key differences between the Fiat and Abarths were the mechanical upgrades which enhanced the top speed. The list of improvements were often polished exhaust pipes, special cast iron cylinders, modified valve springs, specially designed camshafts, pistons rods, crankshafts, and pistons. The lubrication system was often modified with a special gear pump, the original carburetor was replaced or increased in size, the suspension was lowered, and wider wheels and tires were installed.

The Abarth 750 Berlina was based on the Fiat 600. Near the close 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 the Fiat Abarth 1000 Berlina which was very competitive in the under-1000cc racing class. When FIAT introduced the 500F in 1965, Abarth worked his magic and introduced the 595 SS. It is believed that approximately 20 examples of the Fiat-Abarth 595 SS were built by the factory.

The Fiat 600D was introduced in late 1960 with a 767cc displacement four-cylinder engine. Abarth increased that figure to 847cc creating the Abarth 850 TC, for Turismo Competizione. To comply with homologation requirements to race in the 'Touring Competition' class, Abarth had to build 1,000 units, which he (apparently) did by the end of 1961. Built as a completed car or as a kit, modifications included larger diameter bearing supports, stronger and lighter connecting rods, lighter pistons, a tempered steel crankshaft, and a Solex 32 PBIC carburetor and single-pipe manifold. Along with other mechanical modifications, including various compression ratios, the Abarth 850 produced upwards of 60 horsepower and helped Abarth win the Manufacturer's Championship 7 years running, from 1962 to 1967, and the European 'Challenge' touring 850 Class in 1965, 1966 and 1967.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2020