The Big Car Database

Abarth Fiat 595 1957-1971

The Fiat Abarth 595 is a car based on the Fiat 500 transformed by Abarth.

Fiat Abarth 595/695 SS
Illustrative picture of the article Fiat Abarth 595
Fiat Abarth 595
Mark Flag of Italy Abarth
Years of production 1957-1971
Class Micro-city sports
Engine and transmission
Energy Species
Engine (s) 2 cylinders
Engine position back
Displacement 499.5, 594, and 689  cm 3
Transmission Propulsion
Gearbox 4
Weight and performance
Unloaded weight 470 kg
Maximum speed 95/105/130/150 km / h
Chassis - Bodywork
Bodywork (s) 2-door sedan
Frame Steel hull
Suspensions 4 independent wheels
Dimensions
Length 2,970 mm
Width 1320 mm
Height 1320 mm
Wheelbase 1840 mm

History

Already before launching the Fiat 600, the owners of Fiat Auto wanted a mini-car to replace their Fiat 500 Topolino but which could carry four people. This car essentially had to have an urban vocation. Designed by Dante Giacosa , the famous chief engineer of the brand, and built with a monocoque structure, upgraded suspension, generously sized hydraulic brakes.

Launched on July 4, 1957, the new 500 appears perfectly adapted to its brief. Simple and economical, nicknamed in France the "pot of yoghurt". The mark pot of yoghurt being registered at the INPI. With the exception of the mechanics, it is based on the architecture of the Fiat 600, with a motor positioned at the rear and four independent wheels. It is powered by a twin-line air-cooled 479 cm 3 developing 16.5 hp , which allows it to reach 85 km / h. The 500 was known for its idle vibrations and the high noise level. Carlo Abarth addressed this little engine with pistons, connecting rods and crankshafts special, modified camshafts and special exhausts.

The first Fiat 500 with an Abarth conversion was launched at the Turin Motor Show in November 1957. With his prepared engine, reprofiled camshaft, modified carburetor it was soon setting a series of records on the Monza racetrack between 13 and 20 February 1959. The drivers Remo Cattini, Marino Guarnieri and Corrado Manfredini took turns for seven days to cover 18,186 kilometers at an average of 108.252 km / h .

In the same year, Abarth manufactured a car built on a tubular chassis and retaining the engine in the rear. Designed by Pininfarina and built in aluminum, this prototype weighs only 368 kg . He set 23 international records, including that of the 2000 km average of 153.319 km / h . Amended in 1959 by adding a long tail and removing the periscope, the car sets, in August 1959, five new records of class 1 ( 351 cm 3 to 500 cm 3 ), the 1000 km average of 165.652 km / h .

It was not until 1963 that the Fiat Abarth 595 derivative of the Fiat 500 is launched on the market. It will be presented in November 1963 at the Turin Notor Show and approved to run in the class of less than 600 cm 3 with the Manufacture a minimum of 1,000 standard units. Abarth develops an engine producing 594 cm 3, hence its name "595". The power is modest but the car exceeds 120 km . Externally, the Abarth logo on the front and some inscriptions identify the car.

In 1964, the Fiat Abarth 595 SS is introduced propeling the car to 130 km. The SS receives a profiled overhang, presented as an aerodynamic wing and whose function is also to stiffen the hull weakened by its hood canvas. Many options are available, including light-alloy wheels, a four-dial instrument panel, and the Abarth aluminum rim with leather-covered rim. Following the evolution of the Fiat 500, the 595 SS enjoys from 1965 doors opening against the wind. The car is equipped with wings extensions made of resin attached to the body, which allow the mounting of Abarth wide rims. It also receives the four-dials dashboard and the optional steering wheel on the SS. Last evolution, the 595 SS Assetto Corsa is offered in 1970 with a new decorative treatment: the wing diffusers are then painted red, as well as the underbody and part of the trapezoid-shaped front .

Abarth will introduce the Fiat 695 Abarth, a more civilized than the model 595 SS at the Geneva Motor Show 1964. It is considered the most balanced road version derived from the Fiat Abarth 500. The power and maximum speed of 130 km are almost identical to the SS 595, the new engine of 689 cm 3 super square ( 76 x 76 mm ) is less sharp.

The 695 is soon followed by a more elaborate version, the 695 SS. It exceeds 135 km with a compression ratio of 9.8/1 and a carburetor 34 millimeters . It can be equipped with the same profile as the 595 SS. The SS 695 in turn receives its version Assetto Corsa , mechanically identical but recognizable by its flared fenders.

The 595 and 695 will bring to Abarth countless sports successes in the 600 and 700 classes. They are now highly sought after by small car enthusiasts. However, among the derivatives signed Abarth of the Fiat 500, the most fantastic remains the berlinette 500 GT Zagato.

Specifications

  • Engine: 690 cm 3 - 2 cylinders in line - 4 valves - 38 horsepower at 5200 rev / min
  • Power: 1 carburettor
  • Transmission: propulsion
  • 4-speed manual transmission
  • Direction with screw and roller
  • Front and rear drum brakes
  • 12 inch wheels
  • Suspensions:
    • Front independent arms, pulled arms, transverse blade lower spring, telescopic shock absorbers
    • Rear arms, pulled arms, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 297 cm
    • Width: 132 cm
    • Height: 130 cm
    • Wheelbase: 184 cm
    • Curb weight / gross weight: 470 kg
  • Maximum speed: 135 km / h

The product range models

  • 500 (1957-1963): Fiat 500 with conversion kits;
  • 595 (1963-1965): Abarth first complete car range 500. Body of the Fiat 500 D engine of 584 cc , dual carburetor body;
  • 595 SS (1964-1966): derived from the 595 speed increased to 130 km / h  ;
  • 695 (1964-1966): body of the Fiat 500 D engine 689 cc , maximum speed of 140 km / h  ;
  • 595 (1965-1971): body of the Fiat 500 F, Engine 584 cm³  ;
  • 595 SS (1964-1971): derived from the 595, engine 689 cm³ , speed 130 km / h  ;
  • 695 SS (1964-1971): Engine 689 cm³ , speed 150 km / h  ;
  • 695 SS Assetto Corsa (1965-1969);
  • 695 SS Competizione (1969-1971).

Abarth marketed until 1971 processing kits for the Fiat 500 base. The Abarth models were distributed by the specific Abarth network, often through the largest Fiat dealerships.