Abarth Fiat 2200 1959
Carlo Abarth founded his tuning company in Turin in 1950. He would eventually take over the failed Cisitalia business following its demise, and it was this that ensured Abarth would begin to produce desirable and successful cars in its own right.
Following a string of collaborations with some of the most famous and respected Italian coachbuilders of the day, Abarth quickly became a well-established name, producing cars such as the 750 GT Zagato “Double Bubble.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly, when Abarth chose to develop his own interpretation of the Fiat 2100 saloon, he turned to Turin-based Carrozzeria Allemano. Allemano was established in 1928 and worked with the likes of Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, and Cisitalia. It is thought that just 28 examples of the Abarth 2200 (so named due to the increased displacement of the Fiat 2100) were produced, with a small number also bodied by Carrozzeria Ellena.
Abarth produced a very limited number of larger coupes and convertibles in the late 1950s, simply as showpieces to demonstrate the company’s abilities. This Spider (pictured) was among them – one of only three brought into England and the only convertible. Priced in its day at £4,076, it was more expensive than an Aston Martin and very, very much more than a Jaguar XK140.
The car is powered by a 2295cc, straight-six Fiat engine, based on the Lampredi-designed block used in the Fiat 1800 unit from 1959. Power is estimated at 135bhp which, in a car weighing a touch over 1000kg, allowed Abarth to advertise it as a 200km/h motor. The low weight was made possible by using aluminium doors, boot and bonnet, and the final result is a handsome Italian touring cabriolet. Barons is hoping to sell the car for between £23,000 and £30,000 on 31st July.