Beschreibung:

• Iconic Abarth-modified FIAT
• Rare Competizione model
• Swiss ownership from new
• Offered with cancelled Swiss registration document
"The performance of FIAT engines, as modified by Carlo Abarth, has for long been held to verge on the supernatural." – John Bolster, Autosport magazine.
After leaving Cisitalia in 1948, Austrian-born engineer Carlo Abarth set up as an independent in Turin, the home of the Italian auto industry. From producing induction and exhaust systems, Abarth branched out into selling performance kits for - mainly FIAT - production cars, later building a highly successful series of aerodynamically-stylish sports prototypes and limited-series production cars. An innovative concern with a sporting pedigree second-to-none, Abarth was taken over by FIAT in 1971, becoming the Italian giant's competitions department.
Abarth first turned its attention to FIAT's Nuova 500 in 1957, upping power from 13 to 21.5bhp, while increasing the engine capacity in 1963 for the '595' model raised the figure to 27 horsepower. Abarth had adopted the most cost-effective method of coaxing greater power from a small engine, a new big-bore cylinder block boosting the previously 499cc air-cooled twin to 593cc. Introduced the following year, the 595 SS (Sprint Speciale) incorporated further performance enhancements, resulting in a maximum output of 32bhp. When FIAT launched the 500F in 1965, it adopted front-hinged doors on a revised and heavier bodyshell, a move that forced Abarth to respond by boosting the 595 SS's output by an additional two horsepower.
Testing a FIAT-Abarth 595 for Autosport magazine in 1966, John Bolster declared: "This is, of course, a much more costly process than the simpler tune-up of the 500, retaining the standard bore size, but the benefits are very great. An extra 5bhp or so is developed, but much more important is the far greater torque in the middle ranges." Higher-compression pistons, re-worked inlet ports, a special camshaft and exhaust system, and a larger carburettor helped raise power to a claimed 30bhp, though as Bolster observed, the biggest gain was in mid-range torque.
Abarth's conversion halved the standard car's acceleration times, and endowed the 595 with a top speed of more than 75mph (120km/h). Lowered suspension and wider wheels and tyres helped the baby FIAT utilise the increased performance. Those still not satisfied could opt for the aforementioned 595 SS with 34bhp on tap and an 80mph (128km/h) top speed. It is estimated that only 20 FIAT-Abarth 595 SS models were built by the factory.
Presented in very nice condition, this rare 595 SS Competizione model comes with documentation listing seven owners (all in Switzerland), commencing in 1971 and recording the last change of ownership as 2nd May 2011. Applied stickers show that this car has competed in several events, including the Klausenrennen Memorial, and on 27th August 2005 was signed by German former Formula 1 driver and World Sportscar Champion, Jochen Mass. Accompanying documentation includes copies of the factory technical specification sheet for the 595 SS; a cancelled Swiss Carte Grise; a quantity of photocopied literature concerning Abarth cars; and the aforementioned ownership history.