Fantasy Junction

Description

1958 Fiat Abarth 750 GT Zagato
s/n 586161, engine number 100.000 594421
Red with Black Interior

Built using Fiat’s 600 as a basis, the Abarth 750 GT was an attractive and competitive Zagato-bodied car that helped establish Carlo Abarth’s firm as a manufacturer of sports cars and not merely tuning components, which is how the company started in the 1930s. Using the floorpan of the 600, Abarth fitted sleek and lightweight Zagato bodies and significantly revamped the motors, fitting lighted and balanced flywheels, and high performance internals including crank, high compression pistons, larger valves, upgraded valve train, and performance camshafts. The resulting displacement was 747cc instead of the 633cc of the standard engine, and nearly twice the power output.

Introduced in 1955, the cars were entered in races almost immediately and were quite successful on both sides of the Atlantic, achieving second in class at the 1956 Mille Miglia, and winning its class at the 1957 Mille Miglia. The cars also achieved class and overall victories at the 1958 and 1959 Rallye de Sestriere. Four out of five examples entered finished the 12 Hours of Sebring, one of which one its class, while another achieved second at the SCCA races at Palm Springs.

This particular car was originally dark blue and was purchased new by a college student in California and used as a daily driver. Years later, it was owned by his mother in the town of Dike, Iowa, where it remained for approximately thirty years, passing through the hands of two subsequent owners before its current owner purchased it in 2011. The engine has been recently rebuilt, and was enlarged to 920cc through the use of an 850 crankshaft and new pistons. The head was ported and fitted with oversized Abarth valves with heavy duty springs. The mtoor has Abarth carburetor, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, and aftermarket Abarth valve cover and oil sump. The car also has optional Abarth auxiliary radiator. The new motor has approximately 200 miles on it. It produces approximately 70hp, over 50% more power than it would have originally had. Extra Abarth crank, camshaft, and pistons are included with the car.

The car is in very good cosmetic condition. The body is attractive and presentable, and is probably consistent with how the cars were delivered new. The gaps and fit are particularly good for a Zagato but not outstanding. The paintwork is glossy and the car is generally free from corrosion. There are two or three spots showing evidence of electrolysis, one on the left rear fender, and two on the right rear fender at the bottom of the rear quarter window. There are some surface imperfections in the paintwork. The brightwork is in very good condition as is the glass, with excellent front windscreen and a few scratches to the rear windscreen, which is made of glass. The wheels are excellent and have correct spinner type hubcaps. The car wears yellow Year of Manufacture license plates.

The interior is very nice, with excellent leather on the flying buttress seats in the style of the original Zagato seats. The rubber floor mats are in very good shape as is the dashboard. The car has lovely Jaeger instruments, which have a pleasing patina. The door panels are in very good condition, and the various trim and switches are present and in good basically unrestored condition. The mirror glass is in fine shape but the chrome is showing deterioration.

The engine compartment is generally tidy and detailed although a few components could stand to be refinished. Overall, however, it is very clean and nicely presented, with period correct appearance including the air filter housing. The front compartment has been restored and is tidy with correct rubber mat and spare. The undercarriage is very clean and has been fitted with new floors, with the craftsmanship having been done to high standards.

The car runs and drives superbly. The motor is extremely well resolved, making dramatically more power than a stock 750 Zagato. It is well-tuned and makes great noise, as well as strong power. The gear ratios are close, providing lively performance, and the gearbox operation is excellent. The steering and suspension are tight and coherent and the brakes effective and linear in operation.

This is a very rare opportunity to acquire a Zagato-bodied Fiat Abarth that is a joy to drive. It features Zagato’s trademark double bubble roofline and is a cosmetically attractive driver-level example. The motor is freshly rebuilt and the car is ready to enjoy. Additionally, it is eligible for a variety of prestigious road, rally, and race events thanks to its pedigree and build date.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608