Unique ONES - Abarth & C. S.p.A., a name synonymous with Italian automotive excellence, is known for its collaborations with renowned coachbuilders to produce some of the most memorable sports cars of the 1950s and 1960s. Among these collaborations, one of the most notable is the Fiat-Abarth 750/850 series, which built on the foundation of the Fiat 600, but with the performance and flair that Abarth was famous for.
 |
| 1959 Fiat-Abarth 850 Coupé Scorpione Allemano. (Picture from: SpiderVeloce) |
The Fiat-Abarth 750/850 series, although based on the Fiat 600, was no ordinary car. It featured an upgraded engine that Abarth meticulously enhanced to deliver superior performance. These cars didn't just stay confined to a single model; they gave rise to several derivatives, each offering something unique. The lineup included the Fiat-Abarth 850, the Fiat-Abarth 1000, and the Abarth Monomille (1000 pushrod). Each model had its distinct characteristics, yet all shared the Abarth DNA that made them stand out on the road.  |
| 1959 Fiat-Abarth 850 Coupé Scorpione Allemano. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3ljik5E) |
Abarth's collaborations extended beyond Fiat, involving some of the most prestigious coachbuilders of the era, such as Zagato and Allemano. These partnerships resulted in a range of body styles that were as diverse as they were beautiful. Among the most iconic of these designs was the Abarth 750 GT Zagato Coupé, instantly recognizable by its distinctive double-bubble roof. The double-bubble design was not just a stylistic choice but also a functional one, providing extra headroom while maintaining a sleek profile. The Zagato Coupé was not just about looks; it was also a symbol of Abarth's racing pedigree.
 |
| 1959 Fiat-Abarth 850 Coupé Scorpione Allemano. (Picture from: SpiderVeloce) |
Another standout from this period was the Abarth Record Monza. This model was celebrated for its performance on the track, earning its place in Abarth's storied racing history. Meanwhile, Abarth also worked closely with Allemano to produce the Abarth Allemano Spyder and Allemano Coupé, both of which showcased the elegant yet sporty design language that defined Abarth's cars.
One of the rarest and most fascinating creations from this era was the Fiat-Abarth 850 Coupé Scorpione, a car that stood out not only for its rarity but also for its refined design. The Scorpione made its debut at the 1959 Geneva Motor Show, where it caught the attention of car enthusiasts with its sleek lines and impressive engineering. It was powered by an 833 cc Fiat 850 single-cam engine, capable of producing 51 hp (38 kW) at 6,000 rpm. This modest yet potent engine allowed the Scorpione to reach a top speed of 96 mph (154 kph), making it a respectable performer in its class.
 |
| 1959 Fiat-Abarth 850 Coupé Scorpione Allemano. (Picture from: SpiderVeloce) |
The Fiat-Abarth 850 Coupé Scorpione was equipped with a rear-wheel-drive system and a four-speed manual transmission, providing an engaging driving experience. It could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 14.3 seconds, a decent time for a car of its era. Despite its performance, the Scorpione was often seen as more of a grand tourer than an outright sports car. It was slightly heavier than its Zagato counterpart, which led some to view it as less sporty, but this was offset by its elegance and comfort.
The interior of the Scorpione was designed with the driver in mind, offering light steering and compact seating that made it a joy to drive. The four-speed gearbox was smooth and responsive, contributing to the overall driving pleasure. With only 41 units ever produced, the Scorpione remains one of the most exclusive and sought-after Abarth models. Its rarity and unique characteristics have cemented its status as a true collector's item.
Abarth's legacy in the 1950s and 1960s is a testament to the brand's commitment to combining performance with design excellence. The Fiat-Abarth 750/850 series, especially models like the 850 Coupé Scorpione, encapsulates the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defined this golden era of automotive history. The Scorpione, with its blend of rarity, style, and driving dynamics, continues to be celebrated by car enthusiasts and collectors alike, reminding us of a time when automotive design was as much about artistry as it was about engineering. Wanna see another beauty car creation, the Abarth 205 Sports 1100. *** [EKA [16112020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VELOCETODAY | SPIDERVELOCE | CARSTYLING.RU ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone
