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Wednesday, January 27, 2021

An awkward-designed Abarth 750 Coupe Goccia

UNiQue ONES - By 1956, Abarth had firmly established itself as a leader in tuning engines for Fiat cars, gaining widespread recognition for its expertise. With a strong foundation in the automotive world, Abarth began to explore the competitive world of motor racing. They set their sights on the 750 cc class of the Grand Touring Championship, aiming to make a significant impact. In mid-1956, Abarth took a bold step by commissioning the renowned Zagato body to create a new design for the Fiat, transforming it into a racing machine capable of competing at the highest levels.
1956 Fiat Abarth 750 Coupe Goccia by Vignale as an aerodynamics study with the ambition to set world speed records in its class by using an Abarth modified engine. (Picture from: BingoSportsWorld)
The result was the iconic Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato Coupe, characterized by its distinctive double-bubble roof. This unique design not only made the car visually striking but also proved its worth on the racetrack. The Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato Coupe quickly demonstrated its prowess, achieving remarkable success and solidifying its reputation as a formidable contender in the racing world. However, Abarth didn't stop there. In their quest to offer even more options, they turned to another esteemed coachbuilder, Vignale, to create an alternative body for the Fiat/Abarth 750, aiming to cater to different racing needs.
1956 Fiat Abarth 750 Coupe Goccia by Vignale as an aerodynamics study with the ambition to set world speed records in its class by using an Abarth modified engine. (Picture from: BingoSportsWorld)
In 1957, Vignale produced three cars that would become known as the Fiat Abarth 750 Coupe Goccia. This model was a true innovation, built on the foundation of the Fiat/Abarth 750 but with a design that was ahead of its time. The Goccia Coupe featured a highly aerodynamic shape, giving it an eccentric and eye-catching appearance. The name "Goccia," derived from the Italian word for "water droplet," was a nod to its sleek, fluid design that resembled a droplet of water in contact with a surface. This unconventional design was the brainchild of Giovanni Michelotti, who worked in collaboration with Abarth's skilled mechanics to bring this vision to life.
1956 Fiat Abarth 750 Coupe Goccia by Vignale as an aerodynamics study with the ambition to set world speed records in its class by using an Abarth modified engine. (Picture from: BingoSportsWorld)
The first of these unique cars was showcased at the 1956 Geneva Motor Show, where it stood out with its gull-wing doors—a feature that was as bold as the car's overall design. The other two units, while retaining the same aerodynamic principles, were equipped with conventional doors and received various other modifications to suit different tastes and requirements. The Fiat Abarth 750 Goccia Coupe by Vignale was not just a car; it was a statement of innovation and collaboration. It marked a significant moment in Vignale's history, blending Abarth's expertise in crafting finely-tuned engines with Vignale's mastery in creating lightweight, aerodynamic bodywork.
1956 Fiat Abarth 750 Coupe Goccia by Vignale as an aerodynamics study with the ambition to set world speed records in its class by using an Abarth modified engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3oWQYnQ)
Despite its charm and the ambition to set world speed records in its class, the Fiat Abarth 750 Coupe 'Goccia' by Vignale was never marketed to the public. This lack of commercialization only added to its allure, making it a rare and intriguing piece of automotive history. The performance of this little Italian marvel was equally impressive.
1956 Fiat Abarth 750 Coupe Goccia by Vignale as an aerodynamics study with the ambition to set world speed records in its class by using an Abarth modified engine. (Picture from: Pinterest)
Powered by a Fiat 747 cc inline, four-cylinder engine mounted at the rear, the Goccia Coupe delivered a surprising punch. With 47 bhp at 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 36 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm, this lightweight car, weighing in at just 1,212 lbs, could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 15.8 seconds. It boasted a top speed of 93 mph and a fuel consumption rate of 25 mpg, making it not only fast but also efficient for its time.
Although it was never intended for mass production, the Fiat Abarth 750 Coupe 'Goccia' by Vignale remains a fascinating chapter in the history of automotive design and engineering. Its estimated value today is around $3,500, a modest price for a car that represents a unique blend of innovation, style, and performance. The story of the Goccia Coupe is a reminder of the creativity and ambition that defined an era of automotive excellence.*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING | OLDCONCEPTCARS | CARTHROTLE | FIAT500OWNERS | BINGOSPORTSWORLD ]
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