UNiQue ONES - In 1956, Abarth was already renowned as the top engine tuner for Fiat cars, and it was ready to make a significant impact on the global racing stage. To compete in the highly competitive 750 cc class of the Grand Touring Championship, Abarth turned to the skilled hands of Carrozzeria Zagato, a respected coachbuilder, to create a new racing car based on the Fiat 600.
1956 Fiat Abarth 750 GT Zagato Double Bubble Coupe uses an upgraded the Fiat 600's four-cylinder engine, which previously has a power of 22 bhp to 47 bhp at 6,000 rpm. (Picture from: Pinterest)
The result of this collaboration was the Fiat Abarth 750 GT Zagato Coupe, a car that quickly gained fame for its distinctive design and impressive performance. Zagato implemented their signature double-bubble roof design and utilized lightweight materials to create a body that weighed just 535 kg. This lightweight construction was key to enhancing the car's agility and speed on the track.
1956 Fiat Abarth 750 GT Zagato Coupe has several distinctive features such twin vertical bumpers on the front, double-bubble roof top and double intake in the engine back cover all styled by Zagato. (Picture from: Pinterest)
Under the hood, Abarth worked its magic on the Fiat 600's four-cylinder engine. The power output was significantly increased from the original 22 bhp to a remarkable 47 bhp at 6,000 rpm. This allowed the Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato Coupe to reach a top speed of 118 mph (189 kph), making it a formidable contender in its class.
The Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato Coupe made its public debut at the 1956 Geneva Motor Show, capturing the attention of both enthusiasts and competitors. Production began in early 1957, with the final version of the car featuring several updates, including twin vertical bumpers on the front, the iconic double-bubble roof, and double intakes on the engine back cover—all styled by Zagato.
1956 Fiat Abarth 750 GT Zagato Coupe (livery #52) drove by Alfonso Thiele has managed to touch the 1957 Mille Miglia finish line in the 2nd place for the 750 cc class. (Picture from: JuanHRacingTeam)
The success of the Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato Coupe was quickly proven in competition. Five production versions of the car were entered into the 1957 Mille Miglia rally, a grueling race that tested both man and machine. One of these cars, driven by Alfonso Thiele, achieved an impressive 2nd place finish in the 750 cc class, further cementing the car's reputation as a racing powerhouse.
Building on this momentum, Abarth set out to break racing records. In July 1957, the company unveiled a new car designed by Pininfarina, featuring a slimmer body, a tube frame chassis, and the same 747 cc engine. This car was taken to the Monza circuit, where it raced for four days straight, breaking an incredible 15 new records. Among these was an average speed of 165.376 kph maintained over 72 hours, showcasing the car's endurance and Abarth's engineering prowess.
1956 Fiat Abarth 750 GT Zagato Coupe (livery #52) drove by
Alfonso Thiele has managed to stand the 2nd place on the 1957 Mille
Miglia racing podium for the 750 cc class. (Picture from: JuanHRacingTeam)
The success of these racing endeavors led to the introduction of a new version of the car at the 1958 Paris Motor Show. Named the Fiat Abarth 750 Record Monza Zagato, this version honored the achievements of the 1957 Mille Miglia victory and the record-breaking performance at Monza. The car was available with or without the signature double-bubble roof, providing options for different tastes and racing needs.
1958 Fiat Abarth 750 Record Monza Zagato intended to pay tribute for the success in the 750cc class of the 1957 Mille Miglia and breaking of 15 new records in the same year. (Picture from: Pinterest)
With only about 600 units ever built, the Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato Coupe became one of the most iconic and successful racing cars of the 1950s and 1960s. Its innovative design, exceptional performance, and remarkable racing achievements have left a lasting legacy in the world of motorsport, making it a treasured classic among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The story of the Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato Coupe is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of excellence on the racetrack. This car not only set new standards for performance but also became a symbol of Abarth's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was possible in automotive engineering. Today, it stands as a reminder of a golden era in racing history, where passion and ingenuity came together to create something truly extraordinary. *** [EKA [24012021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | OLDCONCEPTCARS | FIAT500OWNERS | ]
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The result of this collaboration was the Fiat Abarth 750 GT Zagato Coupe, a car that quickly gained fame for its distinctive design and impressive performance. Zagato implemented their signature double-bubble roof design and utilized lightweight materials to create a body that weighed just 535 kg. This lightweight construction was key to enhancing the car's agility and speed on the track.
Under the hood, Abarth worked its magic on the Fiat 600's four-cylinder engine. The power output was significantly increased from the original 22 bhp to a remarkable 47 bhp at 6,000 rpm. This allowed the Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato Coupe to reach a top speed of 118 mph (189 kph), making it a formidable contender in its class.
The story of the Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato Coupe is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of excellence on the racetrack. This car not only set new standards for performance but also became a symbol of Abarth's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was possible in automotive engineering. Today, it stands as a reminder of a golden era in racing history, where passion and ingenuity came together to create something truly extraordinary. *** [EKA [24012021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | OLDCONCEPTCARS | FIAT500OWNERS | ]
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