Abarth 209 A Coupé by Boano: A Classic Stile Transatlantico Icon

ONE-OFF - The world of exotic cars is often celebrated for its blend of unique styling and cutting-edge engineering, but few examples capture this spirit as vividly as those crafted during the mid-20th century. In a fascinating era where American and Italian design philosophies intersected, European manufacturers eagerly responded to the growing demand for distinctive automobiles in the American market. This fusion of styles, known as Stile Transatlantico, produced some truly remarkable concept cars, with Alfa Romeo’s Berlina Aerodinamica Tecnica (B.A.T.) being a quintessential example of this creative era.

Today, this exceptional Abarth 209 A Coupé by Boano can be admired at the Louwman Museum in The Hague, Netherlands, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of automotive excellence. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

The allure of these exotic vehicles extends beyond their aesthetic appeal, reaching into the realm of engineering innovation. One of the standout figures from this period was Mario Felice Boano, an acclaimed designer known for his work with Carrozzeria Ghia. When Boano established his own carrozzeria in 1954, he sought to capitalize on the burgeoning American sports car market. Partnering with the renowned exhaust specialist Carlo Abarth, Boano aimed to craft an Italian machine that would cater specifically to American tastes. Their collaboration was not new; Boano and Abarth had previously worked together during Boano's tenure at Ghia.

The Abarth 209A Coupé by Boano, a standout model in this series, was built around a simple yet effective boxed pressed-steel platform chassis. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

A particularly rare and intriguing creation from this collaboration was a series of cars built on the Fiat 1100 platform. Commissioned by Tony Pompeo, a New York-based distributor for Abarth and other Italian brands, this series consisted of twelve unique vehicles tailored for the American market. It included ten Abarth 207A Spyders, which were specifically designed for the 12 Hours of Sebring, as well as one each of the Abarth 208A Spyder and 209A Coupé intended for road use. 

Inside the car, the driver enjoys a comfortable cockpit with an easy-to-read dashboard featuring a speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge, complemented by adjustable bucket seats for maximum support during high-performance driving. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

Each shared the same basic lines penned for Boano by Giovanni Michelotti. The 208A and 209A were unveiled at the 1955 Turin Motor Show, where they were displayed alongside the 207A, which had been introduced earlier that year. This showcase highlighted the exceptional design and engineering prowess of Boano and Abarth.

The Abarth 209A Coupé by Boano, powered by a modified Fiat 1100 four-cylinder engine, saw its output boosted from 36 to 66 horsepower through Abarth's tuning. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

The Abarth 209A Coupé by Boano, a standout model in this series, was built around a simple yet effective boxed pressed-steel platform chassis. While this chassis might not have been the most advanced of its time, it provided the flexibility needed to accommodate a variety of body styles. The 209A Coupé was particularly notable for its exotic design features, including high wheel arches, retractable headlights, a sporty stainless steel exhaust pipe on the right, and panoramic windows.

The Abarth 209A Coupé by Boano was particularly notable for its exotic design features, including high wheel arches, retractable headlights, a sporty stainless steel exhaust pipe on the right, and panoramic windows. (Picture from: Coachbuild)

Underneath its striking exterior, the Abarth 209A Coupé housed a modified version of the Fiat 1100’s four-cylinder engine. Abarth's tuning boosted the engine's output from a modest 36 horsepower to a more robust 66 horsepower. Despite these enhancements, the car's wheelbase, length, and width remained consistent with its Spyder counterparts, while its height and curb weight were slightly increased to accommodate the coupe’s distinctive design elements. Today, this exceptional vehicle can be admired at the Louwman Museum in The Hague, Netherlands, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of automotive excellence. | E8UIK_ygV3U |

In reflecting on the legacy of these remarkable cars, it's clear that their creation was not merely about blending styles but about pushing the boundaries of automotive design. The partnership between Boano and Abarth stands as a testament to innovation and a deep understanding of the market's desires, showcasing how American and Italian influences can come together to create something truly extraordinary. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LOUWMANMUSEUM | COACHBUILD | ULTIMATECARPAGE | ROARONGTON | AUTOMOBILECATALOG ]

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