The Abarth 595: Sixty Years of the “Small, But Wicked”

In the annals of automotive history, there are cars that leave an indelible mark, and then there are those that etch their names in blazing letters. The Abarth 595 falls firmly into the latter category. Sixty years ago, in September 1963, the automotive world bore witness to the birth of a legend as Carlo Abarth unveiled the Fiat-Abarth 595. Based on the already successful Fiat 500 D, this remarkable creation took the small car platform and transformed it into something truly extraordinary.

The Fiat 500 D, introduced in 1961, had already captured the hearts of drivers across Europe with its compact size and practicality. However, Carlo Abarth had a different vision in mind. He decided to infuse the 500 D with his unique brand of performance, aggression, and unmistakable style, birthing the Fiat-Abarth 595. This was not merely a car; it was an automotive symphony composed of steel, power, and audacity.

One glance at the Fiat-Abarth 595 was enough to understand its intentions. The distinctive 850TC-type perforated front grille demanded attention, while the shiny metal “Fiat Abarth 595” lettering on the rear and hood proudly proclaimed its identity. On the right side, the “World Champion” inscription served as a testament to the numerous records held by Abarth creations. Underneath, an oversized aluminum oil pan peeked from under the rear fascia, further accentuating the car’s racing spirit. And then, there was the pièce de résistance – the “Record Monza”-type dual-exit sports muffler, which not only looked the part but also unleashed an intoxicating symphony from its depths.

But what truly set the Fiat-Abarth 595 apart was what lay beneath its captivating exterior. Abarth engineers worked tirelessly on the car’s cylinders and pistons, employing innovative materials to increase its displacement. The result? A powerplant that packed a punch – 27 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, a significant 30% boost over the base model. This transformed the diminutive 595 into a feisty performer capable of reaching a top speed of 120 km/h, making it a formidable contender on both the road and track.

In essence, Carlo Abarth had taken a practical city car and imbued it with a heart that beat for high-performance. This approach, taking a successful platform and elevating it to new heights, is a recipe that Abarth has continued to employ. The New Abarth 500e, born from the successful Fiat New 500 electric, is a testament to this ethos, showcasing Abarth’s ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

One month after its initial unveiling, the Fiat-Abarth 595 made its grand public debut at the Turin Motor Show on October 31st, 1963. Carlo Abarth, a shrewd businessman and a true motoring enthusiast, had a unique strategy to ensure the 595’s success. He offered visitors to the motor show a coupon for a test drive of the new creation, a move that paid off handsomely. Carlo Abarth announced that the first 1,000 Fiat-Abarth 595 cars destined for racing homologation would soon roll off the assembly line, solidifying the car’s status as a force to be reckoned with.

As a natural progression of the 595’s success, Carlo Abarth unveiled the Fiat-Abarth 695 at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1964. This marked the beginning of a tradition for Abarth – the technical upgrade. Through transformation kits, Abarth’s enhancements found their way into Fiat production cars, both mechanically and aesthetically. This commitment to improvement, innovation, and style laid the foundation for the brand’s enduring legacy.

Today, the spirit and values that Carlo Abarth infused into his creations continue to thrive. The Abarth range, which includes the New Abarth 500e, the 165-horsepower Abarth 595, and the even more potent 180-horsepower Abarth 695, is a testament to the enduring appeal of performance and style. These cars offer thrilling performance, an exhaust note that roars with character, and a style that is playful yet boldly assertive.

Sixty years after its debut, the Fiat-Abarth 595 remains a symbol of automotive ingenuity, a reminder that a small car can be wickedly powerful and undeniably stylish. Its legacy lives on in the hearts of Scorpion brand enthusiasts, proving that some legends never age, and some cars are destined to be remembered for generations to come.

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