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Build an Abarth: 1958 Fiat / Abarth 1000 TC

I have a fear that I’ll reach an age where I’ve not stopped accumulating projects before I’m at the point of being unable to finish them. That seems to be the case here of a seller that has gone through the painstaking task of tracking down all of the impossible to find bits needed to convert a standard Fiat 500 into a true Abarth clone. Check it out here on craigslist with no price specified, as he’s willing to split up the car and the genuine A112 Abarth 1L engine.

As you can see in the top photo, he’s got all the right bits – the Abarth front “snout”, the Campagnolo wheels, and the Abarth hood/engine cover lifts. There’s a lot more that all looks to be factory correct for an Abarth, which makes it all the more surprising that the owner is moving on from what looks like a nearly complete conversion. It currently has a 600D engine, with fresh brakes, tires, and a lowered suspension.

Of course, the crown jewel of the project is the genuine Abarth one liter engine that the seller purchased and had shipped from Europe. The seller has also procured all the bits needed to adapt the engine to the car, including the very elusive pressure plate and modified flywheel to manage the additional power of the Abarth engine. Based on the very hot-rodded Fiat in the background, I’d say this is the guy to buy from if you’re looking for an Abarth project.

Oh, those seats – delicious. The seller has tracked down the rare Abarth wood steering wheel, too. In addition to all the hard-to-find Abarth parts, the car just looks super clean with excellent bodywork and paint. The attention to detail is impressive, and the seller seems approachable based on his offer to talk shop about Abarth parts in the listing. Although you hate to see him not finish it, someone needs to bring this Abarth conversion over the finish line. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Roger for the find.

Comments

  1. Avatar Derek

    “…convert a standard Fiat 500…”

    It’s based on the 600.

    Like 1
  2. Avatar Cj

    But that horrible front bumper – is it just me?

    Like 1
    • Avatar Bryan W Cohn

      Yes, its just you. :) That is the Abarth front radiator housing/snout. While I’ll agree that its a funky looking thing in era it was 100% all about purpose. In SCCA D Sedan the Abarth was a hot runner against the Mini Cooper 1000.

      I’ve always loved the Abarth simply because it was so outrageous looking.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Edward

        Two averaged sized adults would double the weight of this car!

        Like 0
    • Avatar Nate

      No, it’s not just you. That’s the ugliest front adornment I’ve ever seen.

      Like 1
  3. Avatar Jack Quantrill

    I think that front thing is an icebox! Folding seats, too.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Kevin Harper

    Very tempting even if it is on the wrong coast.

    The front thing holds at minimum the oil cooler and on most the radiator. On a standard 600 the radiator is in the rear as this car is.

    The A112 motor is the way to go but you will have to change the axles because it will twist the factory axles into taffy in short order.

    These are huge fun to play with, a guy around here (Al Taylor) has one with a 2 liter twincam and NOS on it. It will lift the front wheels off the ground. I keep trying to buy it bot so far Al has resisted my efforts.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Mitch Ross Member

    I remember Al Cosantino racing that car in SCCA. Good times

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Billy1

    Nice looking project. There is one of these on Ebay with a turbo VW type 1 engine. 185hp!!

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Kevin Harper

    I texted the guy about it. He is pretty straight up and easy to deal with.
    The price for the whole package isn’t horrible but adding the cost to get it shipped the the opposite coast was a little high for me. 8200 for everything and 5800 without the a112 motor. I think there is a little wiggle room in his ask but between to many projects and on the left coast I had to pass.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar t-bone Bob

    sweet

    Like 0

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