1969 Fiat 500 'Abarth Tribute' Coupe

Description

If ever an automobile symbolised Italy, it would be Fiat’s charming 500 Cinquecento, a car that has reached cult status around the world and inspired the current retro-styled model.  Launched as the Nuova 500 in 1957 and succeeding the massively popular Topolino, the Fiat provided mass transportation for millions of Italians and ultimately remained in production for the best part of twenty years.  World renowned tuner Carlo Abarth naturally turned his attention to the 500 and began producing the 500D-based 595 in 1963, featuring a modified camshaft, pistons and carburettor to raise capacity to 594cc and 27 horsepower.  Sporting Scorpion badges and better instrumentation, the 595 spawned both SS and Corsa derivatives, each with beefed-up suspension.  An even hotter model, the 695 was added in 1964; with capacity increased to 689cc and power up to 38 hp at 5200 rpm, the 695 could cruise at 140-145 km/h and was the first 500-derived Abarth to feature the raised engine cover on struts for additional cooling and stability.  With the arrival of the improved 500F shell (featuring front-hinged doors) in 1965, Abarth added the 695 Assetto Corsa with a front-mounted oil cooler, wider track and optional alloy rims.  In addition to the special cylinder castings, the 695’s exhaust ports and manifold ports were polished, new valve springs and a revised camshaft were all fitted.  In true giant-killer fashion, the 695 SS proved unbeatable in 700cc class racing in Continental Europe and original cars are few and far between, with only an estimated 50 genuine examples thought to survive.