Vehicle model
Abarth 500
The Abarth 500 represents one of the earliest and most iconic performance transformations created by Carlo Abarth based on the humble Fiat 500. From 1957, the launch year of the Fiat Nuova 500, the Turin-based company Abarth & C. immediately identified the potential of this small city car as a platform for high-performance versions destined for competition and customers seeking spirited driving. Carlo Abarth, the brand's founder and renowned tuner, had already proven himself with Fiat 600 transformations and saw in the 500 an opportunity to create a true "pocket rocket" capable of competing in hillclimbs and rallies. The first Abarth 500s emerged in 1958 with progressive tuning kits. The Abarth 500 GT offered displacement increased from 479 cc to 594 cc through modified bore and stroke, accompanied by forged pistons, a reinforced crankshaft, and a twin-choke Weber carburetor. Power climbed from the original 13 horsepower to approximately 21-25 horsepower, a substantial increase for the era. These early versions adopted characteristic Abarth exhausts, lightweight alloy wheels, and sometimes lightened bumpers to save weight. In 1960, Abarth took a further step with the Abarth 595, equipped with a 594 cc engine developing up to 27 horsepower in its stradale (road) version and more in racing specifications. This version quickly became iconic thanks to its astonishing performance for its size, capable of reaching 120 km/h and offering brisk acceleration. The Abarth 595 distinguished itself with its bulging front hood to accommodate the modified engine, Abarth side stripes, and dashboard enriched with additional instruments. The year 1963 marked the arrival of the Abarth 595 SS (Super Sport), followed in 1964 by the Abarth 695, bringing displacement to 689 cc with power reaching 38 horsepower. These versions integrated lowered and reinforced suspensions, improved brakes with front discs on certain variants, and more direct steering. The Abarth 695 SS became the absolute reference of the range, with limited production intended primarily for competition homologation. On track and in hillclimbs, Abarth 500s accumulated victories and podiums in their category throughout the 1960s, consolidating Abarth's reputation as a reference tuner. The close collaboration between Fiat and Abarth allowed official distribution of certain versions through the Fiat network, expanding the customer base beyond just racing drivers. Production of Abarth 500s gradually slowed with the arrival of the Fiat 500 F in 1965, then ended definitively around 1971 when Fiat acquired Abarth. The legacy of these early Abarth 500s remains immense: they established the foundations of Abarth's philosophy centered on performance, lightness, and driving pleasure, while creating an automotive legend that would be successfully reinterpreted starting in 2008 with the launch of the modern Abarth 500.
History
History of the Abarth 500
The Abarth 500 represents one of the earliest and most iconic performance transformations created by Carlo Abarth based on the humble Fiat 500. From 1957, the launch year of the Fiat Nuova 500, the Turin-based company Abarth & C. immediately identified the potential of this small city car as a platform for high-performance versions destined for competition and customers seeking spirited driving. Carlo Abarth, the brand's founder and renowned tuner, had already proven himself with Fiat 600 transformations and saw in the 500 an opportunity to create a true "pocket rocket" capable of competing in hillclimbs and rallies. The first Abarth 500s emerged in 1958 with progressive tuning kits. The Abarth 500 GT offered displacement increased from 479 cc to 594 cc through modified bore and stroke, accompanied by forged pistons, a reinforced crankshaft, and a twin-choke Weber carburetor. Power climbed from the original 13 horsepower to approximately 21-25 horsepower, a substantial increase for the era. These early versions adopted characteristic Abarth exhausts, lightweight alloy wheels, and sometimes lightened bumpers to save weight. In 1960, Abarth took a further step with the Abarth 595, equipped with a 594 cc engine developing up to 27 horsepower in its stradale (road) version and more in racing specifications. This version quickly became iconic thanks to its astonishing performance for its size, capable of reaching 120 km/h and offering brisk acceleration. The Abarth 595 distinguished itself with its bulging front hood to accommodate the modified engine, Abarth side stripes, and dashboard enriched with additional instruments. The year 1963 marked the arrival of the Abarth 595 SS (Super Sport), followed in 1964 by the Abarth 695, bringing displacement to 689 cc with power reaching 38 horsepower. These versions integrated lowered and reinforced suspensions, improved brakes with front discs on certain variants, and more direct steering. The Abarth 695 SS became the absolute reference of the range, with limited production intended primarily for competition homologation. On track and in hillclimbs, Abarth 500s accumulated victories and podiums in their category throughout the 1960s, consolidating Abarth's reputation as a reference tuner. The close collaboration between Fiat and Abarth allowed official distribution of certain versions through the Fiat network, expanding the customer base beyond just racing drivers. Production of Abarth 500s gradually slowed with the arrival of the Fiat 500 F in 1965, then ended definitively around 1971 when Fiat acquired Abarth. The legacy of these early Abarth 500s remains immense: they established the foundations of Abarth's philosophy centered on performance, lightness, and driving pleasure, while creating an automotive legend that would be successfully reinterpreted starting in 2008 with the launch of the modern Abarth 500.
Technology
Technologies, engines and platforms
The classic Abarth 500s (1958-1971) relied on extensive mechanical modifications of the air-cooled Fiat twin-cylinder engine. Powertrains evolved from 594 cc (595) to 689 cc (695), featuring forged pistons, twin or triple-choke Weber carburetors, and distinctive free-flow Abarth exhausts. The transmission remained a 4-speed synchronized manual with short ratios optimized for acceleration. The original monocoque chassis was reinforced, suspensions lowered and stiffened with specific springs and dampers. Brakes sometimes received front discs on the most focused versions. Lightweight Campagnolo alloy wheels reduced unsprung weight. These technologies, simple yet effective, prioritized lightness and responsiveness.
Tires and wheels
Tire and wheel compatibility
Classic Abarth 500s used various tire dimensions depending on versions and years (often in 12-inch). Consult your specific model's owner's manual or manufacturer plate for exact recommended dimensions.
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