Vehicle model
Abarth 595
The original Abarth 595 represents one of the first and most emblematic creations of Carlo Abarth, founder of the legendary Turin-based brand specializing in performance vehicle preparation. Launched in 1963, this small sports city car was based on the iconic Fiat 500, which Abarth radically transformed to create a true pocket rocket. Carlo Abarth, a former Austrian racing driver and engineer established in Italy, had founded his company in 1949 and maintained close ties with Fiat, preparing their models for competition and road use. The transformation of the modest Fiat 500 into the Abarth 595 constituted a remarkable technical achievement for the era. The original 479 cc air-cooled twin-cylinder engine was bored and stroked to 594 cc, hence the 595 designation. This modification increased power from 18 horsepower to approximately 27 horsepower, which may seem modest today but represented a 50% increase in a vehicle weighing less than 500 kilograms. Abarth applied their proven competition expertise: Weber carburetor, modified intake manifold, special camshaft, and free-flowing exhaust all contributed to unleashing this potential. Aesthetically, the Abarth 595 was distinguished by several characteristic elements. The famous scorpion logo proudly adorned the bodywork, accompanied by longitudinal racing stripes that became Abarth's visual signature. The rear hood often received an air scoop to improve engine cooling, while the Abarth exhaust produced a unique and recognizable sound. The interior benefited from additional instrumentation, notably a tachometer essential for fully exploiting the tuned engine. In 1965, Abarth introduced the 595 SS (Super Sport) version, pushing power to approximately 32 horsepower and further improving performance. This variant received more extensive technical modifications and lightened equipment to optimize the power-to-weight ratio. The 595 SS could reach nearly 125 km/h, an impressive performance for a car of this size and displacement. The Abarth 595 achieved immediate success in competition, dominating its category in numerous European hillclimbs and rally events. Its exceptional handling, low weight, and mechanical reliability made it a formidable weapon on winding roads. This sporting success greatly contributed to forging Abarth's reputation and establishing the winning formula of the small Italian sports car. Production of the original Abarth 595 extended until 1971, the year when the base Fiat 500 also ceased to evolve significantly. During these eight years, several thousand examples were produced, varying between complete factory conversions at the Abarth works and preparation kits installed by dealerships. Today, the original Abarth 595 has become a highly sought-after automotive icon among collectors, symbolizing the golden age of artisanal Italian small sports cars. Its legacy endures with the modern rebirth of the Abarth range under Fiat's aegis, adopting the same philosophy of radically transforming a popular city car into a small sports rocket.
History
History of the Abarth 595
The original Abarth 595 represents one of the first and most emblematic creations of Carlo Abarth, founder of the legendary Turin-based brand specializing in performance vehicle preparation. Launched in 1963, this small sports city car was based on the iconic Fiat 500, which Abarth radically transformed to create a true pocket rocket. Carlo Abarth, a former Austrian racing driver and engineer established in Italy, had founded his company in 1949 and maintained close ties with Fiat, preparing their models for competition and road use. The transformation of the modest Fiat 500 into the Abarth 595 constituted a remarkable technical achievement for the era. The original 479 cc air-cooled twin-cylinder engine was bored and stroked to 594 cc, hence the 595 designation. This modification increased power from 18 horsepower to approximately 27 horsepower, which may seem modest today but represented a 50% increase in a vehicle weighing less than 500 kilograms. Abarth applied their proven competition expertise: Weber carburetor, modified intake manifold, special camshaft, and free-flowing exhaust all contributed to unleashing this potential. Aesthetically, the Abarth 595 was distinguished by several characteristic elements. The famous scorpion logo proudly adorned the bodywork, accompanied by longitudinal racing stripes that became Abarth's visual signature. The rear hood often received an air scoop to improve engine cooling, while the Abarth exhaust produced a unique and recognizable sound. The interior benefited from additional instrumentation, notably a tachometer essential for fully exploiting the tuned engine. In 1965, Abarth introduced the 595 SS (Super Sport) version, pushing power to approximately 32 horsepower and further improving performance. This variant received more extensive technical modifications and lightened equipment to optimize the power-to-weight ratio. The 595 SS could reach nearly 125 km/h, an impressive performance for a car of this size and displacement. The Abarth 595 achieved immediate success in competition, dominating its category in numerous European hillclimbs and rally events. Its exceptional handling, low weight, and mechanical reliability made it a formidable weapon on winding roads. This sporting success greatly contributed to forging Abarth's reputation and establishing the winning formula of the small Italian sports car. Production of the original Abarth 595 extended until 1971, the year when the base Fiat 500 also ceased to evolve significantly. During these eight years, several thousand examples were produced, varying between complete factory conversions at the Abarth works and preparation kits installed by dealerships. Today, the original Abarth 595 has become a highly sought-after automotive icon among collectors, symbolizing the golden age of artisanal Italian small sports cars. Its legacy endures with the modern rebirth of the Abarth range under Fiat's aegis, adopting the same philosophy of radically transforming a popular city car into a small sports rocket.
Technology
Technologies, engines and platforms
The Abarth 595 was based on a modified Fiat 500 platform, featuring an air-cooled twin-cylinder engine enlarged from 479 to 594 cc. Modifications included increased bore and stroke, Weber carburetor, sport camshaft, and specific Abarth exhaust. The four-speed manual transmission was reinforced to handle increased power. The chassis received stiffened suspension and reinforced shock absorbers to improve handling. Drum brakes were optimized with high-friction linings. Weight kept under 500 kg was essential to the performance philosophy. No electronic assistance existed, offering pure and direct driving characteristic of the era.
Tires and wheels
Tire and wheel compatibility
For a classic Abarth 595 (1963-1971), original tire and wheel dimensions varied by version; it is essential to verify the exact specifications for your specific year and model to ensure compatibility and authenticity.
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