Vehicle model
Abarth 695
The Abarth 695 represents one of the earliest and most iconic creations by Carlo Abarth, founder of the eponymous brand in 1949. Unveiled in 1964, this sporting city car embodies Abarth's philosophy of transforming popular vehicles into formidable competition machines. Based on the modest Fiat 500, the 695 symbolizes the art of mechanical optimization and high-performance tuning that made the Italian scorpion brand renowned worldwide. The Abarth 695 project was born from Carlo Abarth's desire to democratize automotive performance. Using the Fiat Nuova 500 launched in 1957 as a base, Abarth undertook a radical transformation of this economical city car. The number 695 refers to the engine displacement of the inline twin-cylinder, increased from 479 cc to 689.5 cc through substantial reboring. This initial version developed approximately 30 horsepower, a significant gain over the standard Fiat 500's 13 horsepower, but Abarth quickly offered tuning kits allowing outputs of 38 horsepower and beyond. In 1965, Abarth introduced the 695 SS (Super Sport), an even more radical version intended for competition. This variant benefited from an engine producing 38 horsepower in standard configuration, with evolution possibilities up to 47 horsepower through Assetto Corsa kits. The 695 SS distinguished itself with its characteristic side exhaust, lightweight alloy wheels, and overall weight reduction achieved by removing superfluous comfort elements. The contained weight around 470 kilograms enabled impressive performance for the era, with top speeds exceeding 140 km/h. The 695 range evolved constantly between 1964 and 1971, with Abarth offering various configurations and power outputs. In 1968 appeared the 695 esse esse (written in full), which modernized the recipe with mechanical and aesthetic improvements. These Italian pocket rockets distinguished themselves on track, claiming numerous victories in Touring categories and contributing to forging the Abarth legend in national and international competitions. The 695 design retained the rounded, compact lines of the Fiat 500, but Abarth added its visual signature: scorpion badges, optional side decorative stripes, prominent exhaust, and alloy wheels. The spartan interior prioritized lightness, with bucket seats, small-diameter steering wheel, and additional instrumentation to monitor mechanical parameters. In the marketplace, the Abarth 695 positioned itself as a road-legal racing city car, targeting enthusiasts and amateur drivers. Production remained limited, with several thousand examples assembled during its seven-year career. Reception was enthusiastic in sporting circles, with the 695 quickly becoming a symbol of accessible performance. The Abarth 695 legacy endures today, directly inspiring modern versions like the current 695 based on the modern Fiat 500. This historical lineage represents the very essence of the Abarth spirit: transforming the ordinary into extraordinary through mechanical engineering and automotive passion.
History
History of the Abarth 695
The Abarth 695 represents one of the earliest and most iconic creations by Carlo Abarth, founder of the eponymous brand in 1949. Unveiled in 1964, this sporting city car embodies Abarth's philosophy of transforming popular vehicles into formidable competition machines. Based on the modest Fiat 500, the 695 symbolizes the art of mechanical optimization and high-performance tuning that made the Italian scorpion brand renowned worldwide. The Abarth 695 project was born from Carlo Abarth's desire to democratize automotive performance. Using the Fiat Nuova 500 launched in 1957 as a base, Abarth undertook a radical transformation of this economical city car. The number 695 refers to the engine displacement of the inline twin-cylinder, increased from 479 cc to 689.5 cc through substantial reboring. This initial version developed approximately 30 horsepower, a significant gain over the standard Fiat 500's 13 horsepower, but Abarth quickly offered tuning kits allowing outputs of 38 horsepower and beyond. In 1965, Abarth introduced the 695 SS (Super Sport), an even more radical version intended for competition. This variant benefited from an engine producing 38 horsepower in standard configuration, with evolution possibilities up to 47 horsepower through Assetto Corsa kits. The 695 SS distinguished itself with its characteristic side exhaust, lightweight alloy wheels, and overall weight reduction achieved by removing superfluous comfort elements. The contained weight around 470 kilograms enabled impressive performance for the era, with top speeds exceeding 140 km/h. The 695 range evolved constantly between 1964 and 1971, with Abarth offering various configurations and power outputs. In 1968 appeared the 695 esse esse (written in full), which modernized the recipe with mechanical and aesthetic improvements. These Italian pocket rockets distinguished themselves on track, claiming numerous victories in Touring categories and contributing to forging the Abarth legend in national and international competitions. The 695 design retained the rounded, compact lines of the Fiat 500, but Abarth added its visual signature: scorpion badges, optional side decorative stripes, prominent exhaust, and alloy wheels. The spartan interior prioritized lightness, with bucket seats, small-diameter steering wheel, and additional instrumentation to monitor mechanical parameters. In the marketplace, the Abarth 695 positioned itself as a road-legal racing city car, targeting enthusiasts and amateur drivers. Production remained limited, with several thousand examples assembled during its seven-year career. Reception was enthusiastic in sporting circles, with the 695 quickly becoming a symbol of accessible performance. The Abarth 695 legacy endures today, directly inspiring modern versions like the current 695 based on the modern Fiat 500. This historical lineage represents the very essence of the Abarth spirit: transforming the ordinary into extraordinary through mechanical engineering and automotive passion.
Technology
Technologies, engines and platforms
The Abarth 695 relies on an air-cooled inline twin-cylinder engine, derived from the Fiat block but thoroughly revised. Displacement increases to 689.5 cc through enlarged bore, featuring overhead valve distribution, improved Weber carburetor, and specific Abarth exhaust system. The synchronized four-speed manual transmission delivers power to the rear wheels. The steel monocoque chassis adapts the Fiat 500 base with independent front suspension (trailing arms, coil springs) and rigid rear axle with coil springs. Drum brakes are reinforced, with some versions receiving front disc brakes. Systematic weight reduction and reinforced components constitute key technologies for optimizing power-to-weight ratio, sometimes reaching 10 kg/hp.
Tires and wheels
Tire and wheel compatibility
Period Abarth 695 models typically used 12-inch wheels with narrow tires specific to the 1960s. Always verify the exact dimensions recommended for your specific version and year, as specifications varied according to SS, Assetto Corsa, or standard configurations.
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