Vehicle model
Abarth OT 2000
The Abarth OT 2000 represents one of the most prestigious and ambitious chapters of the Turin-based Abarth company, founded by Carlo Abarth in 1949. Unveiled in 1966, this competition sport coupé embodied Abarth's determination to establish itself in endurance racing and GT events against Italian giants like Ferrari and Maserati. The OT 2000 project drew upon the experience accumulated by Abarth with its Fiat derivatives, but this time the ambition was different: to create a genuine racing car homologated for the road, equipped with a two-liter engine developed specifically for competition. The OT name referenced Ospedaletti-Targa, recalling Abarth's successes in Italian hill climbs and rallies. The development of the OT 2000 took place within the context of 1960s GT racing, where Italian manufacturers competed ingeniously to dominate European circuits. Abarth collaborated with several coachbuilders, including Allemano and Pininfarina, to bring distinct interpretations of the project to life. The coupé featured racy lines typical of the era, with a long hood, a set-back cabin, and a sweeping roofline ending in a truncated Kamm tail rear, an aerodynamic feature prized in competition. Construction employed a lightweight tubular structure covered with aluminum or fiberglass panels depending on versions, allowing a contained weight around 700 kilograms. Under the hood, the OT 2000 received a bialbero (twin overhead camshaft) inline four-cylinder engine of 1946 cc, derived from the Fiat block but thoroughly reworked by Abarth engineers. This powerplant developed between 200 and 220 horsepower depending on tuning and preparation, remarkable power for the era and for such modest displacement. The engine was distinguished by its special cylinder heads, twin-choke Weber carburetors, and optimized exhaust system. A five-speed manual transmission sent power to the rear wheels, while the tubular chassis featured independent suspension at all four corners and disc brakes ensuring effective stopping power. The OT 2000 was produced in very small numbers between 1966 and 1967, with only a few examples assembled, destined primarily for competition and a handful of wealthy clients. The car participated in various endurance events and hill climbs, where it demonstrated honorable performance against often better-financed adversaries. However, development and production costs limited its distribution, and Abarth subsequently concentrated its efforts on more commercially viable projects based on Fiats. Today, the Abarth OT 2000 is considered one of the rarest and most desirable creations from the scorpion brand. The few surviving examples are jealously preserved by collectors and appear occasionally at historic events. This coupé remains a fascinating testimony to Abarth's sporting ambition during the golden age of Italian GT racing, symbolizing the audacity and technical expertise of a small operation capable of challenging automotive giants.
History
History of the Abarth OT 2000
The Abarth OT 2000 represents one of the most prestigious and ambitious chapters of the Turin-based Abarth company, founded by Carlo Abarth in 1949. Unveiled in 1966, this competition sport coupé embodied Abarth's determination to establish itself in endurance racing and GT events against Italian giants like Ferrari and Maserati. The OT 2000 project drew upon the experience accumulated by Abarth with its Fiat derivatives, but this time the ambition was different: to create a genuine racing car homologated for the road, equipped with a two-liter engine developed specifically for competition. The OT name referenced Ospedaletti-Targa, recalling Abarth's successes in Italian hill climbs and rallies. The development of the OT 2000 took place within the context of 1960s GT racing, where Italian manufacturers competed ingeniously to dominate European circuits. Abarth collaborated with several coachbuilders, including Allemano and Pininfarina, to bring distinct interpretations of the project to life. The coupé featured racy lines typical of the era, with a long hood, a set-back cabin, and a sweeping roofline ending in a truncated Kamm tail rear, an aerodynamic feature prized in competition. Construction employed a lightweight tubular structure covered with aluminum or fiberglass panels depending on versions, allowing a contained weight around 700 kilograms. Under the hood, the OT 2000 received a bialbero (twin overhead camshaft) inline four-cylinder engine of 1946 cc, derived from the Fiat block but thoroughly reworked by Abarth engineers. This powerplant developed between 200 and 220 horsepower depending on tuning and preparation, remarkable power for the era and for such modest displacement. The engine was distinguished by its special cylinder heads, twin-choke Weber carburetors, and optimized exhaust system. A five-speed manual transmission sent power to the rear wheels, while the tubular chassis featured independent suspension at all four corners and disc brakes ensuring effective stopping power. The OT 2000 was produced in very small numbers between 1966 and 1967, with only a few examples assembled, destined primarily for competition and a handful of wealthy clients. The car participated in various endurance events and hill climbs, where it demonstrated honorable performance against often better-financed adversaries. However, development and production costs limited its distribution, and Abarth subsequently concentrated its efforts on more commercially viable projects based on Fiats. Today, the Abarth OT 2000 is considered one of the rarest and most desirable creations from the scorpion brand. The few surviving examples are jealously preserved by collectors and appear occasionally at historic events. This coupé remains a fascinating testimony to Abarth's sporting ambition during the golden age of Italian GT racing, symbolizing the audacity and technical expertise of a small operation capable of challenging automotive giants.
Technology
Technologies, engines and platforms
The Abarth OT 2000 rested on a tubular steel chassis specifically designed for competition, offering exceptional rigidity and lightness. The 1946 cc bialbero four-cylinder engine was a technical masterpiece with dual ignition, horizontal-draft Weber carburetors, and twin overhead camshaft distribution. Power ranged between 200 and 220 horsepower, enabling top speeds exceeding 240 km/h. Independent suspension at all four wheels, combined with Girling disc brakes, guaranteed handling and braking worthy of endurance competitions. The aluminum or fiberglass bodywork contributed to an exceptional power-to-weight ratio for the era, making the OT 2000 a true racing weapon homologated for the road.
Tires and wheels
Tire and wheel compatibility
For the Abarth OT 2000, tire and wheel dimensions varied depending on racing or road configuration. It is essential to verify the exact specifications corresponding to your specific example with Abarth specialists.
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