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Davide puts the spot on Fiat 500 Custom Models - Part 7: 500 Abarth 595 SS
- Year of manufacture: 1964
- Displacement: 595 cc
- Body type: Sedan
- Derived from: Fiat 500
- Manufacturer: Fiat - Abarth-Tuning
- Number of cars built: unknown
The 500 Abarth gets a new look, not only with the 595 SS model! The distinctive aesthetic features are the two capital letters S on the trunk lid and hood just below the Abarth 595 lettering and the enamel badge on the hood in place of the opening handle, which was replaced by two rubber hooks (this change became necessary because of the introduction of the new, more powerful Solex 34 PBIC carburettor). Then there are two enamelled badges on the rear fenders, on the left the “Campione del Mondo” and on the right the company crest with the Abarth scorpion and arrow in the three colours of the Italian flag.
The changes to the mechanics, apart from the carburettor already mentioned, consisted of a new valve cover with a built-in intake manifold, a special camshaft, oversized cylinders cast in one piece with corresponding pistons, a 4-litre aluminium oil pan and a dual-outlet silencer.
The range of optional extras was completed by a three-spoke steering wheel made of aluminium and wood, a dashboard with 4 instruments, Fusina seats and rims made of Elektron (= magnesium alloy, so-called “magnesium rims”) made by Campagnolo.
At that time already, accessories were quite expensive so that many car owners retrofitted them later, after actually having bought the car. Every part that was replaced by a more efficient one was like an achievement and was proudly displayed at meetings of fellow enthusiasts in workshops/teams.
At that time already, accessories were quite expensive so that many car owners retrofitted them later, after actually having bought the car. Every part that was replaced by a more efficient one was like an achievement and was proudly displayed at meetings of fellow enthusiasts in workshops/teams.
The 500 Abarth models are also the stars of the races in Sicily, both on the racetrack and in the hill climbs. Among them were the two guys from Catania I had the pleasure of meeting: Epifanio Salerno, who was the star of the 600 category in 1970, having won the 14th Coppa dei Monti Iblei, the 17th Coppa Nissena and the Catania-Etna race. In the 700cc class, on the other hand, the legendary Umberto Peditto, who finished 2nd in the 180 Coppa Nissena in 1971, 2nd in the Palermo-Monte Pellegrino race in 1972 and 3rd in the 1st Trofeo Scuderia Elna in Pergusa, which he then won in 1974.
More guides by Davide about the Fiat 500 custom models, one-offs and curiosities can be found here on our website!
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