Davide puts the spot on Fiat 500 Custom Models - Part 3: Abarth 595

In August 1963, Abarth presented his model 595, based on the Fiat 500 D, to the trade press. The changes to the body were inconspicuous and limited to a new frontemblem (which corresponded to that of the first Abarth conversion of the Opel Monza Rekord), the lettering on the bonnets and the badges on the sides. From a mechanical point of view, on the other hand, there are several modifications, the most obvious of which were the Solex 28 PB carburettor, the silencer with two outlets and the enlarged oil pan.

But the real treat were the cylinder liners in one piece made of cast iron and the enlarged pistons. The 500 D Abarth had 27 hp at 5,000 rpm and reached a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).
The standard equipment was sparse, but it was possible to upgrade it with accessories such as a wood and aluminium steering wheel, instrument-cluster dashboard, etc. Abarth also sold conversion kits for tuning 500s, which could also be tested for type-approval.

This model was the first Fiat 500 registered in the Touring Cars up to 600 cm3 class.
The 595 D Abarth was born as a model for normal road use, but the passion of “Sig. Carlo” for racing meant that he soon tackled the paperwork to take the little two-cylinder officially to the racetrack.

However, this was a long and difficult road, including the obligation to prove that 1,000 cars of the model had been built in a single year. At this point, Fiat came to Abarth’s aid, probably by converting the missing number of cars and having them homologated until the required quota was reached. Thus, on 13 January 1964, the 595 Abarth received the homologation number 1266 from the International Federation. After the papers required to participate in competitions had been obtained, the first race took place on 19 March 1964, won by test driver Franco Patria. Once they are stung by the scorpion, the Five Hundreds are unstoppable!