Six Decades of Abarth, delivering performance and style
Six decades ago, in September 1963, Carlo Abarth introduced the Fiat-Abarth 595. It was derived from the Fiat 500 D, a model steadily gaining popularity since 1961. The Fiat-Abarth 595 earned its name from its increased engine displacement, which was achieved through modified cylinders, pistons, and new materials.
Externally, it stood out with its distinctive 850TC-style perforated front grille, shiny metal "Fiat Abarth 595" emblems on the rear and hood, and a proud "World Champion" inscription on the right side, acknowledging the numerous records held by Officine di Corso Marche's creations. An oversized aluminium oil pan protruding from the rear fascia and a "Record Monza"-style dual-exit sports muffler further emphasised the car's racing spirit. These enhancements resulted in a small yet notably aggressive and noisy car, packing 30% more power than the original version, producing 27hp at 5,000 rpm and reaching a top speed of 120 km/h.
Abarth transformed a successful city car, the Fiat 500D, into a high-performance success story. This same formula was recently applied to create the New Abarth 500e, born from the successful Fiat New 500 electric—Europe's best-selling electric city car.
A month later, on October 31st, 1963, the 595 was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show. Carlo Abarth, a savvy businessperson and automotive expert, distinguished himself by offering show attendees coupons for test drives of the new model. The initiative proved so successful that Carlo Abarth announced the production of the first 1,000 Fiat-Abarth 595 cars intended for racing homologation.
As a natural evolution of the 595, Carlo Abarth introduced the Fiat-Abarth 695 at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1964, following the concept of technical upgrades that would become a hallmark of Abarth tradition. Subsequently, transformation kits allowed the key Abarth improvements to be applied to Fiat production cars, enhancing their mechanical performance and aesthetics.
The brand's values of performance and style, established by these pioneering models, remain an integral part of the Abarth range today. This range includes the New Abarth 500e, the 165-hp Abarth 595, and the even more potent 180-hp Abarth 695. Both models offer exhilarating performance, a distinctive exhaust note, and a playful yet bold style.
Today, the continued success of these models underscores that Carlo Abarth's enduring values continue to resonate with fans of the Scorpion brand, even after six decades.
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FAQ
Q: What does the modern Abarth 500e cost in South Africa?
The new Abarth 500e starts from around R850,000 in South Africa, making it a premium electric hot hatch that carries forward six decades of Italian performance heritage.
Q: Is the Abarth 595 still available to buy new in 2024?
No, the original Abarth 595 from 1963 is long discontinued, but Abarth has evolved the nameplate into modern variants like the 500e electric and the petrol-powered 595 Competizione that honour the original's racing DNA.
Q: How much power did the original 1963 Abarth 595 produce?
The original Fiat-Abarth 595 from 1963 produced 27 horsepower (about 20kW) at 5,000 rpm, which was 30% more powerful than the standard Fiat 500D it was based on.
Q: What makes Abarth different from regular Fiat models?
Abarth transforms regular Fiat city cars into high-performance machines through engine tuning, aggressive styling cues like distinctive grilles and exhausts, plus racing-inspired upgrades that deliver more power and sportier handling.
Q: Should I buy a classic Abarth 595 as an investment?
Original 1963 Abarth 595s are extremely rare and can fetch R400,000 to R800,000 depending on condition, making them solid collector investments for enthusiasts who appreciate Italian racing heritage and don't mind maintenance challenges.
Should You Buy It?
The best modern Abarth under R900,000 in South Africa is the electric 500e, which perfectly captures Carlo Abarth's original vision of transforming a successful city car into a performance icon. At around R850,000, you're getting genuine Italian flair, instant electric torque, and that unmistakable Abarth attitude that's been turning heads for six decades. Yes, you should buy it if you want an electric hot hatch that sounds as good as it looks and carries proper racing DNA, but maybe consider waiting for more charging infrastructure if you're not city-based. For collectors with deeper pockets, an original 1963 595 at R600,000 plus is a definite yes, provided you've got a trusted classic car specialist on speed dial.
