Abarth, the Italian marque renowned for its high-performance vehicles, traces its roots back to the vision of a legendary figure—Carlo Abarth.
Born on November 15, 1908, in Vienna, Austria, Carlo’s fascination with speed began early in life.
Even at 11, he modified his scooter’s wheels, driven by an insatiable thirst for performance.
1908: The Early Days
Carlo Abarth’s journey commenced with designs for motorbikes and bicycle chassis at Castagna in Italy during his teenage years.
His passion for speed and engineering prowess emerged early, leading to the creation of his first car and exhaust system at just 20 years old in 1928.
1928: Carlo Abarth Wins His First Race
His racing career soared as he won his inaugural race on a James Cycle in Salzburg, Austria, in July 1928. Abarth’s excellence extended beyond racing as he continued to refine his engineering skills.
1934: Faster than the Orient Express
Despite a serious racing accident, Abarth’s ingenuity shone. He crafted a sidecar in 1933 and astonishingly outpaced the Orient Express on a gruelling 850-mile journey from Vienna to Ostend in 1934, a testament to his engineering prowess.
1949: The Scorpion Brand Is Born
The pivotal moment arrived in 1949 when Carlo Abarth, together with Guido Scagliarini, established Abarth & C. The maiden creation, the 204 A Roadster, based on the FIAT 1100, triumphed in the 1100 Sport Championship and Formula 2. Abarth’s focus on enhancing vehicle performance birthed tuning kits that revolutionised standard car capabilities.
Abarth Enduring Legacy
Although Carlo Abarth passed away in 1979, his legacy persists through the Abarth brand. As part of Stellantis, Abarth, a subsidiary of the Fiat Group, continues crafting high-performance versions of Fiat models, embodying Carlo Abarth’s commitment to elevating the driving experience.
Carlo Abarth’s Influence Today
Abarth’s impact remains palpable, especially in models like the 695 boasting the Record Monza Sovrapposto Exhaust. This signature feature, carrying Abarth’s heritage, highlights the brand’s dedication to power and performance.
Quotes by Carlo Abarth
Carlo Abarth’s spirit is encapsulated in his words, reflecting his relentless pursuit of automotive excellence:
There’s a certain satisfaction in humiliating bigger and more expensive cars with a modest hatchback.
Carlo Abarth’s legacy endures an indelible mark in the world of high-performance automotive engineering, resonating through every Abarth vehicle today.