Description
Fiat Abarth 595 | 1971
Highlights:
– Converted to Abarth 595 specifications
– Professionally widened bodywork and sports suspension
– 700cc engine with double carburetors and Abarth camshaft
– Brembo caliper disc brakes and sports equipment
The seller offers for sale this 1971 Fiat Abarth 595, originally a Fiat 500, purchased in Italy in 1994 and comprehensively rebuilt between 1998 and 1999 to Abarth 595 specifications. The transformation includes subtle yet functional body widening to house 10-inch wide wheels under modified arches. The car sits 60mm lower than standard, with progressive rear springs, Koni dampers, and a front anti-roll bar.
A rebuilt 700cc two-cylinder engine, assembled in 2005 using original Fiat parts, is paired with a synchronized long-ratio gearbox revised in 2024. It features a rare double-channel cylinder head tuned by Autotrasformazionigozzoli of Modena, dual horizontal 35 mm carburettors, an Abarth camshaft, enlarged oil pan, external oil filter and cooler with thermostat. The exhaust is a stainless steel CSC system delivering a deeper tone.
The car is further equipped with front disc brakes with Brembo calipers, an electric fuel pump with safety relay, four-point harnesses, BF bucket seats, a matching rear bench, and a sporty Abarth dashboard and steering wheel.
The car’s exterior is finished in paint applied in 1999 after the bare metal body was sandblasted and coated in zinc-phosphate. While the car was stored outside for the first two years after its rebuild, which left some minor moisture-related blemishes under the paint, this has not worsened and is hardly noticeable. There is one small dent and some stone chipping on the nose, in line with its age and use.
The interior is neat, with original 54-year-old carpeting still in place. The door panels were replaced during restoration, and the original seats were upgraded in 2007. Materials show expected light wear, but the presentation is complete and functional. Controls and dashboard are intact.
Technically, the vehicle is in good condition. The car drives, brakes and shifts properly.
This Fiat is a unique specimen that blends historic charm with motorsport-inspired upgrades, built with care and documented over the years.
The original Fiat 500 was introduced in 1957 and quickly became Italy’s answer to post-war urban mobility. Tiny, efficient, and accessible, the 500 mobilised millions across Europe. The Abarth versions, however, transformed this economy car into something altogether more spirited. Carlo Abarth, an Austrian-born engineer and racer, founded Abarth & C. in 1949 and specialised in tuning small cars—especially Fiats—into potent performance machines.
The Fiat Abarth 595 debuted in 1963, taking the 500’s humble two-cylinder engine and boosting it to 595cc. The engine tuning, free-flow exhausts, modified camshafts, and sportier handling turned the petite city car into a fierce competitor in its class. Lightweight and agile, Abarth-tuned Fiats often punched above their weight in road and track events across Europe.
What makes cars like this particular build notable is how closely they follow the Abarth philosophy—performance through lightweight design and smart engineering. It uses the base Fiat platform as a foundation but upgrades everything that matters: brakes, engine, suspension, and aesthetic elements that maintain the car’s visual charm while hinting at its athletic intent.
Over the years, Abarth has grown into Fiat’s in-house performance brand. While modern versions exist, there is a loyal following for the classic, coachbuilt-style examples that reflect both historical significance and mechanical craftsmanship. This example, with its custom enhancements, long-term ownership, and well-documented conversion, stands as a tribute to that legacy.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Gelderland province, the Netherlands.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Dutch registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
