The Abarth Zagato coupe was unveiled in 1956, and it did not take long for it to start making news, as it took a 2nd in class at the Mille Miglia. The following year, a total of five cars finished the Mille Miglia, with Alfonso Thiele driving one to a 1st place finish in the 750-cc class. Many a racer felt the sting of being passed and finishing behind a car emblazoned with the Abarth scorpion.

This Fiat-Abarth 750 GT with ‘double-bubble’ coachwork by Zagato is a wonderful example. It is in excellent condition throughout, benefitting from a sympathetic restoration and expert care. This Abarth, chassis no. 558327, was built in road-going trim and is equipped with bumperettes front and rear, as well as a smattering of additional trim to thinly disguise its purposeful, race-bred roots. The bright red paintwork shows in fine order throughout, having mellowed nicely since its restoration. Other features include covered headlamps, correct wheels with chrome hubcaps, and badges that proudly proclaim Abarth’s past success in Gran Turismo racing.

The signature Italian pushbutton handles open the featherweight door to reveal a surprisingly spacious interior. Taller drivers will appreciate Zagato’s signature roofline as well as the rear-engine layout that affords plenty of leg room. The seats are trimmed in biscuit tan leather with black piping, along with black carpeting and tan panels. The interior was refreshed in approximately 2004 and remains in excellent condition today, the seats having taken on a pleasant character that suits the car well. For road-rally duty, a roll bar has been integrated behind the seats. The dash features a full complement of original Jaeger gauges. A refinished wood-rimmed, period Nardi steering wheel rounds out the interior.

This car is powered by a later 903-cc 850-series engine, but it retains many important and correct Abarth components such as twin 34-mm exhausts and the high-capacity finned-alloy sump. Fiat were masters of efficient packaging, and while the tiny engine bay is tight, all major components are surprisingly easy to access for service and the engine on this example is very well presented with correct fittings and hardware. The lively little engine runs strong and this car has proven itself on events such as the California Mille in 2010. It would undoubtedly be a welcome entrant for future driving events.