Karl Abarth, later known as Carlo Abarth, was born in Austria. He created a small manufacturing empire in Italy during the 1950s building performance exhaust systems and parts for Fiats and other European makes. Carlo adopted his Scorpio birth sign as the logo for his company. He soon evolved into a car manufacturer in his own right. Fiat most often supplied the body shells or partly completed cars, which Abarth modified. The Fiat/Abarth arrangement benefited both concerns since it resulted in the many class victories that his cars captured in competition.

After years of producing stylish special-bodied Fiat-based coupes and sedans, Abarth introduced 595 and 695 as a baby rear-engine Fiat 500. When compared to the production version, you will note the 595 was virtually identical except for the logo, badge on the radiator grille and the coat-of-arms on both sides of the car. Like all Abarths, the key differences are found in the mechanical upgrades that pushed its top speed to over 90-mph. The two cylinders were ‘siamesed' in special cast iron, the exhaust pipes leading up to it were polished, the valve-springs were upgraded and specially designed pistons and camshaft fitted. Further modifications were made to the original piston rods and crankshaft. The original carburetor was increased in size and an Abarth twin exhaust fitted. The lubrication system was also modified with the adoption of a special gear pump.

This car is a tribute to the Fiat Abarth 595. It has been recently restored with all Abarth engine works, badges and regalia. It is sporting the Abarth color combination of Saint James Red and Fiat white and a set of alloy Abarth wheels and spinners with new Yokohama 155x80r12 tires. Along with a host of engine modifications, Abarth exhaust, filler cap and Abarth alloy oil pan, the car retains all original floor pans, rocker panels, trunk and subflooring. The interior was refurbished as needed with the front and back seats being trimmed in white over black. All mechanical and electrical parts are in working condition. This car will be the talk of any Italian meet and certainly turn heads on the open road.