During the 1950s and 1960s, Abarth became synonymous with some wonderfully capable competition machinery. Although the Italian firm dabbled with the likes of Porsche, Simca, and even Ferrari, it remains best known for using Fiat mechanicals. The irresistible mystique to the marque is epitomised by the exotic rear-engined Zagato coupés of earlier production. After being swallowed up by the Agnelli empire in 1971, the Abarth name eventually fell into disuse but, in 2007, the brand was revived.

The resurrection was perfectly timed: Fiat launched its latter-day 500 in the same year, with orders flooding in so fast the factory struggled to keep up. In 2008, a feisty Abarth-badged variant joined the line-up, invoking memories of the 500-based 595 of 1963. Like the original, Turin’s retro masterpiece soon became the darling of urban motoring, appealing to a clientele way beyond the usual owners of small economy cars. Aware of this, at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009, Fiat unveiled a very special edition for the most privileged of customers.

Developed with engineering input from Maranello, the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari embraced a similar ethos to the Radford Mini Coopers beloved by the 1960s jetset. Combining performance, agility, and exclusivity in equal measure, the Abarth was a money-no-object answer to city driving. A 180 horsepower 1,368 cc four-cylinder turbo and paddle-shift transmission provided pace aplenty, while uprated suspension, huge Brembo brakes, and grippy 205/40 R17 rubber kept it on the straight and narrow. As befitting the Abarth’s role as an urban supercar, additional upgrades included a wild aero package, plus Corsa Grey wheels aping those of Ferrari’s 360 Challenge Stradale. Inside, the drama continued with lightweight carbon fibre seats, aluminium pedals, a chunky Abarth steering wheel and swathes of leather. Described by Car magazine as ‘one of the most gob-smacking superminis we’ve ever seen’, it was a fitting homage to two of Italy’s most illustrious automotive names.

Originally supplied on 16 September 2010, the Abarth offered is numbered 190 from a worldwide total of only 1,199. Finished in magnificent Scuderia Red with silver stripes, this junior road-rocket was registered in Monaco until it joined the current owner’s stable in March 2021. Displaying a mere 32,596 kilometres at the time of cataloguing, the 695 is a cherished and beautifully presented example. Offered with its Ferrari sat-nav unit, handbooks, and branded detailing kit, it would make a striking addition to any collection—or a terrific daily driver.