48 hp, 767 cc overhead valve inline four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, front and rear independent suspension, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 79"

While Fiat was best known in the late 1950s for making small, inexpensive and very dependable automobiles, it took the magic of Carlos Abarth, a gifted mechanic who in today's world would be called a “tuner,” to bring out the fire in the belly of those little four-bangers. Unveiled in 1956, it didn't take long for the Abarth Zagato coupe to start making news; it took a second in class at the Mille Miglia, and the following year in 1957, a total of five cars finished the Mille Miglia with Alfonso Thiele driving to a first place finish in the 750-cc class. Many a racer felt the “sting” of being passed and ending up behind a car with the Abarth touch, which could be one of the reasons the company adopted the scorpion on its coat of arms.

Acquired by the current owner in 2004, this “Double Bubble” benefits from a recent freshening in order to make it road ready. Featuring a new biscuit leather interior with black piping, it comes equipped with a full roll bar. The vintage Nardi steering wheel has been refinished, and the original instruments were restored by leading specialists, Nisonger. Also, one of the side windows was replaced, and as they were ordered in pairs, the new owner will receive the spare glass. Mechanically speaking the car has been kept as original as possible with one notable upgrade, the addition of an electric fuel pump. A set of original-style 34-mm Abarth twin exhaust mufflers have been fitted, and the entire front suspension was rebuilt, including the idler arms and the rear transaxle couplings which were replaced. Also included is the original Fiat jack and typical tool set.

The owner reports that it is in excellent running and driving condition and in fact has surprised, as he says, “several aggressive 356-Porsche, Alfa and Lancia drivers,” during the California Mille Miglia, on some of California's most challenging roads. Weighing in at just 1180 lbs, it is light-weight, quick and capable and is just as comfortable on an open highway as it is on a vintage race course. A rare opportunity to acquire a car that carries stunning Zagato coachwork, it would make a great addition to any collection and is eligible for many vintage events.