Abarth 1100 Sport

Vehicle Overview

The Abarth 1100 Sport stands as a testament to innovation and elegance in automotive design. Built upon the final of four Abarth 205 competition chassis, it embodies a unique fusion of power and style. This singular specimen boasts an engine and transmission derived from the groundbreaking Fiat 1100-103, a testament to Abarth’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance. What sets the Abarth 1100 Sport apart is not just its mechanical prowess but also its aesthetic finesse. The vehicle, bodied by the prestigious Ghia, bears a striking resemblance to its contemporary counterparts, the Ghia-bodied Chryslers. Sporting a broad oval grille, a wide, low stance, and a distinctive canopy-like roof element, the Abarth exudes a sense of dynamism and sophistication, albeit in a more compact form. The design lineage of the Abarth 1100 Sport extends further through its influence on the Simca 1200, another creation by Carrozzeria Ghia. Displayed at the 1953 Turin Auto Salon alongside the Fiat 1100-103, this masterpiece garnered acclaim from enthusiasts and experts alike. Aldo Farinelli’s appraisal in Motor Italia hailed it as nothing short of a “Masterpiece of Design,” further cementing its place in automotive history. However, the journey of the Abarth 1100 Sport took an unexpected turn when it found its way into the hands of American Bill Vaughn. Renamed the Vaughn SS Wildcat, it made waves at the 1954 New York Auto Show, purportedly as the bearer of “the first overhead camshaft V-8 in the USA.” Despite Vaughn’s ambitious plans for limited production, the car’s fate took a different course, eventually slipping into obscurity until its rediscovery in 1982 by Russ Baer in a Maryland barn. The subsequent custodians of this rare gem, including the esteemed enthusiast Pat Braden, played crucial roles in preserving its legacy. Clues to its past, such as a parking sticker from Litton Industries Maryland Division in 1958, add layers to its enigmatic history. Following a meticulous restoration by its current owner, the Abarth 1100 Sport emerged once again, gracing the prestigious stage of the 2015 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. There, it not only claimed victory in its class but also earned a nomination for Best of Show, a testament to its enduring allure and timeless appeal in the realm of post-war automobiles. In every aspect, the Abarth 1100 Sport by Ghia stands as a symbol of automotive excellence, blending performance, style, and heritage into a truly remarkable package.