Carlo Abarth’s ambition to break speed records was not just about achieving victory in motorsport; it was a reflection of his relentless drive to prove the capabilities of his engineering innovations. His Abarth Record cars were designed with the explicit goal of setting new benchmarks in speed and performance. Abarth sought to challenge the established norms of automotive engineering, using his vehicles to demonstrate that even small, lightweight cars could achieve extraordinary feats. For him, every record shattered was a testament to the precision and expertise behind his designs. This ambition was not merely about competition—it was a deeper quest for recognition, ensuring that Abarth’s name would forever be associated with excellence and technical mastery in the automotive world. By constantly setting new records, Abarth not only solidified his own reputation but also revolutionized the way the industry viewed performance and engineering potential.
In 1956, Carlo Abarth embarked on a mission that would cement his name in automotive history: the relentless pursuit of international speed and endurance records. His philosophy was simple yet revolutionary—lightweight construction, aerodynamically refined designs, and meticulous mechanical enhancements. These principles not only set Abarth apart from competitors but also demonstrated the remarkable potential of small-displacement engines when engineered with precision.
Fiat Abarth 750 Record Bertone: A Start to a Record-Setting Era
The Fiat Abarth 750 Record Bertone made its debut at the Turin Motor Show in April 1956, immediately capturing attention with its sleek, aerodynamic body designed by Franco Scaglione for Bertone. This single-seater was purpose-built to shatter world speed and endurance records in the H-class category, which included cars with engine displacements between 500 and 750 cc.
Underneath its streamlined bodywork lay the heart of the Fiat 600, modified to Abarth’s 750-specifications. Key components such as the steering and suspension were borrowed from the Fiat 600, but the focus was on weight reduction. The car tipped the scales at an astonishingly low 385 kg, with braking limited to the front wheels to further minimize mass. A special three-speed transmission with a long final drive ratio allowed the vehicle to maintain a top speed exceeding 190 km/h.
The first record attempt took place at Monza between June 17 and 18, 1956. With a lineup of skilled drivers—Remo Cattini, Umberto Maglioli, Mario Poltronieri, and Alfonso Thiele—the Abarth 750 Record covered 3,743,642 km in 24 hours at an average speed of 155.985 km/h, marking the first of 133 international records Abarth would eventually secure.
Carlo Abarth, always a visionary in marketing, felt the event had not received enough publicity. A second attempt followed shortly after, but this time, Abarth invited renowned automotive journalists as drivers. Paul Frère (Belgium), Walter Honegger (Switzerland), Bernard Cahier (France), Gordon Wilkins (United Kingdom), Hans Wieselmann (Germany), and Giovannino Lurani (Italy) took the wheel, ensuring worldwide press coverage. The event was a resounding success, with the 750 Record achieving multiple new records, including 500 km, 500 miles, 1,000 km, and endurance feats over 48 and 72 hours.
Beyond sheer speed, the Fiat Abarth 750 Record Bertone demonstrated exceptional efficiency, consuming only 6 liters of fuel per 100 km—a testament to Abarth’s ability to extract performance without sacrificing economy.
Fiat-Abarth 500 Monoposto Record Pininfarina: Pushing the Limits Further
Following the success of the 750 Record, Abarth turned his attention to the Fiat Nuova 500, an even smaller displacement vehicle. Collaborating with Pininfarina, Abarth developed a record-breaking version of the Fiat 500, utilizing modifications permitted under international regulations.
The car’s compression ratio was increased to 10.5:1, engine components were finely balanced, and the intake and exhaust were optimized—featuring Abarth’s signature performance muffler. While the body was stripped of unnecessary weight, regulations required that any repairs be carried out using only onboard tools and spare parts, somewhat negating the weight reduction efforts.
The record attempts began at Monza on February 13, 1958, with six drivers alternating every three hours: Remo Cattini, Armando Giuberti, Marino Guarnieri, Corrado Manfredini, Mario Poltronieri, and Elio Zagato. Initially kept secret, the test gained attention when, after four days of uninterrupted driving at an average speed of 109 km/h, journalists and Fiat executives became intrigued.
By the time the Fiat 500 Record completed its endurance run on February 20, it had covered 18,186.44 km in 168 hours, setting six international records for production cars in the 351 cc to 500 cc category. The results stunned Fiat executives, who had previously been indifferent toward Abarth’s racing endeavors. Vittorio Valletta, Fiat’s president, personally congratulated Carlo Abarth and awarded him a commemorative plaque. This recognition ultimately led to a formal collaboration between Abarth and Fiat, wherein Fiat would financially reward Abarth for each victory and record set with a Fiat-derived vehicle.
The Final Abarth Streamlined Record Car: "La Principessa"
In 1960, Abarth unveiled its final streamlined record car, a stunning machine once again designed by Pininfarina and powered by Fiat-based engines. This car was lower and longer than its predecessors, featuring a canopy top and aerodynamic lines developed in a wind tunnel to optimize its performance. On September 22, 1960, the 750cc Monoposto made its debut at Monza, where it set Class H records with renowned Grand Prix driver Umberto Maglioli behind the wheel. This car, known as the Monoposto da Record, earned the affectionate nickname “La Principessa” (The Princess). It became Abarth’s flagship 1,000cc vehicle, powered by the Type 229 Bialbero engine, which produced 108 horsepower and allowed the car to reach a top speed of 220 km/h.
La Principessa returned to Monza during the Glass G record runs, held between September 28 and October 1, 1960. The Abarth team, led by General Manager Renzo Avidano, was joined by some of the best drivers, including Giancarlo Baghetti, Mario Poltronieri, Alfonso Thiele, and Umberto Maglioli. During the multi-day event, a heavy rainstorm swept through Monza. Maglioli, the most experienced driver, was entrusted with the task of completing the 72-hour record attempt. However, disaster struck when La Principessa hit a puddle at the entrance to the north curve, causing the car to aquaplane and skid off course, coming to a stop against an embankment. While the car was damaged, Maglioli was unharmed. Demonstrating incredible resilience, Maglioli climbed out of the car and began pushing it along the track. Together, Maglioli and La Principessa crossed the finish line, having set a new 72-hour record, covering 13,441.498 km at an average speed of 186.867 km/h.
La Principessa departed Monza with eight new Class G records to its name. The car was later repaired and became the centerpiece of the Abarth stand at the Torino Motor Show in November 1960. After completing its racing and exhibition duties, it was placed in the Pininfarina collection, where it largely remained out of the public eye.
The Impact of Abarth’s Record-Breaking Feats
The relentless pursuit of records was not just an exercise in technical prowess; it was a strategic masterstroke by Carlo Abarth. By demonstrating the durability, efficiency, and performance of Abarth-modified Fiat vehicles, he transformed his brand from a niche tuner into a global performance icon. Fiat, initially indifferent, now fully recognized the value of Abarth’s contributions, leading to deeper collaboration and eventual financial support.
Abarth’s legacy of innovation and relentless ambition continues to resonate in motorsport and automotive culture. His ability to extract extraordinary performance from seemingly ordinary machines proved that, with the right engineering philosophy, even small-displacement cars could achieve greatness.
