SALE PENDING

$160,000

Sports Cars Shop has available a spectacularly restored Abarth Zagato Double Bubble Coupe. We acquired the car out of Vancouver BC approximately three years ago. We were attracted to this example because of the Zagato alloy coachwork and the original early Canadian race history that is nicely documented with period photos. Fortunately after it’s race career was over the subsequent owners loved the car. The original matching number 750cc Abarth engine with its special steel crank, optional Abarth alloy oil pan, and most other rare Abarth components was retired worn, but intact.

We sold this car to a knowledgeable collector in California who had a specific vision for the car. His mandate was to return the car to factory specs using all the original components we had for the car. The car was to be assembled with perfect mechanicals and the original components as it was raced in the late 50′s and early 60′s. We were to include the documented special dual braking system as fitted by the first owner. All interior components that could be salvaged were to be reinstalled and returned to the original color. The half dozen cardboard boxes of components we received with the car were invaluable in allowing us to complete this early, small taillight car with most all its original components. Every component found it those boxes were assessed for originality and installed back on the car. Even the original headliner was found and reunited with the interior. While not flawless, it was the one cut and originally fitted in Italy and deserved to be returned to the alloy roof. The door panels are also the originals and care was taken to preserve the original door pocket fabric.

Rather than refinish or wholesale replace all the exterior trim to perfection, the car was to retain all its original components, age spots and all. They were to be installed with the minor dings, scratches and signs of a life well lived. The deep scuff marks on the special Zagato door handle fitted to the passenger door can still testify to the day the car rolled onto the passenger side during competition at a racetrack in mid Canada. The fact the car was rolled was a total surprise until we stripped the entire car of paint. It explained the reason why the front windscreen was Plexiglas, not glass like an original windscreen. Since we could not refit our new glass windscreen, the race damage and typical corrosion necessitated a full body restoration. All body panels were removed and metal finished inside and out. New original floor pans were fitted and no body component was left unattended. Stripping the body did lead to a pleasant surprise. The original color was discovered on the interior of a rear inner fender panel. We had paint color matched to it and refinished the car to this lovely factory blue. If you have ever visited Italy this color combination of medium blue with red interior would make sense and is a nice change from the ubiquitous red sports car. Since the investment of over 1,000 man hours, the body is now straightened and metal finished. No body filler is present on the alloy panels and the inside of every panel is as smooth as the outer panel. There is not a better Abarth Zagato alloy body out there.

These lovely diminutive alloy bodied coupes rarely survive intact with all their trim and bumpers. This particular car has traveled thru six decades from when it was built, yet retained it’s original Abarth engine and transaxle, and even the original exhaust header and muffler. It also still has its original data plate, original badges, bumpers, and trim, as it left the Abarth factory in Corsa Marce. This Double Bubble Zagato alloy body has been proven by time to be the most recognized and sought after shape from the house of Zagato. One look at the lines and you will recognize that this Fiat Abarth Zagato is the original design and is a little brother to the ultra rare Aston Martin DB4 Zagato.

The mechanicals received the same attention as the body. Each component was cleaned, inspected, and rebuilt or replaced as needed. The engine is now a working jewel. It has the proper specification Abarth ported cylinder head fitted with larger valves and hard seats. It is also fitted with custom 9.5:1 JE forged pistons, an original Abarth 30-70 grind cam, and new special uprated rods. The Abarth spec Weber carb and Abarth hand fabricated intake and exhaust, are fitted and make the engine perform and sound as it should. The transaxle was rebuilt and retains the special Abarth final drive and Abarth close ratio gears. All new bearings, syncros, and a new first gear were fitted during the overhaul. All the suspension was rebushed, all axles were wet magnufluxed for cracks and new bearings installed. All brake components were replaced or re-sleeved and rebuilt. An expensive set of original Koni shocks were sourced and installed to complete the return the chassis to its competition specification. The wheels are all the rare and correct 12 inch seven vents type and are fitted with proper sized tires.

This 1240lb Abarth Zagato was dominant in its 750 race class due to the very special chassis and drive train components Abarth developed and attached to the pedestrian Fiat 600 underpinnings. It proved itself on racetracks around the world from Sebring to Nurburgring. The components Abarth developed made him an equal to Porsche and Ferrari as an engineering genius. Although Carlo Abarth is not well known in the US, Abarths won more races in Europe than any other manufacturer in the 50′s and 60′s.

If you have been following the collector car market you will notice that any alloy bodied Zagato cars from the 50′s and early 60′s are the most sought after. Due to the small displacement and difficulties of obtaining parts in the pre internet 60′s, nearly none of these Abarths have survived with a matching number engine and trans axle. This Abarth Zagato car comes with a file of its history, and a file of hundreds of photos and documentation of its full restoration and cannot be duplicated at the reasonable price of $160,000USD.

We have nearly 1300 images detailing the restoration of this car, available on request for serious inquiries.