In the rear-view mirror: 27 hp turn the Fiat 500 into a small sporting cannon

Sixty years ago, in September 1963, Carlo Abarth surprised fans of the Cinquecento with a performance-enhanced version: his 595 model was based on the Fiat 500 D, which had been built since 1961. The eponymous number is a reference to the core element of Abarth's tuning efforts: The Austrian-born, Turin-based "horsepower wizard" increased the engine displacement from the standard 500 or so to 595 cubic centimeters. This increased the output of the small Fiat from 17.5 hp (13 kW) to an initial 27 hp (20 kW).

The power increase of more than 50 percent, however, required more far-reaching measures than simply boring the two cylinders from 67.4 to 73.5 millimeters in diameter. Abarth also designed a new engine block, fitted an aluminum oil pan with better cooling properties, increased compression with special pistons, installed a larger carburetor and polished the intake and exhaust ports. He also made the engine more rev-happy with stiffer valve springs and a "sharp" camshaft.

Externally, the Abarth 595 differed little from the standard Fiat 500 D. The characteristic scorpion emblem on the front of the car is still the most striking feature. Chrome-plated lettering with the numbers 595 and the words "World Champion" as a reference to the world records achieved by Abarth, as well as specific instruments, were only noticeable on closer inspection. The "Record Monza" sports exhaust system with double tailpipe, on the other hand, could not be ignored. With a top speed of 120 km/h - the standard speed was 95 km/h - the Abarth amazed many larger sedans at the time.

In October 1963, Abarth exhibited the 595 model at the Turin Motor Show. Being an inventive businessman, he offered every visitor to the show a voucher for a test drive. The campaign was so successful that the number of units of the Abarth 595 needed for homologation in racing was soon produced. As a further development of the 595, Carlo Abarth then presented the even more powerful 695 model at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1964. At the same time, he expanded his range to include tuning kits with which any talented mechanic could transform a Fiat 500 into an Abarth.

Today, an Abarth 595 not only produces 165 hp (121 kW) and as a 695 even another 15 hp more, but recently there is also the electric Abarth 500e. (aum)