Abarth
No probs Rob
Carlos Abarth was an Austrian guy who, as Rob said, tuned and modified many cars 2 race standard, including the legendary FIAT Abarth 600 and FIAT 124. But he wasn't interested in just FIAT's. He also modified Alfa's, Lancia's and many more, and even built his own cars, although these were mainly 4 motor show's 2 demonstrate his company's ability. There was a model at the AutoItalia day recently at Donington, which looked like an American convertible, but according 2 the owner, they only built 4, 2 of which remain, and they were very unreliable !
There r a few good books available chronicling the history of this motor genius (Check AutoItalia magazine 4 details).
Penfold, if I'm not mistaken, u have an HGT ? If so, don't get 2 excited about the Abarth body kit, because it won't fit an HGT due 2 the HGT's xtra width and length. I have been told tho' that there r people out there who can "stretch" the parts 2 fit. If u want badges, visit www.abarthbadges.co.uk. There is also a guy on here who has fitted Punto Mk2 Abarth seats 2 his Bravo with minimal modification.
The real point 2 note here tho' is that since the very early 80's, no FIAT has been released with an Abarth Tuned engine (Ritmo/Strada 130TC being the last). Abarth now is simply styling and nothing more. Even the new Stilo Abarth is simply Abarth styled, not tuned. Big shame.
Cheers,
Rob.
