General Fiat Abarth 750

[Newtofiats]

I just picked up a 1960 Fiat Abarth 750. I am having trouble finding out where the 750 fits into things. Just a little history on the car: engine rebuilt in 1975 never been run! Missing the carb. and fuel pump but everything else seems to be there. The brake shoes have been removed to make it a roller. Any information on converting to disk and what might be compatible?? Any background on these 750's and any suggestions on restoring would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Bambino]

There were quite a few 750 model Abarth Fiats manufactured during the late 50s and early 60s. Some were designed in-house while others by various carrozzeria (eg: Zagato).

750 designated the displaced volume of the engine - bore 61mm x stroke 64mm = 747cc. All were four cylinder, water-cooled engines with a compression ratio of 9:1 and peak power was around 43bhp at about 5500rpm. Higher compression, rarer racing models were also available.

The carburettor was a Weber 32IMPE and I believe these and their rebuild kits are still available.

As for reference material try 'Fiat & Abarth 500 and 600' by Malcolm Bobbitt (not much on 750s except photos), 'Abarth Buyer's Guide' by Peter Vack (a bit more on the 750s) or the definitive text 'Abarth, the man, the machines' by Luciano Greggio. The latter has lots on the 750s.

Post a few photos sometime.

Chris

 

[babbo_umbro]

Stretching my memory but I'm pretty sure some had the 32mm downdraught Solex carb that was used (twinned) on the 2.4-litre Jaguar saloon. I built a 767cc engine in the late 1960s using Giannini cam and exhaust and modified head and fitted one of these carbs. I don't remember having to alter the studs on the little inlet pipe so assume the spacing was the same as the original Weber.

 

[Newtofiats]

Thanks for the replies. I am working on getting some pics for you. Not the prettiest thing right now but hope to get it up and going by The end of the year

 

[Newtofiats]

Here are the pics

 

[Bambino]

Doesn't look too bad and if it is at least the bodywork will be shared with the Fiat 600.

I did a bit of digging around and came up with the following from Greggio's book -

Engine:

Rear, longitudinal, 4 cylinders in line.
61mm x 64mm (747cc)
Overhead valves (2 per cylinder), side camshaft
CR 9:1
Weber 32IMPE carburettor (babbo's downdraft Solex will also fit)
Coil and distributor
Oil pump and filter
41.5bhp @ 5500rpm
5.5 kg/m @ 4000rpm

Transmission:

Rear wheel drive
Single dry plate clutch
4 forward speeds + reverse
4.9:1 diff ratio

Steering by rack and pinion
Fuel tank capacity 27 litres
Tyres 5.20 x 12 cross ply

Dimensions:

Wheelbase 2000mm
Front track 1144mm
Rear track 1154mm
Length 3215mm
Width 1380mm
Height 1405mm
Kerb weight 585kg

Top speed 130kph
0-100kph 19.6sec

The 600 series body was unchanged.

When new in 1956, a Fiat 600 cost 590,000 lire. The Abarth tuning kit cost 255,000 lire so it was no cheap add on ....

The Abarth kits were very popular because of Karl (Carlo) Abarths racing success and attention to detail. All of the parts were very well designed, manufactured and rigorously tested.

I've attached some photos - a couple of brochures and an Abarth factory display board showing the parts.

Chris

PS: Please keep us updated.

 

[babbo_umbro]

(This thread shouldn't be in the 500 section.)

I'd query the rack and pinion steering - the 600 (and 500 and 850) had a three-piece track rod with worm and sector steering box on the driver's side and a slave arm on the other side - geometrically better than rack and pinion but much more expensive (the 126 had r-and-p). Good luck with the project.

 

[oopsadaisy]

(This thread shouldn't be in the 500 section.)

Well, as we don't have a dedicated 600 section the alternative option is "Other Fiats" which would be a pity.

I think this thread is of interest to 500 owners, so for now it is welcome to stay here!

 

[Bambino]

I'd query the rack and pinion steering

You may be correct, it might have been a typo in the book. I guess the only way to find out would be to get Newtofiats to crawl under and have a look.

Also, I have to agree with oops - this is quite interesting, though the decision to shift the thread isn't mine.

Chris

 

[Newtofiats]

Thanks for all the info. I will try to crawl under and take a few pics today.

 

[babbo_umbro]

Incidentally, I checked up for a contact in Italy a few years back and at the time it was still possible to get all the seals and so on for the Girling disc brakes that were on the front of the Abarth-ised 600s.