Abarth built a series of fascinating race concepts between the 1950s and the mid 1970s, usually somehow based on a Fiat 500 but often completely redesigned. This Scorpione Prototipo was a very contemporary take on a quasi-factory rally car. The glasshouse and overall proportions of the vehicle are far more advanced than any Cinquecento, with a complete repackaging into a two-seat GT car with its engine in the trunk. Theoretical competition in racing would come from cars like the Alpine A110 or the Lancia Fulvia.
The Abarth 1300 badge in back next to the circular punch-drilled ventwork is a perfect summary of the car’s can-race, wanna-win attitude. A look at the sexy semi-slick tires from behind confirms its appeal to the eye, as do the fairly elegant sweeping pillars from the roof to the Kamm-like tail.
No official estimate or car description is yet available for the Abarth in the 2015 RM London auctions, but we’d love to see this Scorpione sting its way to at least $200,000 in bids.
1971 Abarth Scorpione Prototipo
1971 Abarth Scorpione Prototipo
- Chassis no. 104N 1411387 261
- Engine no. 0099770
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
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