One to Buy: race used 1964 Abarth 695 SS
Having already created a 594cc version of Fiat’s eponymous 500 back in 1963 (the 595), Abarth elected to take the four cylinder engine’s capacity out to just under 700cc with the 695 SS of 1964.
Thanks to a 76mm bore and stroke, the 695 SS displaced 689cc which ensured eligibility for the under 700cc Touring category in which it went on to excel. To optimise performance, Abarth fitted each engine with special pistons and camshafts, uprated carburettors, a new sump, Abarth valve covers, a higher compression ratio and a sports exhaust. Fat little wheels, new gauges, a small diameter steering wheel and special badges were also part of the package.
Although Abarth only raced their 500-based specials for one season (in 1963), customer examples of these pocket rockets went on to have great success in circuit races, rallies and hillclimbs for many years.
Set to go under the hammer at Bonhams Scottsdale auction in Arizona on January 25th is a great example of a race-used Abarth 695 SS: chassus ‘0866463’.
Based on the later 500 F platform (as opposed to the earlier 500 D version), this 1965 example was used in competition by Roberto Parodi, Ugo Barillaro, Antonio Bonaccorsi, Giovanni Platania, Serafino Cali and Santo Famosa during a career that continued into the 1970s. During this time it racked up several wins as confirmed in the definitive reference book for these vehicles: Abarth 595 & 695 by Elvio Deganello and Renato Donati.
Today, this super little Abarth 695 SS is presented in nice condition throughout and would make a charming addition to practically any collection.
Reprinted below is Bonhams’ description:
Chassis no. 110F 0866463
Body no. 0492
Engine no. ABA206/110D 000 567905
A fantastic 'Mighty Mouse' Fiat
Reportedly raced in the Italian Touring Car Championship
Features numerous Abarth go-faster parts and components
Jaeger instruments, 12-inch alloy wheels, Luisi steering wheel
Accompanied by Automobile Club d'Italia documents and more
The great Abarth racer and dealer Al Cosentino wrote of driving a new 695 SS from Turin to Innsbruck, "I'll never forget how quick the acceleration was, nor how aggressive I became driving the Abarth. I contributed this to the car, not so much to my aggressiveness..." That statement sums up nature of the 695 SS – quick, aggressive, agile – belying its cute looks and diminutive size.
Chassis 0866463/0492 is believed to be one of approximately 150 surviving 695 SS models from 1,000 built.
Prior to coming to the USA in 2011, this car spent its days in Italy and is said to have been raced in 700cc touring car events between 1966 and 1972.
Using Automobile Club d'Italia documents and other resources, the previous owners compiled a list of events this car is said to have raced in, reportedly chalking up numerous wins, podiums, and high classifications.
The roster of drivers said to have contributed to its career includes Roberto Parodi, Ugo Barillaro, Antonio Bonaccorsi, Giovanni Platania, Serafino Cali, and Santo Famosa, who secured a 700cc class title in 1970.
The history goes cold as the car returned to civilian duty in Italy, as can occur with old racing cars.
After coming to the USA in 2011, it was acquired by the consignor in 2019. By then it had received a sympathetic restoration in Italy, finished in the classic off-white livery with Abarth badging, a bold Scorpione graphic on the front decklid, and 12-inch cast alloy wheels.
The red and white vinyl interior retains the bare bones charm of the Nuova 500, but with tasty period parts including Jaeger instrumentation, a Luisi three-spoke steering wheel, and a '695 esse esse' badge on the dash.
Beneath the flared bodywork, the Abarth body stamping '0492' is visible in the bulkhead. The punchy little engine bears an 'ABA 206' stamping above the FIAT number, consistent with an Abarth 695 block. The engine features many Abarth bits, including a finned alloy sump, alloy valve cover, snorty exhaust, and intake for the single downdraft Solex carburettor.
Included in the sale are copies of correspondence and Automobile Club d'Italia documents, a period Abarth owner's manual, receipts from more recent work, and selections from the definitive reference book, Abarth 595,695 by Elvio Deganello/Renato Donati.
This eminently charming yet potent little Abarth maintains an honest, appealing character that beckons you to channel your internal Italian Racing Driver and wring its neck on your favorite bits of winding tarmac.
For more information visit the Bonhams website at: https://www.bonhams.com/department/CAT-MOT/motoring/
