One to Buy: ex-Alain Finkelstein 1969 Abarth SE 010
The SE 010 was Abarth’s new-for-1968 under two-litre Group 6 challenger created to take on similar machinery from the likes of Alfa Romeo (33/2), Porsche (910), Chevron (B8), Lotus (47) and Ferrari (Dino 206 S).
Although designer Mario Collucci had wanted to go with a mid-engined layout, Carlo Abarth got his way and the SE 010 ultimately adopted a rear-engined configuration which was deemed perfect for the hillclimbs and tight, twisty circuit races the Turin firm expected to prioritise.
Having hit the ground running and picked up a litany of wins using the two-litre engine for which it was conceived, 1.3, 1.6 and even 3-litre engines were successfully shoehorned into the SE 010 which, from the spring of 1969, was also homologated into the Group 4 class following the FIA’s decision to reduce the production requirement from 50 to 25 cars.
Set to go under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s auction in Paris on February 22nd is an SE 010 in superb restored condition and with outstanding provenance.
Chassis 0018 was originally sold to Alain Finkelstein who used it to great effect in the French Hillclimb Championship (the Championnat de France de la Montagne) between 1969 and ‘70.
Finkelstein placed third in the standings following his 1969 campaign and, although single seat racing cars were permitted to compete from 1970, he still managed to finish sixth during his second season with the car.
1971 saw chassis 0018 campaigned by Jean-Marie Porcier, after which it was sold to former French hillclimb champion, Pierre Maublanc. In 1976 the car was purchased from Maublanc by Jean Rocher who has retained it ever since and, between 2016 and 2017, subjected the car to an exacting restoration.
Reprinted below is RM Sotheby’s description:
Chassis No. SE010-0018
Engine No. 236 B 208
Raced in the 1969, 1970 and 1971 Championnat de France de la Montagne, with race highlights including 3rd overall in 1969 and 6th overall in 1970
Owned by three French hill climb racers including the 1967 and 1968 French hill climb champion, Pierre Maublanc
Powered by a 250 horsepower, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox
Underwent a nut-and-bolt restoration in 2016, finished in the period-correct red
Offered with a bill of sale from 1976, FFSA Technical Passport, FIA Historical Technical Passport, and a large collection of historic photographs
The Abarth 2000 Sport Tipo, internally coded as “SE 010”, first emerged in May 1967 following the release of the “2000 Sport Spider Tubolare Prototipo”. In October 1967, the Series 1 Abarth 2000 Sport Tipo was introduced and featured a DOHC 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine generating 250 horsepower. The Series 1 tubular chassis was fitted with a 570 kilogram lightweight body, disc brakes all around, independent front and rear suspension and a 100-litre fuel tank for endurance racing.
This example is a Series 1 version of a 1969 Abarth 2000 Sport Tipo SE 010, first owned by French racer Alain Finkelstein. He entered chassis number 0018 into the 1969 and 1970 editions of the Championnat de France de la Montagne, finishing the 1969 championship 3rd overall. The Frenchman finished the 1970 championship in 6th place; down on placing due to the introduction of single-seater race cars that reduced the competitive nature of the Abarth 2000.
Chassis 0018 was acquired between late 1970 and early 1971 by Jean-Marie Porcier, who fielded the Abarth in the 1971 Championnat de France, achieving 2nd in class and 14th overall on 20 June 1971 at the Course de Côte de Sainte Anne. Following the 1971 season, Porcier sold the Abarth to the renowned French hill climb champion, Pierre Maublanc. A period photograph depicts this Abarth sporting “Maublanc Racing Service” lettering and a Series 2 bonnet.
On 8 May 1976, Jean Rocher purchased chassis 0018 from Maublanc. Throughout the 40 years in Rocher’s ownership, the Abarth is said to have received regular servicing, maintenance, was pictured undergoing restoration in 1986 and participated in some motorsport events. In 2016, Rocher’s son took the decision to restore this hill climbing champion, with an aim of preserving the vehicles originality. Chassis 0018 was stripped down, with the drivetrain and running gear rebuilt. The body received a fresh coat of paint and the work was completed in the summer of 2017, as is documented by photos in this car’s history file.
Following the restoration, the Abarth participated at the historic hill climb of Ollon-Villars, Switzerland in August 2017, and the Montée des Légendes du Col de la Faucille in 2018. Presented with this vehicle is a bill of sale from 1976, copies of a magazine article that features this car, FFSA Technical Passport, FIA Historical Technical Passport valid until 2026, race history chart, and restoration photographs.
