motor cars

(Joyce) #1
MOTOR CARS | 95

Within the documentation file accompanying this example – chassis
number ‘131-003’ – there is a letter dated June 27,1997, from fellow
Abarth enthusiast and collector Engelbert Moll of Bellach, Switzerland,
to Fabrizio Violati providing a history for this machine. We understand
that it was manufactured in the Autumn of 1962 with one of Mario
Colucci’s experimental 1459cc power units, and was intended to
be driven for the first time in Switzerland at the Marchairuz hill-climb
on September 31 that year, driven by either Gianni Balzarini or Hans
Herrmann for the factory team. It was later re-fitted with a 1000cc
engine and entrusted to Vittorio Venturi, Engelbert Moll attaching the
photograph used here showing Venturi competing in the car during the
Vergato-Cerelio mountain climb, in 1963.


The same documentation file also provides a rather battered but
nonetheless interesting Abarth & C – Torino – Certificato d’Origine
for ‘Abarth 1000 Sport – Chassis N. 131/003’. The Certificate is No
264 and it is stamped Pubblico Registro Automob. Torino – January
11, 1985. A letter from Autofficina Poggi – the well-known Italian
competition company – to Fabrizio Violati dated October 12, 1977,
enclosing a minor bill for work upon the car. The inference of course
is that Fabrizio Violati owned this wonderful miniature sports-
prototype from the mid-1970s which would indicate a last long-term
ownership exceeding 37 years...


Studying this lovely and most desirable little gem today it is evident
that the chassis includes alternative engine mounting points within
its ‘centrale’ engine bay, which would match nicely with the engine
change from 1459 to 1000cc power unit previously cited.


Everything about the car today breathes the theories and practices of
the 1960s, from the right-side cockpit fuel tank to the dry-sump tank
behind it on the right-side of the midship engine bay, the wet-sump
engine installation which has plainly been in situ for long decades
past and the lengthy Fiat 600D-derived transaxle spearing aft from
the little 1-litre engine.

Upon more detailed inspection of the car as delivered to BONHAMS
it is evident that the engine turns freely by hand and that its cylinder
bores – when viewed through the spark plug orifices by introscope -
are in good condition. The water pump appears to be seized and the
engine electrics are presently incorrectly wired, although this is very
easily corrected. The car’s all-disc braking system is non-operational,
the master cylinder being currently seized, so a system strip and rebuild
is needed before the car could be used. The clutch is also apparently
seized and non-operational, but it is possible to select all gears.

This outstanding example of the 1-litre Abarth sports-prototype has
been inspected on BONHAMS’ behalf by very experienced marque
experts who much admired its originality and general condition after
so long on static display. We recommend ‘003’ here as being worthy
of the closest consideration. Expert inspection and re-commissioning
will obviously be necessary before a new owner should consider
running it in earnest – but this is indeed another little jewel of the
Collezione Maranello Rosso...

Please note this vehicle is subject to import tax should it remain in
the EU.
£110,000 - 150,000
€140,000 - 190,000
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