Racing an Italian Icon: History of the Fiat Abarth 1000TC

px fiat abarth tc cm bj The Fiat Abarth 1000 TC (Turismo Competizione) was a racing car produced by Abarth, the racing division of Fiat, from 1964 to 1970. It was based on the Fiat 600 and was designed to compete in the European Touring Car Championship.

The Abarth 1000 TC was powered by a modified version of the Fiat 600’s engine, a 982 cc inline-four that produced 65 hp at 6,200 rpm. The engine was paired with a close-ratio four-speed manual gearbox and the car had a top speed of around 105 mph.

The Abarth 1000 TC was incredibly successful in touring car racing, winning its class in many races throughout the 1960s. In 1965, an Abarth 1000 TC driven by Andrea de Adamich won the European Touring Car Championship, and Abarth won the manufacturers’ championship.

In 1966, Abarth drivers de Adamich and Zeccoli won the 2.0-liter class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans driving a Fiat Abarth 1000SP. The 1000TC also achieved success in hillclimb events, with driver Arturo Merzario winning the European Hill Climb Championship in 1967 driving a 1000TC.

In addition to its success on the track, the Abarth 1000 TC was also popular among privateer racers and enthusiasts. Its small size, light weight, and nimble handling made it a joy to drive and race.

 

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