1958 Fiat Abarth 750 Allemano Spyder

One of Carlo Abarth's most successful series of GT cars was based on the FIAT 600, the first of these handsome little Zagato-bodied coupés - the 750 - appearing in 1956. Although the 750 was production based, the customer had such freedom of choice, including engine specification, that it is rare to find two identical cars. The 600 chassis was used with little modification apart from changing spring rates and up-rating the front brakes to twin-leading-shoe operation, yet despite this apparent handicap coped remarkably well with the Abarth's greatly increased performance. The latter was achieved by boring and stroking the 600's 633cc four-cylinder engine to 747cc and modifying or replacing just about every other component, the result being an increase in maximum power from 23bhp at 4,000rpm to 44bhp at 6,000rpm offering decent acceleration and a top speed of 95mph.

The next stage of development saw the 750 equipped with an Abarth-designed double-overhead-camshaft cylinder head that helped liberate 47bhp from the tiny engine, models thus equipped being dubbed 'Bialbero' (Twin-Cam). Abarth's diminutive coupés were soon dominating the small-capacity classes in international GT racing. Indeed, in North American SCCA events the 1.0-litre Abarth was obliged to compete against rivals displacing up to 3.8-litres and still proved capable of winning! The diminutive Abarth 750 Allemano Spyder offered here was indeed one of those that had been raced in the US in the past

Beautifully presented in blue metallic with red leather seats and door cards, this Abarth 750 wears striking Spyder coachwork by Carrozzeria Allemano. The latter had been founded in Turin in 1928 by Serafino Allemano, specialising at first in the repair of cars before switching exclusively to design work in the mid-1930s. After WW2 Serafino's nephew, Mario, joined the firm, which by 1950 had become renowned for its championing of modern, forward-looking styling themes typical of the 'Jet Age'.

This car lived in California in the mid-1980s before the previous owner acquired it in 1989 it as a rolling-chassis from marque expert Klause Steinbruck of New Hampshire, who had recently completed a bodywork restoration. The Spyder was actively raced for around ten years, with photographic records available upon request, including appearances at historic events at Lime Rock.

Our UK-based vendor acquired the car in 2018 with the intention of building an FIA-spec race car but ultimately decided to restore it to road-going specification. The restoration was carried out by MRM Motorsport, and the car is described as approximately 90% complete, with only a few cosmetic details remaining. Following the retirement of Martin at MRM, the Spyder is now offered for sale, complete with its UK V5C registration.

This Spyder is listed on the Italian Car Register and is fresh to market. These are rare cars with less than 300 built and probably only a few dozen left worldwide and a handful in the UK. A rare opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors alike, this 750 Allemano Spyder combines celebrated Italian design, motorsport pedigree, and careful restoration, offering the chance to complete one of the most iconic post-war Abarths for road or historic events.