Abarth Allemano

Working with Sam Caronia

September 22, 2025 By pete

Sam in his Intermeccanica Formula Jr. Photographer unknown, courtesy Same Caronia collection.

By Tom Gonnella

After my mother impressed Sam, anything she wanted he gave her, including a job for me. I worked for Sam for three summers and he was a great friend for the rest of his life.

I had discovered road racing at 14 through a friend whose father ran a Triumph Spitfire in the SCCA and we were his ‘crew.’ I also told Sam I had now started autocrossing my Alfa and asked Sam if I could get his rare Intermeccanica Formula Junior running to drive as I thought it would be more competitive.

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Tales of Abarth

October 11, 2016 By pete

Bonnie’s Abarth 750GT hidden in the woods. It was totally original with even the headliner intact. Photo by Mary Decker Vack

Story by Pete Vack

It was noted, some time ago, that there was a disproportionate number of Fiat-based Abarth cars in the United States, sitting broken or unused in garages, driveways and because most Abarths were small enough to fit, in a large outdoor sheds common to so many backyards.

There were, it seemed, ample antique Allemanos tucked away under tarps and willow trees, sitting askance with the ground side of the rear wheels pointed inwards, relieved of the weight of the rear engine. [Read more…] about Tales of Abarth