abarth racing

Abarth, Radbourne Racing and Me (Reviewed)

August 4, 2025 By pete

Epitome: Lincoln Small driving the Abarth Sports Prototype SEO14 at Monza, 1997.

Review by Pete Vack

Imagine for a moment. Circa 1960. A life in London, a hard working young heir to a line of pharmacies with photo developing as a sideline (remember them?) in the swinging West End of London on Piccadilly. But this young man was sidetracked as an enthusiasm for things Italian resulted in going to Perugia to study the language. Returning after a love affair and carrying a suitcase full of Abarth accessories, his father gifts him a new Fiat 600 and, in search of more performance, finds a couple of friends in a shed and in no time, circa 1963, Radbourne Racing is born. It will survive and thrive as a tuning shop, dealer, parts source and race center for first Fiat Abarths, then Renault until the 21st century.

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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

Day of The Scorpion: In English and Italian

July 13, 2011 By Roberto

Antony Berni with his Fiat Abath 1000 TCR.

Words and photos by Roberto Motta
Italian text at end of photo selection

The idea of creating a gathering dedicated to owners of Abarths stems from the fact that there are not many opportunities to enjoy Abarths. Therefore, about a year ago, a few friends and sympathizers of the marque decided to organize the Historic Abarth track day.

Giorgio Solda in a 1979 Formula Fiat Abarth, Carlo Abarth's last project.

Friends included Tony Berni, Abarth specialist and founder of Berni Motors, Perry (Pierangelo) Passini of Franzoni’s Auto Brescia, and Giuseppe Giuffré, president of the Italian Abarth Historic Register.

This year was the second event and was held on June 30 2011 at the Circuit de Francia Corta ‘Daniel Bonera’, (located in the province of Brescia in Lombardy) with participants from all over Europe, had both a race and show. Abarth owners were able to prove their car on the track, and a show is held for those not eager to race. This year the show turned the paddock of the circuit in a real open air museum.

Horst-Pichler with SE021, a 2000 sports prototype built for the 1971 European Constructor's Championship.

The event drew about 100 participants and over fifty cars registered for the track. The cars were divided into four categories, and each category was allowed to use the track for a test period of 25 minutes each.

Berlina 1000 TC Radiale of Giuseppe Giuffré, president of the Italian Abarth Historic Register.

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