Carlo Abarth: King of car tuning

While we wait for the 500 Abarth to show up some time next year, here's a little info on the company and the man.



Abarth is an Italian manufacturer famous for creating record breaking racing cars and performance tuning car engines for regular road use and racing. The company was founded in 1947 by Karl (Carlo) Abarth who was an Austrian that lived in Italy.

Abarth had produced winning race cars for various marques such as Porsche, but became well known for modifying Fiats to produce unbelievable results against all odds. Eventually, in 1971, Abarth sold his company to Fiat where it was put in charge of modifying and producing Fiat race cars.

Below are a couple of short videos on Carlo Abarth, the man (it's safe to watch at work, 'cause there are subtitles and you can turn the volume down, LOL). As you can see from these videos, Abarth was a pioneer in aftermarket exhaust and engine tuning accessories. Every time I see a "tuned" Honda, I wonder how many of their owners know the origin of the car tuning business.

Anyway, enjoy...






With thanks to StorieDelloScorpione's Channel