The Abarth 1600 GT is one of the rarest and most exciting Italian sports cars of the early 1960s. Built in extremely limited numbers, it combined Carlo Abarth’s proven competition engineering with elegant coachbuilt bodywork from renowned Italian styling houses. Lightweight construction, excellent handling and a powerful twin-cam engine made it a formidable performer both on the road and in competition. Today, the Abarth 1600 GT is a highly sought-after collector’s car, but buying one requires careful research, expert advice and a healthy restoration budget.
One of the first challenges is identifying exactly which version you are considering. The name “Abarth 1600 GT” covers a small number of closely related models, with bodies produced by different coachbuilders including Allemano and, in some cases, Bertone. Production numbers were tiny, and many cars were developed or modified throughout their competition careers. As a result, no two surviving examples are necessarily identical. Before making an offer, establish the car’s original specification and confirm whether it retains its factory engine, gearbox and body.
Authenticity is absolutely critical. With values continuing to rise, some cars have been reconstructed from incomplete vehicles or assembled using period Fiat and Abarth components. While these may still be desirable, they should not command the same prices as genuine, matching-numbers examples. Verify the chassis number, engine number and coachbuilder identification, and compare them with factory records wherever possible. A recognised Abarth historian or marque specialist should always inspect the car before purchase.
The bodywork deserves particularly close attention. Most Abarth 1600 GTs feature hand-built aluminium coachwork over a lightweight chassis. While this contributed to outstanding performance, it also means accident damage can be extremely expensive to repair. Inspect the body for evidence of poor repairs, excessive body filler, corrosion around steel mounting points and distorted panel alignment. Aluminium itself does not rust, but electrolytic corrosion where it meets steel is common if the car has not been properly maintained.
Mechanically, the 1.6-litre twin-cam engine is one of the car’s greatest strengths. Producing well over 150 horsepower in competition specification, it gave the lightweight GT remarkable performance for its era. However, these engines were built for enthusiastic driving and require specialist maintenance. Listen for timing chain noise, excessive valve train wear and bottom-end rumble. Oil pressure should remain healthy when hot, and there should be no signs of overheating or coolant contamination.
The carburettors should provide crisp throttle response with smooth acceleration throughout the rev range. Poor starting, hesitation or uneven running often indicate worn carburettors or ignition components that require professional attention. Fortunately, many service items remain available through specialist suppliers, although original performance components can be difficult and expensive to obtain.
The gearbox should select gears cleanly without excessive noise or resistance. Worn synchromesh, particularly on second gear, is not uncommon after decades of spirited use. Likewise, inspect the clutch for smooth operation and ensure there are no significant transmission oil leaks.
Given the car’s competition heritage, suspension and braking systems deserve a thorough examination. Many surviving examples have been raced extensively and may have received period modifications. While sympathetic upgrades can improve reliability and safety, originality is highly prized by collectors. Check for worn suspension bushes, damaged chassis mounting points and evidence of previous accident repairs.
Parts availability varies considerably. Routine service items can often be sourced through specialist Abarth and Fiat suppliers, but coachbuilt body panels, trim pieces and original competition components are exceptionally scarce. In some cases, replacement parts must be fabricated by hand, making restoration both time-consuming and expensive. Before purchasing a project car, carefully assess the availability of any missing components.
For UK buyers, specialist insurance is essential. An agreed-value policy should be supported by a professional valuation, while secure, climate-controlled storage will help preserve both condition and value. Because replacement bodywork is virtually impossible to source, protecting the car from accidental damage should be a priority.
Driving an Abarth 1600 GT is a memorable experience. The combination of low weight, direct steering, responsive twin-cam engine and beautifully balanced chassis delivers a level of engagement that few modern sports cars can match. The cockpit is compact and visibility can be limited, but these are small compromises in a car built with performance as its primary objective.
The market for the Abarth 1600 GT remains strong, although genuine sales are rare due to the limited number of surviving cars. Examples with documented history, matching numbers and high-quality restorations consistently command the highest prices, while cars with significant competition provenance are especially desirable.
For collectors seeking one of the rarest and most charismatic Italian GT cars of the 1960s, the Abarth 1600 GT is an exceptional choice. Its combination of handcrafted construction, motorsport pedigree and timeless styling makes it far more than simply another classic sports car—it is a significant piece of Abarth history that rewards knowledgeable ownership and careful preservation.