The Abarth 2000 SE 027 occupies a special place in motorsport history as one of the final sports prototypes developed under Carlo Abarth’s direction. Introduced in 1974, the SE 027 represented the culmination of Abarth’s decades of experience building lightweight racing cars. Designed in collaboration with Pininfarina and extensively developed in the wind tunnel, it featured advanced aerodynamics, a lightweight semi-monocoque chassis and a potent 2.0-litre twin-cam engine producing around 280 bhp. Only three examples were built, making it one of the rarest and most desirable Abarth competition cars ever created.
The first thing any prospective buyer must appreciate is the car’s rarity. Genuine SE 027s almost never reach the open market, with sales usually taking place privately between established collectors or through prestigious international auction houses. Because only three examples were produced, provenance is everything. Every chassis is well documented, and any uncertainty over a car’s identity should immediately raise concerns. Matching chassis and engine numbers, factory documentation, period photographs and a fully traceable ownership history are essential.
Unlike many historic racing cars, the SE 027 was never intended for road use. It was built solely to compete in Group 6 sports prototype racing and hill climbs, where its combination of low weight, high power and exceptional aerodynamic efficiency gave it outstanding performance. Weighing just 575 kg and powered by a fuel-injected 1,986 cc twin-cam engine driving through a Hewland five-speed gearbox, the SE 027 offered a power-to-weight ratio comparable with many contemporary Formula cars.
Bodywork is one of the most important areas to inspect. The distinctive fibreglass body was developed alongside Pininfarina using extensive wind tunnel testing, incorporating large cooling ducts, integrated aerodynamic features and an enormous rear wing. While fibreglass avoids many corrosion issues associated with aluminium, accident damage can be difficult to repair properly. Examine the body carefully for signs of poor repairs, stress cracks, delamination and asymmetrical panel fit. Any replacement sections should closely match the original construction techniques.
The semi-monocoque chassis deserves equally close attention. Racing cars often experience considerable fatigue over their working lives, particularly if they have continued competing in historic events. Look for evidence of cracks around suspension mounting points, repairs to the tubular structure or signs that the chassis has suffered major accident damage. Professional inspection using modern crack detection methods is highly recommended before purchase.
Mechanically, the high-revving Abarth engine is both robust and highly specialised. Producing its maximum power at around 9,000 rpm, it demands meticulous maintenance and regular rebuilding if used in competition. Oil pressure, compression and leak-down tests should all form part of any inspection. Cooling systems should also be examined carefully, as race engines are particularly vulnerable to overheating if radiators or coolant passages become restricted.
The Lucas fuel injection system fitted to the original cars was advanced for its day but requires specialist knowledge to maintain correctly. Poor starting, inconsistent running or flat spots under acceleration often indicate that the injection system needs careful calibration rather than simple adjustment.
Transmission maintenance is equally important. The Hewland FG400 gearbox is renowned for its strength and rapid gear changes, but replacement components are expensive and rebuilds should only be undertaken by experienced specialists. Listen for bearing noise, ensure all gears engage positively and inspect the casing for cracks or previous repairs.
Because every surviving SE 027 is effectively a historic competition car, originality has a major influence on value. Period modifications carried out during the car’s active racing career often enhance its historical significance, whereas modern alterations generally reduce collector appeal unless they can be easily reversed. Any replacement components should be fully documented.
Running costs are inevitably substantial. Specialist servicing, custom-manufactured parts and transportation to historic racing events all contribute to ownership costs that far exceed those of most classic road cars. Insurance should be arranged through a specialist broker with agreed-value cover reflecting the car’s exceptional rarity.
For collectors, however, the Abarth 2000 SE 027 represents far more than a competition machine. It marks the final chapter of Carlo Abarth’s independent racing programme and showcases the company’s engineering at its absolute peak. With only three cars produced and an important place in sports prototype history, the SE 027 ranks among the most significant Abarths ever built. If the opportunity to acquire one ever arises, thorough authentication and expert inspection are essential—but for the fortunate buyer, ownership offers a chance to preserve one of the rarest and most advanced Italian racing cars of the 1970s.