Abarth became a household name after Austrian Carlo Abarth signed an agreement with FIAT to take chassis and body and install in-house developed powerful engines. One of the car models was the FIAT Abarth 595 that was based on the FIAT 500 model. With a Solex made carburettor, the 595 cc engine gave a power output of 27 hp, which was almost 10 hp higher than the civilian FIAT 500. 

The very next model Abarth produced was this FIAT Abarth 695 SS with a more powerful 695 cc engine with an output that was almost double, i.e., 50 hp. This car had a modified camshaft, valve springs, etc. Besides, this car had flared arches and also a ‘raised’ engine cover for easier dissipation of heat. Over a thousand were produced. 

The hill-climbing event Cuneo-Colle della Maddalena has been there since the 1930’s. The 65 km long race in the Maddalena Pass, Italy (borders Italy and France) has sharp bends and tough gradient. At the 1973 event, this car sponsored by world-famous aperitif* maker Jaegermeister was driven by Italian Renato Menaspace who completed the race, maintaining an average speed of 80 km/hr. 

This scale model is MADE IN ITALY.

* alcoholic drink containing 56 different herbs and spices to stimulate appetite before a meal