FIAT 500 Record Monza (1958) - the first 500 tuned by Abarth

The 1958 FIAT 500 Abarth “Record” was the first 500 tuned by Abarth, created to demonstrate the reliability and potential of FIAT’s new compact car. Carlo Abarth modified the two-cylinder engine with targeted solutions and lightened the car, increasing power to almost 26 hp. Properly modified, the little 500 exceeded 120 km/h and endured an extreme 168-hour test on the Monza high-speed track, achieving six international records magazin de piese auto online.

FIAT 500 Record Monza (1958) - the first 500 tuned by Abarth

On the occasion of the premiere of the new 500 Hybrid, FIAT and Stellantis Heritage are bringing out the little record-breaker from their golden collection, which is part of the exhibition "Italy We Love: Welcome to the Home of the FIAT 500" at the Heritage Hub in the historic Mirafiori plant in Turin.

The exhibit on display is the original Monza racing car, restored to its original configuration after careful restoration. The challenge was born from the initial skepticism about the Nuova 500, considered by many to be too small and unreliable. In February 1958, six drivers took turns behind the wheel of the 500 N Abarth, including Mario Poltronieri, who after being an Abarth test driver would later become a prominent motorsport commentator and television journalist for RAI. Seven days on the high-speed track with an average speed of 108.252 km/h, covering 18,886.44 km: the 500 set its first international record for Class I cars (350–500 cc) and shortly afterwards broke five more: 15,000 km in 139 hours 16 minutes 33 seconds with an average speed of 107.699 km/h; 10,000 miles in 149 hours 09 minutes 29 seconds at an average speed of 107.894 km/h; and endurance records for four, five and six days.

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On the occasion of the premiere of the new 500 Hybrid, FIAT and Stellantis Heritage are bringing out the little record-breaker from their golden collection, which is part of the exhibition "Italy We Love: Welcome to the Home of the FIAT 500" at the Heritage Hub in the historic Mirafiori plant in Turin

The exhibit on display is the original Monza racing car, restored to its original configuration after careful restoration