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Showing posts from December, 2021

Was the Six in Group 6 Taken Too Literally?

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I am currently researching the 6.0 litre Abarth T140 - a 'lost' project that sets many a 'what if' strand of speculation running.  I would hope to have an extensive feature posted early in 2022, but, on a purely gratuitous basis,  would meanwhile like to decorate this blog with some images of this fabulous engine:

A Bit of Scorpion Worship - Abarth-Simca 1300 GT

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  Left to right: Abarth 750 GT Zagato; Abarth Porsche Carrera GTL; Abarth-Simca 1300 GT Abarth’s success in creating a small GT car with big motor sport potential was fully consolidated by the end of the 1950s.  The Fiat 600 had provided an excellent chassis/mechanical basis, and with a lightweight body by Zagato, the 750 GT had been a winner since its 1956 launch.  Aesthetically characterised in its early form by the double-bubble roof and ‘matching’ twin hump engine cover, (to optimise delivery of cooling air to the bay), the 750 became an icon of the era.  By sports/GT industry sector standards, a substantial number of cars was built, (500-600 units), through to 1960.  Over time, various engine options were introduced: 500, in ‘57/’58, 750 Bialbero, (twin cam), from ’58, subsequently, 700 and 850 versions, and, eventually, a 1 litre, both single cam and Bialbero.  In 1959, Abarth showed its ability with another ‘base,’ this time the Porsche 356, creating the Carrera GTL.  So, when F